IN PICTURES | Uganda marks scientific Martyrs Day

Jun 03, 2020

A selection of pictures of muted celebrations as Uganda commemorates the Uganda Martyrs amid the coronavirus pandemic.

UGANDA MARTYRS DAY

KAMPALA - This year's Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations have been like no other. They have come in an era of such guidelines as social distancing due to the coronavirus wave that has swept across the entire globe.

Unlike all the years before, the human traffic at Namungongo has been very low.


Like many countries, Uganda has out in place measures to ensure that the deadly coronavirus does not spread.

 

Religious gatherings were among the activities suspended.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, represented Government at the special service at the Anglican shrine. Before the service, Kadaga and others toured the Martyrs Museum.


At the Catholic shrine, the Archbishop of Kampala, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, led Mass.


The few Chrisitians that made the pilgrimage to Namugongo had to pray from outside.


The few allowed inside the basilica had a closer feel of the celebrations.


This is not a usual Uganda Martyrs Day.


Despite the restrictions due to the coronavirus crisis, many Christians have maintained a close connection to their spirituality.



This place would be packed - if today were a normal June 3.


The terraces are forlorn, an unusual sight on a day of such signifance.


Access to the basilica was limited.


Inside, the social distancing measure was observed.


This year, business at Namugongo is muted. On other such days, the entire area would be a hub of activity, with business people looking to cash in on the large group of pilgrims gathered at the shrines. Not this time round.


Meanwhile, a few faithful have made their way to the martyrs shrine to express their devotion.




The majority of the faithful are following Mass and service from the confines of their homes. It is a clear indication that Ugandans are slowly coming to terms with the new normal.


People are required to wear face masks when out in public. Most people are heeding this directive by President Yoweri Museveni.


Uganda has been under lockdown for more than two months now.


Religious leaders across the world have rallied believers to energise their prayers amidst a coronavirus pandemic that has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and left millions sick.





 

A day of scientific celebration this.




(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});