More than 7,000 security personnel have been deployed at both the Catholic Shrine and the Anglican Site in Namugongo ahead of the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations scheduled for June 3rd.
The Director of Operations in the Uganda Police Force, AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, confirmed the deployment after a final security coordination meeting held at the Anglican Martyrs site.
He noted that the security detail will include personnel from the army, police, and other national security agencies.
Organizers estimate that this year’s celebrations will attract approximately three million pilgrims from Uganda and across the region, making it one of the largest gatherings on the religious calendar.
AIGP Mwesigwa also announced traffic restrictions beginning Saturday. Access to specific cut-off points will be limited to vehicles with official stickers, while motorists without them will be diverted to longer alternative routes.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Health and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee at the Anglican Site, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, confirmed that by Friday evening, over 30,000 pilgrims had already arrived at both sites.
She assured the public that both blessed and regular water supplies have been tested for safety by teams from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and medical officers.
Dr. Aceng also confirmed that a sufficient number of ambulances and medical personnel are on standby to respond to any emergencies.
By Ben Musanje
30th May 2025
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