Churches Tighten Ebola Measures Ahead of Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations

KAMPALA, Uganda — As Uganda marks Martyrs Day on Thursday, churches across the country have intensified Ebola prevention measures following government directives to cancel the national pilgrimage at Namugongo.

The annual religious event, traditionally held at Namugongo, attracts millions of pilgrims who gather to honor 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican martyrs killed for their faith on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga. The commemoration has grown into a major international pilgrimage.

But due to the threat of Ebola virus disease, which has killed more than 100 and infected hundreds more in neighboring Congo, the Ugandan government directed that national celebrations be postponed. Many pilgrims typically travel from Congo, raising concerns about the spread of the disease.

Following the presidential directive, the Uganda Episcopal Conference instructed local churches to celebrate the day within their parishes while strictly observing standard operating procedures for Ebola prevention.

At Emmanuel Cathedral Mvara, headquarters of the Madi West Nile Diocese, preparations were underway with hand-washing facilities, sanitary stations and a trained seven-member task force to manage congregations, said the Very Rev. Jimmy Candia, dean of the cathedral. All measures were in place at both the main church and the old cathedral where children pray, he said.

At Ediofe Catholic Cathedral, members of Catholic Action gathered for a retreat that will culminate in the renewal of their promises Thursday. Monsignor Kasto Adeti, vicar general of Arua Diocese and parish priest of Ediofe Cathedral, said communicants would receive Holy Communion in their hands rather than directly in their mouths to prevent Ebola’s spread.

In Luwero, St. Mark Anglican Cathedral organized three special services for Martyrs’ Day, with attendance carefully regulated to comply with public health guidelines. The vicar, the Rev. Canon Daniel Mabirizi, said all services would follow standard operating procedures, requiring congregants to sanitize hands before entering. Social distancing will be strictly enforced.

‎Unlike during regular worship services, all congregants will be required to sanitize their hands before entering the church premises.

He added that social distancing measures will be strictly enforced throughout the celebrations to safeguard the health and safety of worshippers. ‎ ‎

Similarly, at Our Lady of Fatima Queen of Peace Kasana Catholic Cathedral, two special Masses have been scheduled to commemorate Martyrs’ Day. ‎ ‎

Peter Lukiza, a Catechist at the Cathedral, said all faithful attending the Masses will be required to sanitize their hands before entering the church as part of efforts to comply with the SOPs and prevent the spread of Ebola. ‎

‎Religious leaders from both churches have urged Christians to adhere to the health guidelines and cooperate with church authorities to ensure a safe and successful celebration of Martyrs’ Day.

Whereas in Kitgum Municipality, Christians at St Janani Luwum have been urged to celebrate this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day at the family level following government restrictions on pilgrimages and large gatherings due to fears of spreading Ebola.

Rev. Capt. Lawrence Nyeko, a leader at the church, said the congregation would not hold any major celebrations but would instead conduct a special morning prayer service before worshippers return home to commemorate the day with their families. “We have not organized any celebration at church”.

Rev. Nyeko added that for many believers in Kitgum, the decision disrupted long-held plans to join thousands of pilgrims at Namugongo, the site where the Uganda Martyrs were killed for their faith.

Meanwhile, Margaret Aciro, a resident of Pager Division, said she had planned to travel to Namugongo because it is a special place for Christians.

“I was disappointed when I heard that the pilgrimage would not take place, but I understand that the government wants to protect people’s lives,” Aciro said.

In the Soroti Catholic Diocese, all is set for the celebrations of this year’s Martyrs Day at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Parish in Kachumbala, which will also be celebrating its 66th anniversary. ‎ ‎

Reverend Father Moses Okaki, the parish priest of Uganda Martyrs Catholic Parish in Kachumbala, said that the preparations for the event began about a week ago, following the cancellation of the celebrations by President Museveni due to concerns over Ebola outbreaks in the country.

“Given that more than 3,000 Christians are anticipated to attend the celebrations, the parish has implemented several safety measures in response to the ongoing Ebola threat. Attendees will be required to wear face masks, adhere to spaced seating arrangements, and sanitizers have been procured to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved,” said. Fr. Moses Okaki. ‎‎

In Fort Portal Diocese, Fr. Peter Kyomuhendo, the Diocesan Social Communications Officer, emphasized that there will be no joint diocesan celebrations this year.

He says that the Diocese will follow the guidance of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, which advised that the celebrations be conducted in all parishes and places of worship across the diocese and that all churches in the Diocese have been instructed to establish hand-washing facilities at their entrances and ensure social distancing during prayer services as part of measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.

Fr. Kyomuhendo, however, warned Christians to avoid spreading false information about the disease, warning that misinformation could create unnecessary panic and fear among the public, and called upon the faithful to pray through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs for God’s protection and guidance as the country confronts the Ebola outbreak.

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