Uganda has postponed its annual Martyrs’ Day commemorations, set for June 3, due to Ebola concerns in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Source: Vatican News.
Uganda Martyrs’ Day is one of the largest annual Christian gatherings on the continent, attracting hundreds of thousands to several million pilgrims and visitors from Uganda and across East and Central Africa and beyond.
Uganda’s president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni made the announcement following consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders.
“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,” Mr Museveni said.
“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.”
The president urged pilgrims already on the journey to return home, to observe all precautionary measures, to report any cases of illness, and to seek prompt medical attention.
“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” he added.
A sizable number of foot pilgrims from the Butembo-Beni Diocese in eastern DRC, an area affected by the current Ebola outbreak, crossed into Uganda on May 15 and are currently hosted at St. Michael Church-Kabuyiri in Kasese District. They were received by Kasese Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira.
Several additional groups are reported to be en route. Health authorities have initiated screening, and onward travel has been suspended.
The Uganda Martyrs – 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts – were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their Christian faith.
Pope Benedict XV beatified the 22 Catholic martyrs in 1920. On October 18, 1964, St Paul VI canonised them in a historic ceremony at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
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Uganda postpones Martyrs’ Day celebrations amid Ebola outbreak concerns (By Christopher Kisekka, Vatican News)
