For millions of pilgrims across Uganda and neighbouring countries, the annual commemoration at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine is one of the major religious events, alongside Christmas and Easter, that many Christian believers begin preparing for months in advance.

This year, however, those plans have been disrupted. In a surprise announcement on Sunday, 17 May 2026, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni postponed the Martyrs’ Day celebrations, traditionally held on 3 June, to a later date that will be communicated in due course.

In a letter he addressed to Ugandans, Museveni stated the postponement decision followed consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders, citing serious public health concerns linked to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“I encourage those who had begun their journey to return home, continue observing the precautionary measures, report anyone who is sick, and encourage those who are ill to seek medical care,” Museveni said.

Martyrs’ Day has always drawn millions to Namugongo and other martyrdom sites in Uganda, with thousands of pilgrims trekking from the affected regions in eastern Congo. Authorities maintain that proceeding with the event would pose an unacceptable public health risk.

Martyr’s Day During the COVID-19 Season
Unlike the 2020 and 2021 Martyrs’ Day celebrations, where physical attendance was restricted and shrines were closed to the public to curb COVID-19, the event still went on through “scientific” mass broadcasts, allowing believers to follow from home. This time, however, the situation is considered too risky for even a scaled-down ceremony, resulting in a full postponement of the event.