EDITOR
President Yoweri Museveni has announced the postponement of this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, citing public health concerns linked to the risk of Ebola transmission from neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The decision follows consultations with health experts and religious leaders, and is aimed at preventing a potential outbreak as thousands of pilgrims prepare to travel to the historic Namugongo shrines for the annual June 3 commemoration.
In his address to the nation and to Ugandan youth—whom he often refers to as the “Bazzukulu”—President Museveni emphasized that safeguarding lives must take priority over large public gatherings. He noted that the movement of pilgrims, particularly from eastern DRC where Ebola cases have been reported, presents a significant public health risk.
He also urged those who had already begun their journey to turn back and observe safety precautions. “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, adding that the government regrets any inconvenience caused but insists that “the protection of life must come first.”
Uganda Martyrs Day is held every year on June 3 in honor of the 45 Christian converts executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their faith. The commemoration takes place at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine and Namugongo Anglican Shrine, attracting millions of pilgrims from across East and Central Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC.
Health authorities have repeatedly warned that cross-border movement, particularly from the DRC, remains one of Uganda’s key vulnerabilities in controlling Ebola and other viral hemorrhagic diseases. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons and can spread rapidly in crowded environments where sanitation and healthcare access are limited.
Uganda has in the past successfully contained Ebola and Marburg outbreaks through surveillance, contact tracing, isolation, and public awareness campaigns. However, officials remain cautious due to the recurring nature of outbreaks in eastern DRC and the porous border between the two countries.
The postponement is expected to affect transport operators, hospitality providers, vendors, and other businesses that typically benefit from the annual influx of pilgrims. Despite the economic impact, both government officials and religious leaders have stressed that public health considerations must take precedence.
Authorities have indicated that new dates for the celebrations will be communicated once the situation is assessed to be safe.
