Church of Uganda cleared for limited Martyrs' Day prayers under strict guidelines

The Anglican Church of Uganda has received conditional approval from the Ministry of Health to hold a scaled-down Uganda Martyrs’ Day commemoration at Namugongo Anglican site on June 3, despite restrictions on mass gatherings imposed during the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

The clearance allows a maximum of 200 invited participants, including clergy, organizers, security personnel and medical teams, to attend the service under strict public health measures aimed at preventing the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Uganda cancelled the traditional service pilgrimages and large public gatherings associated with the annual commemoration after health authorities imposed restrictions in Kampala Metropolitan Area and other high-risk districts.

According to a letter dated May 29, 2026, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health Dr Diana Atwine approved the Church's request after considering the significance of the event but required strict compliance with Ministry of Health standard operating procedures.

"As you are aware, Uganda is currently responding to an outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BUDV), first reported in DRC around 22 March 2026, with confirmed cases subsequently recorded in Uganda," Dr Atwine wrote.

She added: "The National Task Force has issued guidance advising that all mass gatherings in high-risk districts be postponed unless explicitly cleared by the Ministry of Health following a risk assessment."

The Church sought permission after Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu held discussions with the ministry on May 27.

Under the approved guidelines, attendance will be strictly by invitation and accreditation, with no walk-in worshippers allowed.

Participants will undergo temperature screening and hand hygiene checks before entry. Anyone registering a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius or exhibiting Ebola-like symptoms will be denied access and referred for medical assessment.

The ministry also directed that all attendees remain seated throughout the service, maintain physical distancing and disperse immediately after prayers. Handshakes, physical contact and the laying on of hands during prayers have been prohibited.

The approved guest list includes 11 bishops and their spouses, 16 VVIPs, 40 Uganda Christian University staff and organisers, 40 choir members, 20 medical personnel and 20 police officers.

Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon Capt. William Ongeng confirmed the arrangements.

"It is true we have been allowed to convene but we have been given a very limited number of only 200 people to attend and people will have to follow the standard operating procedures given by the Ministry of Health," he said.

The service will be led by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu as chief celebrant and preacher, while Bishop Jackson Baalwa will lead the liturgy, assisted by Uganda Christian University [UCU] Chaplain Rev Canon Paul Wasswa Ssembiro.

This year's commemoration will be held under the theme: "Christ Our Peace: Breaking the Walls, Healing the Nation."

Church officials said the event will be broadcast live to enable Christians across Uganda and abroad to participate remotely while observing public health guidance.

The service will also be used to promote Ebola prevention measures, including hand hygiene, early reporting of symptoms and avoiding physical contact and public gatherings when unwell.

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