Kasese Diocese has appealed for calm following the postponement of the June 3 Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni announced the postponement on Tuesday evening as a precautionary measure aimed at protecting communities from the spread of Ebola, a deadly hemorrhagic fever.
According to reports, the outbreak has affected neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, where cross-border interaction with Ugandan communities remains common.
Many pilgrims from the region had been expected to attend the celebrations, which were to be hosted by Kasese Diocese.
A health task force comprising experts from the Ministry of Health Uganda, the World Health Organization, and regional political leaders continues to hold meetings to assess the situation and determine measures to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Mathias Thembo, a member of the Kasese Diocese organizing committee, said the team remains hopeful and is praying for clearance to hold the celebrations under strict health guidelines.
By Francis Jjunju
18th May 2026
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