Wipolo martyr’s shrine is located 164 kms away from Gulu city, Agago district in Northern Uganda. The shrine honors two Acholi catechists who were martyred on October 18th 1981 for their commitment to spreading Christianity. These two teenage catechists brought to the total number of 24 catholic Uganda martyrs that were martyred during the time of Kabaka Mwanga. At the time of death, David Okello was 16 and Jildo Irwa was 12 years old. The pair was martyred in Pajimola Kitgum district.
It is said that Okello and Irwa were killed just one year after their deployment to care for the fledgling church in the area. These two had volunteered to replace Antonio, the first catechist who had passed away. The young catechists volunteered in the time of conflict between anti-colonial and anti-Christian movements, supported by local sorcerers and insurgents. Despite all these threats, the catechists remained committed to spreading the gospel. They were aware of the risks but hoped to reunite with Antonio and Jesus Christ if they were killed. They were threatened, hunted and were martyred by stabbing under the commands of Rwot Ogal. Daudi was killed first, and Gildo followed after refusing to renounce his catechism teachings. Their last words, “Wonwa ma itye wi polo,” meaning “Our Father in heaven,” where the shrine’s name “Wipolo,” was derived meaning “in heaven”. After being killed their bodies were left exposed to wild animals and none touched them. However the local chief Lakidi was arrested who had incited resentment into the local community about the teaching of these catechists. In 1926 Monsignor Vignato conducted a visit to Piamola to retrieve the remains of these two martyrs. They were buried in Kitgum parish.
In October 2002 the pair was beatified at St. Peter’s square rome by Pope John Paul II following the significant historical evidence that supported their martyrdom. Every year pilgrims flock to Wipolo to commemorate the martyrdom of David and Gildo.
The shrine was constructed in 2015 and serves as a spiritual destination, especially on October 20th each year, with pilgrims often digging soil from the martyrdom site, creating a symbolic crater.
The shrine features an aged tree and stones with holes from the traditional board game. The Wipolo shrine is strategically located with close proximity to key wildlife areas like Kidepo Valley National Park, Pian Upe wildlife reserve. According to UTB the shrine will improve faith-based tourism in Uganda.
