The annual Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo, usually held every June 3rd, were postponed in 2026 due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak affecting Uganda and neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The decision was announced by President Yoweri Museveni after consultations with the National Epidemic Response Task Force, the Ministry of Health, and religious leaders.
Every year, millions of pilgrims travel to Namugongo from across Uganda, East Africa, and beyond to commemorate the 45 Uganda Martyrs who were killed between 1885 and 1887 for their Christian faith. A significant number of pilgrims traditionally come from eastern DRC, an area that has been heavily affected by the current Ebola outbreak. Authorities feared that the massive gathering could increase the risk of cross-border transmission and make it difficult to control the spread of the disease.
Rather than holding the usual national pilgrimage, churches across Uganda were encouraged to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs through prayers, Masses, and services in their local dioceses and parishes. Religious leaders emphasized that while the physical gathering at Namugongo was postponed, the spiritual significance of the day remained unchanged. The government maintained June 3rd as a public holiday and urged all citizens to follow health guidelines while praying for those affected by the outbreak.
The postponement marked a historic moment for one of Africa’s largest religious gatherings. It reflected Uganda’s commitment to protecting public health while preserving the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs, whose faith, courage, and sacrifice continue to inspire millions around the world.
