Believers celebrating mass at Namugongo Catholic Martyrs shrine in June 2025
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Uganda Episcopal Conference called on believers to remain spiritually united and continue commemorating the Uganda Martyrs through prayer from their respective dioceses and homes.
In a pastoral statement issued after government announced the postponement of the annual June 3 pilgrimage by Archibishop Anthony Zziwa, the Catholic faithful across Uganda should intensify prayers following the suspension of this year’s national Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine over fears linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
“Following the Government’s communication regarding the postponement of national Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo on June 3, 2026, the Uganda Episcopal Conference provides the following pastoral guidance to the Catholic faithful to ensure that this important occasion is prayerfully observed,” the statement read.
Archbishop Zziwa emphasized that although the physical gathering at Namugongo would no longer take place, the spiritual significance of the Uganda Martyrs remained unchanged.
“The commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs remains a profound witness of faith, courage and sacrifice,” the bishops stated, encouraging Christians not to lose hope despite the disruption of the annual pilgrimage.
The annual Uganda Martyrs Day pilgrimage attracts millions of pilgrims from Uganda and across Africa who travel to Namugongo to honor the 45 Christian converts killed for their faith between 1885 and 1887.
However, health concerns following the recent Ebola outbreak forced authorities to suspend the massive gathering to minimize the risk of further spread of the deadly viral disease.
Remain prayerful
In the statement, Archbishop Zziwa urged believers to cooperate with government directives and public health measures aimed at protecting lives.
He further called on Ugandans to pray for the country, health workers and leaders handling the crisis that prompted the postponement.
“Let us all join in prayers for our nation,” the statement noted, while also encouraging Catholics to remain calm, united and hopeful during the difficult period.
The bishops also appealed to media institutions to provide adequate coverage and sensitization regarding the Ebola situation to help communities remain vigilant and informed.
“As shepherds of God’s people, we invite all the faithful to remain united and hopeful,” Archbishop Zziwa said, adding that the Uganda Martyrs continue to intercede for the nation during moments of uncertainty and crisis.
The suspension of the Namugongo pilgrimage marks one of the rare occasions the nationally significant religious event has been interrupted, highlighting growing concern among authorities over the public health risks posed by the Ebola outbreak.
Government and church leaders are expected to issue further guidance on how dioceses across the country will observe Martyrs Day prayers under the new arrangements.
Indefinite postponement
The Government postponed this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations, a major annual religious and national event held on June 3 in honour of the Uganda Martyrs.
This follows heightened public health concerns linked to an Ebola outbreak in neighbouring eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The decision was reached after consultations between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Epidemic Response Task Force, and religious leaders.
According to the President, the postponement was necessary to safeguard lives amid increased cross-border movement of pilgrims from affected areas.
“After consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders, we have decided to postpone the Martyrs’ Day to a later date, which will be communicated,” President Museveni said.
He explained that Uganda continues to receive thousands of pilgrims annually, including from eastern DRC, where Ebola has 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 paramount, urging citizens to adhere to preventive measures as government monitors the situation.
“Life is precious”
“To safeguard everyone’s lives, it is essential that this important event be postponed,” he said.
He further 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.
The President also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to religious communities and pilgrims who had 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, held in remembrance of 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.
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