The Government has postponed this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations following heightened public health concerns linked to an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The annual religious and national event, held every 3rd of in honour of the Uganda Martyrs, attracts thousands of pilgrims from across Africa to the Namugongo shrines.
According to government, the decision followed consultations between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the national epidemic response task force, and religious leaders.
President Museveni says the postponement is necessary to safeguard lives amid increased cross-border movement of pilgrims from affected areas.
The President notes that Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ebola cases have been reported, making the mass gathering a potential public health risk.
He also calls upon pilgrims who had already begun travelling to return home safely and remain vigilant.
The President expresses regret over the inconvenience caused to religious communities and pilgrims who had prepared for the annual commemoration.
By URN
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