For the first time in recent memory, the national Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo Catholic Shrine will not take place, the Uganda Episcopal Conference has announced.
In a press release dated Tuesday, 26th May 2026, the Conference confirmed the cancellation of this year’s event, which had been scheduled for 3rd June. The decision follows earlier guidance issued on 18th May and is understood to be linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
“As a result, the Diocese of Kasese will animate the celebrations in 2027,” the statement read.
While the national gathering at Namugongo is cancelled, the Church has made clear that the martyrs will still be remembered.
“This year’s commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs shall be held at local churches under the guidance of the respective Diocesan Bishops and in consultation with the relevant Government authorities,” the press release stated.
Church leaders have been instructed to strictly observe the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Health regarding religious gatherings. This includes social distancing, hand hygiene, and limits on congregation sizes measures designed to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus.
The Uganda Episcopal Conference used the announcement to appeal for continued spiritual support during the health crisis.
“We call upon the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to continue praying for our nation, health workers, and all those affected by the Ebola outbreak,” said Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.
Uganda Martyrs Day is one of the largest religious events in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across East Africa and beyond to Namugongo each year. The day commemorates the execution of 45 Christian converts both Catholic and Anglican who were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II between 1885 and 1887.
A national holiday is declared on 3rd June each year in their honour.
The Catholic Shrine at Namugongo, built in the shape of an African hut, stands on the very ground where 22 of the martyrs were burned to death. A normal pilgrimage year sees overnight prayers, processions, and open-air Masses attended by bishops, government officials, and thousands of faithful.
With the national event cancelled, diocesan bishops will now coordinate local commemorations in their respective regions. Pilgrims who had planned to travel to Namugongo are advised to check with their local parishes for alternative arrangements.
The Diocese of Kasese, which was originally scheduled to lead this year’s celebrations, will now take up that role in 2027.
For now, the Church’s focus remains on public health. As Bishop Zziwa noted, continued prayer for the nation and for those battling Ebola is the most urgent call of this moment.