The Government has postponed this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations following heightened public health concerns linked to an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The annual religious and national event, held every June 3 in honour of the Uganda Martyrs, attracts thousands of pilgrims from across Africa to the Namugongo shrines. According to government, the decision followed consultations between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the national epidemic response task force, and religious leaders.
President Museveni said the postponement was necessary to safeguard lives amid increased cross-border movement of pilgrims from affected areas.“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,” he said in a statement issued by the presidential Unit.
The President noted that Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ebola cases have been reported, making the mass gathering a potential public health risk. “This decision was made because Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak,” he added
President Museveni emphasized that protection of life remains paramount and urged citizens to continue observing preventive measures as government monitors the situation. “To safeguard everyone’s lives, it is essential that this important event be postponed,” he said.He also called upon pilgrims who had already begun travelling to return home safely and remain vigilant.
“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 advised.
The President expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to religious communities and pilgrims who had prepared for the annual commemoration. “We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” he added.
Martyrs’ Day commemorates 45 Christian converts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II.
The annual event is one of Uganda’s largest faith gatherings and is held at the Namugongo Catholic and Anglican shrines. URN