The Uganda Episcopal Conference has called on Catholic faithful across the country to remain calm, prayerful, and united following the postponement of the national Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations that had been scheduled for June 3 at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.
In a press release issued on Monday, the bishops, through the Uganda Catholic Secretariat, assured believers that although the national gathering at Namugongo has been postponed, the commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs remains significant and will still be observed at diocesan and parish levels under the guidance of diocesan bishops and relevant government authorities.
The Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa, emphasized that the Uganda Martyrs continue to stand as a symbol of faith, courage, fidelity to Christ, and commitment to Christian values.
The Church urged Ugandans to intensify prayers for the nation, health workers, and all people affected by the circumstances that led to the postponement, believed to be linked to public health concerns surrounding the Ebola outbreak.
The bishops also encouraged the faithful to strictly adhere to guidelines issued by the Government and the Ministry of Health to help safeguard lives, while calling upon media institutions to provide adequate coverage and public awareness on the Ebola situation.
“As shepherds of God’s people, we invite all the faithful to remain calm, prayerful, united, and hopeful,” the statement noted, adding that the witness of the Uganda Martyrs continues to inspire Christians to live lives rooted in love, sacrifice, truth, and faithfulness to God.
The annual Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations attract thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda and neighboring countries, making it one of the country’s biggest religious gatherings.
Despite the postponement of the national event, the Church says the spiritual significance of the day remains unchanged.
