Church of Uganda Granted Conditional Approval for Martyrs’ Day Service
By Skika Reporter
The Church of Uganda has been granted permission to hold a limited Uganda Martyrs’ Day commemoration at Namugongo Anglican Shrine on June 3, despite nationwide restrictions on mass gatherings due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
The Ministry of Health approved the event under strict public health conditions, allowing a maximum of 200 invited participants to attend the service. Those permitted include clergy, organisers, security personnel, medical teams and selected guests.
The annual Martyrs’ Day celebrations, which traditionally attract thousands of pilgrims from Uganda and across the region, were significantly scaled down after authorities suspended large gatherings in Kampala Metropolitan Area and other districts considered at high risk for the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease.
In a letter dated May 29, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health Dr Diana Atwine said the ministry had considered the significance of the religious event before granting clearance subject to strict adherence to health guidelines.
She noted that Uganda remains on high alert following the outbreak, which was first reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo before cases were later confirmed in Uganda.
Under the approved arrangements, attendance will be by invitation and accreditation only, with no access for walk-in worshippers. All participants will undergo temperature screening and hand hygiene checks before entering the venue.
Anyone found with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius or displaying symptoms associated with Ebola will be denied entry and referred for medical evaluation.
The ministry has also prohibited handshakes, physical contact and the laying on of hands during prayers. Attendees will be required to remain seated during the service, observe physical distancing and leave the venue immediately after the event concludes.
The approved guest list includes bishops and their spouses, government dignitaries, choir members, staff from Uganda Christian University, medical personnel and security officers.
Church of Uganda Provincial Secretary Rev Canon Capt William Ongeng confirmed that preparations were underway in line with the ministry’s directives.
“We have been allowed to hold the service, but attendance is strictly limited to 200 people and all participants must comply with the standard operating procedures issued by the Ministry of Health,” he said.
The service will be led by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, while Bishop Jackson Baalwa will oversee the liturgy. Uganda Christian University Chaplain Rev Canon Paul Wasswa Ssembiro will also take part in the celebrations.
This year’s commemoration will be held under the theme, “Christ Our Peace: Breaking the Walls, Healing the Nation.”
Church leaders said the service will be broadcast live to allow Christians across Uganda and beyond to participate remotely while observing public health guidelines.
In addition to commemorating the Uganda Martyrs, the event will also be used to raise awareness about Ebola prevention, including the importance of hand hygiene, early reporting of symptoms and avoiding unnecessary physical contact during the outbreak.
