Uganda Martyrs Day 2026 National Celebrations Cancelled Due to Ebola Outbreak
KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) has officially cancelled the 2026 National Uganda
Official Document Release: Uganda Martyrs Day 2026 National Celebrations Cancelled Due to Ebola Outbreak
Martyrs Day celebrations at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine. The unprecedented decision to call off the mass annual pilgrimage, originally slated for June 3, 2026, comes amid a worsening Ebola outbreak in the region.
The announcement was made via an official press release signed by Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of the Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese. The directive formalizes a complete transition from the centralized national gathering to fully decentralized services at the grassroots level.
Kasese Diocese Leadership Delayed to 2027
The cancellation brings a significant change for the Diocese of Kasese, which had spent years preparing to lead and animate this year’s national liturgy. In a move to preserve their long-awaited opportunity, the UEC confirmed that Kasese will instead take full responsibility for animating the national martyrs day celebrations in 2027.
Directives for Local Commemorations
To ensure the safety of the faithful, church leadership has issued clear alternative guidelines for the June 3 holiday:
- Decentralized Services: Commemorations will strictly take place at local parish and diocesan levels rather than at the central shrine.
- Government Collaboration: Local services must be organized under the direct supervision of respective Diocesan Bishops in consultation with local government and
health authorities. - Strict Health Protocols: All church leaders are ordered to tightly enforce the Ministry of Health’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding public and religious gatherings.
A Call for National Prayer
Acknowledging the heavy spiritual and economic toll of the cancellation, the Catholic Church has urged the faithful to remain unified. Bishop Zziwa called upon the Catholic community and all people of goodwill to dedicate their prayers to the protection of the nation, the safety of frontline health workers, and the healing of everyone impacted by the Ebola outbreak.
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