Uganda will still observe June 3 as a national public holiday even though this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day pilgrimage celebrations have been postponed over Ebola concerns, government officials have clarified.
The Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, Allan Kasujja, announced that the public holiday will remain in place despite the suspension of mass pilgrimage activities at Namugongo.
The development follows President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s decision to postpone the annual pilgrimage after consultations with health authorities and religious leaders due to the Ebola outbreak in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Government officials say the move reflects efforts to balance public health protection with preservation of Uganda’s religious and historical traditions.
Martyrs’ Day remains one of Uganda’s most significant national commemorations, honouring the Uganda Martyrs who were killed for their faith in the late 19th century.
Although pilgrims will not gather physically this year, authorities say Ugandans will still be allowed to mark the day through prayers and other observances while adhering to public health guidelines.
In his statement announcing the postponement, President Museveni warned that Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo, increasing the risk of cross-border Ebola transmission.
“To safeguard everyone’s lives, it is essential that this important event be postponed,” Museveni said.
Health experts have repeatedly cautioned that large gatherings can accelerate the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in situations involving regional movement of people.
The cancellation is expected to affect religious tourism, transport businesses, hotels, and small traders who usually benefit economically from the annual influx of pilgrims to Namugongo.
However, government insists that protecting lives and preventing a possible Ebola outbreak inside Uganda remains the top priority.
Authorities said a new date for the postponed pilgrimage celebrations will be announced after further assessment of the public health situation.
