Uganda Postpones Martyrs’ Day Commemoration Over Ebola
The Government of Uganda has postponed this year’s Uganda Martyrs' Day celebrations following growing concerns over the Ebola outbreak linked to neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a statement issued on Sunday, President Yoweri Museveni said the decision was reached after consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders.
“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 said.
He added that a new date for the annual pilgrimage and religious commemoration would be communicated later.
The President urged pilgrims who had already begun traveling to return home, continue observing precautionary measures, and report any suspected cases to health authorities.
“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” he stated.
The postponement comes amid heightened regional concern after the World Health Organization (WHO) raised alarm over the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in eastern DR Congo and its potential spread across borders.
According to the WHO Disease Outbreak News update issued on May 16, a total of 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths had been reported by May 15.
Health officials say most suspected cases are among people aged between 20 and 39 years, with women accounting for more than 60 percent of infections, indicating strong household and caregiver transmission.
The WHO further warned that insecurity and movement restrictions in affected areas were complicating surveillance and contact tracing efforts, with several identified contacts reportedly dying before they could be isolated.
The outbreak’s proximity to Uganda has heightened fears of cross-border transmission, especially because Ituri Province in eastern DR Congo serves as a major commercial and migratory hub linked to Uganda and South Sudan.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health had earlier confirmed an imported Ebola Bundibugyo virus case involving a 59-year-old Congolese man who was admitted to Kibuli Muslim Hospital on May 11.
In a statement, Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine said the patient later died, becoming Uganda’s first recorded imported Ebola fatality linked to the current outbreak.
Meanwhile, about 70 foot pilgrims from DR Congo who had entered Kasese District by Friday remained under health screening by Sunday as authorities intensified monitoring measures.
Observed every June 3, Uganda Martyrs' Day is one of Uganda’s largest religious gatherings, attracting millions of pilgrims from across Africa to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in remembrance of 45 Christian converts executed between 1885 and 1887 under Kabaka Mwanga II.
