The Church of Uganda has confirmed that this year’s national Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations will be held scientifically, with strict adherence to Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), according to a press release issued on 28th May 2026.
The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, recently visited the Uganda Martyrs’ Anglican Site at Namugongo to assess readiness. Uganda Christian University (UCU) has been mandated by the House of Bishops to organize this year’s celebrations on behalf of the Church.
In light of current public health circumstances, the Church has outlined the following arrangements:
- National celebrations at Namugongo Anglican Site will be held strictly by invitation, with attendance limited in line with Ministry of Health guidelines.
- Dioceses are encouraged to commemorate Martyrs’ Day in their respective parishes across the province.
- The official Martyrs’ Day liturgy will be shared through Diocesan Secretaries in due course.
The phrase “scientific celebrations” has become standard terminology in Uganda for events conducted under strict health protocols typically including social distancing, limited crowd sizes, mandatory handwashing or sanitizing, and mask-wearing where required.
The Archbishop has further assigned Uganda Christian University to continue organizing this year’s scientific celebrations and also prepare to coordinate next year’s Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
The Church of Uganda encouraged all Christians and members of the public to continue observing the Ministry of Health SOPs for the safety and well-being of all.
Uganda Martyrs’ Day, observed annually on 3rd June, commemorates the execution of Christian converts both Anglican and Catholic who were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II between 1885 and 1887. The Anglican martyrs are remembered at Namugongo, where many lost their lives.