Ebola forces Uganda to postpone Martyrs’ Day 2026

President Museveni made this statement on Sunday evening:

“Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu, greetings.

After consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders, we have decided to postpone the Martyrs’ Day to a later date, which will be communicated.

This decision was made because 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.

I encourage those who had begun their journey to return home, continue observing the precautionary measures, report anyone who is sick, and encourage those who are ill to seek medical care.

“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first.”