By George Bukenya
Kampala Archbishop Rt. Rev. Paul Ssemogerere has ordered clerics to conduct the 2026 Martyrs’ Day celebrations at their respective local parishes and dioceses.
This follows government postponement of the traditional pilgrimages to the Namugongo shrines to protect the public from an Ebola outbreak.
The Archbishop, aligning with guidelines from the Uganda Episcopal Conference, specifically instructed clerics to:
Suspend Public Pilgrimages: Cancel mass gatherings at the Namugongo shrines for the June 3 event.
Decentralize Mass: Hold the June 3 observances locally under the guidance of individual diocesan bishops and local government health authorities.
Prioritize Public Health: Work alongside health officials to enforce safety guidelines within church premises.
Meanwhile Church of Uganda is also planning to celebrate Martyrs Day at Namugongo with only 300 invited people. This was revealed by th Church’s communications officer Sadiiki Adams.