The annual celebrations of the Uganda Martyrs Day have this year been observed under strict public health measures following the outbreak of Ebola in Uganda.
The outbreak, which has so far claimed one life, was confirmed just three weeks before the event that traditionally attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to the Catholic and Anglican Martyrs Shrines at Namugongo in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.
This forced President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to issue a letter postponing the celebrations on 17th May 2026.
Kasese Catholic Diocese located along the border with DR. Congo had been chosen to animate this years Martyrs day celebrations at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo under the theme; Christ is alive in You and Me – Galatians 2:19-20.
In line with guidance issued by the Uganda Episcopal Conference, this year’s celebrations were held at parish level across the country instead of the customary national gathering at Namugongo.
At St. Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga, the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, led the 10 a.m. Eucharistic celebration and urged the public to remain vigilant against Ebola by observing all preventive measures recommended by the Ministry of Health.
Archbishop Ssemogerere thanked Christians for embracing the modified celebrations, saying their cooperation demonstrated responsibility and concern for public health. He expressed confidence that the Uganda Martyrs would continue to intercede for the country as it works to overcome the Ebola outbreak.
He noted that the martyrs remain a source of inspiration, exemplifying virtues such as discipline, resilience, hard work, and faith—qualities he said are especially important as the nation confronts current health challenges.
The Archbishop also called on Ugandans to remain united, support one another, and adhere to health guidelines to help prevent further spread of the disease.
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere praised the Uganda Martyrs for their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ despite torture and immense suffering, urging parents and all Ugandans to emulate their example of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to Christian values.
Meanwhile, Joseph Antony Zziwa, the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, emphasized the significance of commemorating 140 years since the persecution and martyrdom of the 22 Uganda Martyrs. He noted that the martyrs continue to inspire believers through their faith, courage, and steadfastness in Christian life.
Bishop Zziwa, who also serves as chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, said that as the Church remembers and celebrates Martyrs Day, the public should uphold the values of truth and justice as highlighted in the 2021 pastoral letter titled Truth Will Make You Free.
He said the message contained in the pastoral letter remains relevant today, calling on Ugandans to promote honesty, accountability, justice, and respect for human dignity in both public and private life.
The remarks were made during this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, which marked 140 years since the martyrdom of the 22 Catholic martyrs who were killed for their faith and whose witness continues to inspire Christians in Uganda and beyond.
By Jjunju Francis
03rd June 2026
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