Museveni postpones Martyrs’ Day celebrations over Ebola threat
The President urged pilgrims who had already started traveling for the annual celebrations to return home and continue observing Ebola preventive measures.
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced the postponement of this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement addressed to Ugandans, especially the youth commonly referred to as “Bazzukulu,” President Museveni said the decision followed consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders.
According to the President, Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo, which is currently battling an Ebola outbreak, posing a significant public health risk to the country.
“To safeguard everyone’s lives, it is essential that this important event be postponed,” Museveni stated.
The President urged pilgrims who had already started traveling for the annual celebrations to return home and continue observing Ebola preventive measures.
He also encouraged the public to report suspected cases and advise sick individuals to seek immediate medical attention.
“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” Museveni added.
Martyrs’ Day, celebrated every year on June 3 at Namugongo, attracts millions of pilgrims from Uganda and neighboring countries who gather to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs.
The government said a new date for the celebrations will be communicated later as authorities continue monitoring the Ebola situation in the region.
