President Museveni Postpones Martyrs’ Day Celebrations Over Ebola Threat

Uganda’s annual Martyrs’ Day celebrations, traditionally held every 3rd June at the Catholic Shrine in Namugongo and the Anglican Martyrs’ Site, have been postponed following concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a presidential communication addressed to Ugandans, particularly the “Bazzukulu,” President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni announced that the decision was reached after consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders.

According to the President, the move is intended to protect lives and prevent the possible spread of Ebola into Uganda during one of the country’s largest religious gatherings, which annually attracts thousands of pilgrims from across East and Central Africa.

“After consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders, we have decided to postpone the Martyrs' Day (June 3rd) to a later date, which will be communicated,” President Museveni stated.

The President explained that Uganda receives large numbers of pilgrims every year from Eastern Congo, a region currently battling an Ebola outbreak. He emphasized that public safety and the protection of life must take precedence over all other considerations.

“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 noted.

The annual Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations are among the biggest religious events in Africa, attracting millions of faithful, including pilgrims who trek long distances from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and beyond.

This year’s postponement is expected to affect thousands of pilgrims who had already started their journeys to Namugongo in preparation for the celebrations.

The President therefore urged those already travelling to return home and continue observing health precautionary measures. 

“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,” Museveni added.

The President also acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the postponement but maintained that safeguarding the health and lives of Ugandans and visitors remains the government’s top priority.

“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” the statement concluded.

Health authorities have repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by Ebola, a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected persons or contaminated materials. Uganda has previously experienced and successfully contained several Ebola outbreaks through strict public health measures, surveillance, and community cooperation.

Religious leaders are expected to work closely with government and health officials to announce a new date for the Martyrs’ Day celebrations once the health situation is considered safe.

The postponement marks one of the rare moments in Uganda’s recent history where the globally recognized religious event has been halted due to a public health emergency, underscoring the seriousness of the Ebola threat in the region.