President Yoweri Museveni has ordered the postponement of this year’s Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations, citing growing concerns over an Ebola outbreak in the region.
In a directive issued after high-level consultations, Museveni announced: “After consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders, we have decided to postpone the Martyrs’ Day to a later date, which will be communicated.”
The announcement marks a significant disruption to one of Uganda’s largest annual religious gatherings, which typically draws millions of pilgrims.
The President emphasized that the decision was guided by public health risks associated with cross-border movement, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This decision was made because Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak. To safeguard everyone’s lives, it is essential that this important event be postponed,” Museveni stated.
Authorities fear that the influx of pilgrims could accelerate the spread of the deadly virus if strict measures are not enforced.
Calling for immediate public cooperation, Museveni urged those already traveling to abandon their journeys.
“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,” he said.
He added, “We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first.”
Uganda has already recorded one confirmed Ebola-related death, according to the Ministry of Health.
The fatality involved a 59-year-old Congolese national who was admitted in Kampala after presenting symptoms consistent with Ebola, including fever and bleeding.
Health officials confirmed that he deteriorated and died, with laboratory tests later identifying the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.
Authorities have clarified that the case was imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and there is no confirmed local transmission in Uganda so far.
However, contact tracing has been activated, with close contacts identified and isolated, while surveillance has been intensified in high-risk districts and border entry points.
In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the outbreak is significantly more severe, with health authorities reporting multiple deaths and a rising number of suspected infections.
The situation has been complicated by high population movement and limited healthcare access, increasing the risk of further spread across borders.
Global health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have warned of a high risk of cross-border transmission, especially between eastern Congo and Uganda due to frequent travel and trade.
While Uganda currently has only the single imported fatal case, authorities remain on high alert, maintaining preparedness measures to prevent a wider outbreak.
