Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced the postponement of this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations following fears of a possible Ebola outbreak linked to the worsening health situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a statement addressed to Ugandans, particularly the youth commonly referred to as the “Bazzukulu,” Museveni said the decision was reached after consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders.
According to the President, Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from eastern Congo who travel to the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine for the June 3 commemorations, and allowing the celebrations to proceed under the current circumstances would pose a major public health risk.
“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,” Museveni stated.
He added that a new date for the celebrations would be announced after health authorities fully assess the evolving situation.
The President also appealed to pilgrims who had already begun travelling to return home immediately and continue observing preventive health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health Uganda.
The annual Martyrs’ Day celebrations attract tens of thousands of worshippers from across East and Central Africa, including pilgrims from Uganda, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan. The event commemorates the 45 Ugandan Christian martyrs executed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith.
Government officials have in recent months repeatedly warned about the dangers of cross-border disease transmission because of the heavy movement of people between Uganda and eastern Congo, where health authorities continue monitoring Ebola-related cases.
While expressing regret over the postponement, Museveni emphasized that protecting lives and preventing a possible outbreak in Uganda must remain the country’s top priority.
