Kenyan pilgrims halted at Busia border amid Ebola outbreak fears

Hundreds of Kenyan Christians en route to the sacred Namugongo Martyrs Shrine for the annual Martyrs Day have been turned away at the Busia border crossing. Authorities cited the escalating Ebola outbreak in neighboring regions as the primary reason for halting the pilgrims, who were expected to arrive in stages since last week.

The Ugandan Ministry of Health’s directive to suspend the massive Martyrs Day gathering was issued out of concern that the millions of pilgrims typically attending could inadvertently spread the deadly virus. This decision has significant implications for many devoted followers who undertake arduous journeys on foot.

Parish leaders at St. Jude Catholic Church in Busia, a traditional resting point for Kenyan pilgrims, confirmed that approximately 500 individuals were expected. Pilgrims from dioceses including Kitale, Bungoma, Port Victoria, Kisumu, Machakos, and Mombasa, some of whom had been walking for over a month, were intercepted on the Kenyan side of the border and advised to return to their respective home dioceses.

Pilgrims expressed disappointment but understood the necessity of the decision. Moses Olal, a pilgrim from Kisumu Diocese, noted the spiritual significance of the journey, including prayers for peace ahead of upcoming Kenyan elections. However, he acknowledged the risks associated with large gatherings and the difficulty of implementing health protocols, expressing support for the government’s precautionary measure.

The Ebola outbreak, particularly in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has resulted in numerous deaths and prompted international health advisories. With a case reported in western Uganda, the decision to suspend large public events like the Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding public health.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/kenyan-foot-pilgrims-turned-back-at-busia-border-over-ebola-fears-5469946