The government has officially postponed this year’s Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations, originally scheduled for June 3, 2026, due to escalating public health concerns surrounding an Ebola outbreak in the neighboring eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The directive was confirmed on Sunday following high-level consultations between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Epidemic Response Task Force, and various religious leadership bodies.
According to a statement issued by State House, the postponement was deemed necessary to protect public health and prevent potential cross-border transmission of the virus during the massive annual pilgrimage.
President Museveni explained that the decision stems from the fact that Uganda welcomes tens of thousands of pilgrims each year from across the continent, with a substantial number traveling directly from eastern DRC.
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With an active outbreak reported in those source areas, hosting a mass gathering of such scale at the Namugongo Shrines poses an extreme bio-security risk. To safeguard everyone’s lives, the President noted that it is essential for the major event to be delayed until a later date, which will be communicated after further assessment.
In light of the sudden announcement, President Museveni directed all foot pilgrims who had already commenced their journeys to Namugongo to halt their treks, return to their homes safely, and remain highly vigilant.
He encouraged citizens to continue observing strict precautionary health measures, report any suspicious illnesses to local health officials, and ensure those who are unwell seek immediate professional medical care.
The President expressed deep regret for the disruption and inconvenience this causes to the global Christian community and local businesses that had heavily prepared for the event.
Uganda Martyrs’ Day is one of the most culturally and spiritually significant events on the African continent, commemorating the 45 Anglican and Catholic converts executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II.
The celebrations traditionally draw over a million faithful to Kampala, making the postponement a historic but necessary measure to prioritize national and regional health security.
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