President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced the postponement of this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement addressed to Ugandans, particularly the youth commonly referred to as Bazzukulu on Sunday, President Museveni said the decision followed consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders.
According to the President, the postponement was necessary to protect lives, citing the large number of pilgrims Uganda receives annually from Eastern Congo, a region currently battling an Ebola outbreak.
“We have decided to postpone the Martyrs’ Day to a later date, which will be communicated,” Museveni stated, emphasizing that public safety remains a top priority.
Uganda annually hosts thousands of pilgrims from across the region who travel to commemorate Martyrs’ Day, one of the country’s largest religious events celebrated every June 3 at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo.
President Museveni urged pilgrims who had already started their journeys to return home and continue observing precautionary measures against Ebola.
He also called on the public to report suspected cases and encourage those feeling unwell to seek medical attention.
“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” Museveni said.
The government is expected to announce new dates for the celebrations once the health situation improves.
