Kampala, Uganda: Uganda has postponed this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo over fears of an Ebola outbreak linked to pilgrims arriving from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Yoweri Museveni announced on Sunday evening.
In a statement addressed to Ugandans, he refers to as “Bazzukulu,” President Museveni said the decision followed consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders.
“After consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders, we have decided to postpone the Martyrs’ Day to a later date, which will be communicated,” Museveni said.
The President explained that the annual religious event attracts thousands of pilgrims from neighbouring countries, especially eastern DRC, which is currently battling an Ebola outbreak.
“This decision was made because Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak. To safeguard everyone’s lives, it is essential that this important event be postponed,” he added.
Museveni urged pilgrims who had already started travelling to Namugongo to return home and continue observing public health guidelines.
“I encourage those who had begun their journey to return home, continue observing the precautionary measures, report anyone who is sick, and encourage those who are ill to seek medical care,” he said.
He added: “We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first.”
The annual Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations are traditionally held every June 3 at the Catholic and Anglican shrines in Namugongo, Wakiso District, attracting millions of pilgrims from Uganda and across Africa.
The day commemorates the 45 young Christian converts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their faith.
Over the years, the celebrations have grown into one of Africa’s biggest religious gatherings, drawing pilgrims from countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, DR Congo and Nigeria.
This year’s postponement marks one of the rare occasions the celebrations have been disrupted by a public health emergency, with authorities prioritising disease prevention amid fears of cross-border transmission.
Health officials have recently intensified surveillance and precautionary measures following reports of Ebola cases in eastern DRC, a region that frequently interacts with Uganda through trade, migration and religious activities.
Religious leaders are expected to communicate further guidance to pilgrims and worshippers regarding the postponed celebrations and the new dates once confirmed by government.
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