Uganda postpones Martyrs’ Day celebrations over Ebola virus outbreak

(LifeSiteNews) — Uganda has postponed the celebration of Martyrs’ Day, one of Africa’s largest annual Christian pilgrimages, amid concerns over an Ebola virus outbreak as thousands of pilgrims were already en route.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni announced the news following consultation with national health authorities and religious leaders.

“Fellow Ugandans … 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 president 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.”

Museveni urged pilgrims already on their way to return home and observe all precautionary health measures.

“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” he stated.

The Ebola virus is very deadly, with an average reported case fatality rate of around 50 percent. According to the World Health Organization, 64 cases and 45 deaths were reported amid an outbreak in late 2025 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

A considerable number of pilgrims from the Catholic Diocese of Butembo-Beni in eastern DRC crossed the Ugandan border on May 15 and are currently residing at St. Michael Church-Kabuyiri in the Kasese District. Eastern DRC has been affected by the most recent Ebola outbreak. Several other groups from that area are reportedly on their way to the Ugandan Martyrs festivities as well. Onward travel for these groups has been suspended, and health authorities have ordered screenings.

The Ugandan Martyrs are 22 Catholics and 23 Anglican converts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 at the orders of King Mwanga II of Buganda after they refused to renounce their faith. The 22 Catholic martyrs were beatified in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV and canonized in 1964 by Pope Paul VI.

Uganda Martyrs Day is one of the largest annual Christian gatherings on the African continent. Hundreds of thousands to sometimes several million pilgrims from Uganda and across Central and East Africa and beyond make the journey every year.