Jinja Diocese Halts Annual Pilgrimage Due to Ebola Fears

The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Bugonza Parish, a significant event drawing thousands of Catholic faithful, has been called off by the Diocese of Jinja. The pilgrimage, scheduled for July 5, 2026, will not proceed as planned.

This difficult decision was made following advisories from the Ugandan government and the Uganda Episcopal Conference. These institutions have issued guidance urging caution and the avoidance of large gatherings due to the recent Ebola outbreak.

The Diocese of Jinja released a statement on June 17, 2026, confirming the cancellation and emphasizing that it was a direct response to the growing concerns over the spread of the deadly virus. The statement did not specify if or when the pilgrimage might be rescheduled.

Devotees are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring official diocesan communication channels, including the diocese’s website, for any future announcements regarding the pilgrimage and other church activities. The Ministry of Health and the Uganda Episcopal Conference have both stressed the importance of adhering to public health guidelines and maintaining vigilance.

Thousands of pilgrims who had made arrangements to attend are now awaiting further updates. Church leaders are calling for continued prayer for those affected by the outbreak and urging the faithful to practice recommended preventive measures.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349408/jinja-diocese-cancels-bugonza-pilgrimage-over-ebola-concerns