The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, is consulting government and health authorities on the possibility of holding a scientific virtual Martyrs Day celebration at the Anglican shrine in Namugongo Martyrs Shrine on June 3.
The annual Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, which normally attract millions of pilgrims from across Uganda and the region, were scaled down after concerns emerged over the continued spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the risk of cross-border transmission into Uganda.
Speaking during an inspection of renovation works at the Anglican martyrs’ site in Namugongo, Archbishop Kaziimba said the Church was considering a limited gathering at the shrine that would be broadcast live to Christians worshipping from churches and homes across the country.
The Archbishop says discussions with health and government authorities were ongoing to determine whether a small representative congregation could be allowed under strict health and safety measures.
He notes that a limited number of people, including choir members and media teams, could gather at Namugongo while the Martyrs Day message would be broadcast to homes across the country through digital platforms.
Kaziimba stresses that the Church would fully comply with all public health directives aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola, emphasizing the need for people to heed guidance from health authorities and take responsibility for protecting both themselves and others.
The inspection visits also turned into an appeal by Uganda Christian University to be allowed to organise next year’s full Martyrs Day celebrations after this year’s programme was disrupted by the Ebola emergency.
As consultations continue over this year’s scientific celebration, Church leaders say the spirit of Namugongo will remain alive whether Christians gather physically at the shrine or join the commemoration virtually from across the country.
By URN
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