UGANDA MARTYRS DAY CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD AT PARISHES IN THE DIOCESE OF KASESE

The bishop of the Diocese of Kasese, Rt. Rev. Aquirinus Kibira Kambale, has announced that this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3, 2026, will be held at the parish level across the diocese.   This decision follows the suspension of official national celebrations at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine due to a recent outbreak of Ebola in the country. The Diocese of Kasese, which had been selected to animate this year’s national festivities, was forced to pivot its plans to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the general public.   Speaking to journalists at the bishop's house in Kasese municipality, Bishop Kibira indicated that Holy Masses will be conducted by various Reverend Fathers at their respective Catholic parishes to commemorate the faith and sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs that day.   He urged all Christians to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) mandated by the Ministry of Health, emphasizing that vigilance is key to curbing the spread of the Ebola virus.   Despite the setback, Rev. Fr. John Baptist Kule, the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, reassured the faithful that the diocese’s mandate to lead the national celebrations has not been lost. According to a communication from the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Kasese Diocese will retain the responsibility of organizing and animating the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo in June 2027.   Local church leaders have also joined the call for public safety. Asiimwe Queen Gonda, a lay leader at Kasese Catholic Parish, appealed to the public to remain vigilant. She specifically reminded congregants to maintain hand hygiene and utilize the hand-washing stations installed at all catholic parish entries.   The suspension of the Uganda martyrs day celebration comes as a precautionary measure to prevent large gatherings that could facilitate the transmission of Ebola. Security and health officials have lauded the Church's leadership for prioritizing public health during this liturgical milestone. End.