President Yoweri Museveni has announced the postponement of this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations following concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement, Museveni said the decision was reached after consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders.
The President explained that Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims every year from Eastern Congo for the annual Namugongo pilgrimage, raising fears of possible cross-border transmission of the deadly virus.
“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 communicated later.
The annual Martyrs’ Day event, held every June 3 at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo, attracts millions of pilgrims from Uganda and across Africa, making it one of the continent’s biggest religious gatherings.
Museveni urged pilgrims who had already started travelling to immediately return home and continue observing Ebola prevention 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,” he said.
The President acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the postponement but emphasized that protecting lives must remain the country’s top priority.
“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” Museveni noted.
The move comes amid heightened regional health surveillance following reports of an Ebola outbreak in Eastern Congo, which has raised fears among neighboring countries, including Uganda, due to frequent cross-border movement.
