The annual Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo will this year be observed under strict public health measures, with the Catholic and Anglican churches adopting different approaches following the suspension of the national celebrations due to the Ebola outbreak.
At the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, limited numbers of faithful will be allowed to attend Masses, while at the Anglican Martyrs’ Site, attendance will be restricted to only 200 guests.
Rev. Fr. Vincent Lubega, the Parish Priest and Rector of the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo says the arrangements were guided by directives issued by the Kampala Archdiocese and the Uganda Episcopal Conference in response to the Ebola outbreak.
The government recently called off the large-scale national Martyrs Day celebrations, which traditionally attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda and beyond.
According to Rev. Canon Michael Wasswa Ssentamu Mwesigye, the Archdeacon of Namugongo, only 200 guests will be permitted to attend the main service.
Rev. Canon Ssentamu, who also serves as Rector of the Uganda Martyrs Seminary Namugongo, says access to the site will be strictly by invitation and that members of the public who are not on the guest list will not be admitted.
He urges Anglicans and other Christians who are not invited to follow the celebrations through television, radio, and online platforms.
By URN
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