Egypt and Uganda are looking into ways to link two of Africa's most significant Christian pilgrimage traditions, following talks between tourism officials from both countries.
The Uganda Tourism Board visited the Hanging Church, a landmark of Coptic Christianity, alongside other Christian sites in the area, as well as a historic synagogue and mosque nearby.
At the centre of the talks is a proposal to connect Egypt's Holy Family Trail, the network of churches, monasteries and holy sites tied to the Biblical journey of Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus through Egypt, with Uganda's Namugongo pilgrimage.
Namugongo draws Christian pilgrims from across Africa and beyond every 3 June, in honour of the Uganda Martyrs.
Between 1885 and 1887, 45 young men both Catholic and Anglican were executed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda after refusing to renounce their faith. The Catholic martyrs were canonised as saints by Pope Paul VI in 1964, and the site of their execution, has since become one of Africa's most significant Christian pilgrimage destinations with millions coming each year.
Officials say the two traditions complement one another and could form the basis of joint pilgrimage packages, allowing pilgrims travelling to Uganda for the Martyrs' commemorations to extend their trip to visit Egypt's Holy Family sites, or vice versa.
The proposal remains at an early stage, with no confirmed itineraries or dates yet announced.