Government confirms Martyrs’ Day public holiday despite pilgrimage suspension by President Museveni
Despite the cancellation of physical pilgrimage activities, government officials say the public holiday status of June 3 remains unchanged in recognition of the historical and spiritual significance of the Uganda Martyrs.
The Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, Allan Kasujja, has confirmed that June 3, 2026 will remain a public holiday despite the postponement of this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day pilgrimage celebrations due to Ebola concerns.
Kasujja clarified that although physical pilgrimage activities at Namugongo have been suspended, the day will still be officially observed nationwide as a public holiday in honour of the Uganda Martyrs.
The clarification follows an announcement by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni postponing the annual Martyrs’ Day pilgrimage after consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders.
In his statement issued on Friday, Museveni said the decision was taken to protect public health following the Ebola outbreak currently affecting Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, from where thousands of pilgrims travel annually to Uganda for the celebrations.
“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.
The President urged pilgrims who had already begun their journeys to return home and continue observing Ebola preventive measures, including reporting suspected cases and encouraging sick individuals to seek medical attention.
“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” he added.
The postponement affects one of Uganda’s largest annual religious gatherings, which attracts millions of Catholic, Anglican, and other Christian faithful from across East Africa and beyond.
Despite the cancellation of physical pilgrimage activities, government officials say the public holiday status of June 3 remains unchanged in recognition of the historical and spiritual significance of the Uganda Martyrs.
Authorities said a new date for the postponed celebrations will be communicated later depending on the public health situation and guidance from health experts.
