English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Fr Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Uganda Episcopal Conference has issued pastoral guidance to Catholics after the government postponed the national Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo, originally set for June 3, 2026. The postponement was made due to the threat of an Ebola virus outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a press release dated Monday, May 18, 2026, and signed by Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, the Conference said the commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs remains “a profound witness of faith, courage, fidelity to Christ, and steadfast commitment to Christian values,” even without the national gathering at Namugongo.
Bishops are encouraging dioceses and parishes to mark the day locally under the guidance of the Diocesan Bishop and in line with directives from government authorities. The faithful have also been asked to join in prayers for the nation, health workers, and all affected by the circumstances that led to the postponement.
Pilgrims Begin Returning Home
Following the announcement, reports from several dioceses indicate that pilgrims who were already traveling to Namugongo have begun returning to their home areas. Pilgrims from Lira Diocese are among those reported to be making their way back and are expected to join local commemorations instead.
The Conference urged all Catholics to follow guidelines from the Government and the Ministry of Health, and called on media institutions to provide adequate coverage of the Ebola situation.
“We invite all the faithful to remain calm, prayerful, united, and hopeful,” the statement read. “The witness of the Uganda Martyrs continues to inspire the Church and the nation, reminding us that true faith is lived daily through love, sacrifice, truth, and fidelity to God.”
End