Government Postpones Martyrs’ Day Celebrations Over Ebola Outbreak Risks
The decision follows heightened public health concerns linked to an Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
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Government Postpones Martyrs’ Day Celebrations Over Ebola Outbreak Risks
BY DOREEN GRACE ACIPA
MAY 17, 2026 - The Government has postponed this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations, a major annual religious and national event held on June 3 in honour of the Uganda Martyrs.
The decision follows heightened public health concerns linked to an Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the postponement was reached after 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 Martyrs’ Day celebrations to a later date, which will be communicated,” President Museveni said.
He explained that Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually, including many from eastern DRC, 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 noted.
President Museveni emphasized that the protection of life remains the government’s top priority and urged citizens to continue observing preventive measures as authorities monitor the situation.
“To safeguard everyone’s lives, it is essential that this important event be postponed,” he said.
The President also called on pilgrims who had already begun their journey 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.
He further expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to religious communities and pilgrims who had already prepared for the annual commemoration.
“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” he added.
Martyrs’ Day is one of Uganda’s most significant religious observances, commemorating 45 Christian converts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 under Kabaka Mwanga II.
The event traditionally attracts thousands of pilgrims from across Africa to the Namugongo shrines, making it one of the largest faith gatherings in the region.
