President Museveni has announced the postponement of this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, citing fears of Ebola transmission from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The decision, made after consultations with health experts and religious leaders, is intended to prevent a possible public health crisis as thousands of pilgrims from across the region prepare to travel to the Namugongo shrines for the annual June 3 commemoration.
In a statement addressed to the nation and Uganda’s youth, whom he often refers to as the Bazzukulu, Museveni said the protection of lives must take priority over the historic religious gathering.
The President explained that the large influx of foreign pilgrims, especially from eastern DRC where Ebola cases have been reported, posed a major health risk.
Museveni also appealed to pilgrims who had already started their journeys to immediately suspend their travel plans and return home. Uganda Martyrs Day is observed every June 3 in remembrance of the 45 Christian converts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda after refusing to renounce their faith.
