Church of Uganda Backs Ebola-Driven Postponement of Martyrs' Day

The Church of Uganda has announced its complete endorsement of President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to postpone the 2026 Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations. The postponement comes as a precautionary measure against the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Rev. Canon William Ongeng, the Provincial Secretary for the Church of Uganda, stated that the church fully supports the guidance issued by the government. He called on all Christians, pilgrims, dioceses, and organizing committees to cooperate with the decision.

“We urge Christians, pilgrims, and organising committees to cooperate accordingly,” Rev. Canon Ongeng said in a statement released on Monday. He advised those who had already begun their pilgrimages or made travel plans to remain calm, adhere to health guidelines, and continue praying for the nation and affected communities.

President Museveni’s announcement cited the critical public health risk posed by the Ebola outbreak, particularly given the thousands of pilgrims who travel from eastern DRC to Uganda annually for the event. The decision follows consultations with national epidemic response authorities and religious leaders.

The postponement means the annual gathering, usually held on June 3 at the Namugongo Shrines, will now take place at a future date to be determined. This measure is considered essential for protecting the lives and health of pilgrims and the general public.

This development closely follows the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As of May 17, 2026, the DRC has reported over 240 suspected cases and at least 80 deaths. Uganda has also confirmed cases, including a fatality on May 14, linked to individuals traveling from the DRC.

President Museveni urged those en route to Namugongo to turn back, observe precautions, and report any signs of illness, emphasizing that “the protection of life must come first.” This is not the first time the event has been affected by a health crisis, with virtual and scaled-down celebrations occurring in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This event was originally reported by the Daily Monitor (Uganda).