Church of Uganda to hold scientific national Martyrs’ Day celebrations

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The Church of Uganda will conduct this year's national Martyrs’ Day celebrations scientifically in a bid to stem the spread of the Ebola virus following an outbreak in neighbouring DR Congo this month.

In a statement issued on Thursday (May 28), the Anglican church said it will hold the event in accordance with the Ministry of Health standard operating procedures (SOPs).

To begin with, the celebrations will be held at the Uganda Martyrs’ Anglican Site Namugongo, strictly by invitation. 

Attendance at the main service will be limited in line with Ministry of Health guidelines.

All Dioceses are encouraged to commemorate Martyrs’ Day in their respective parishes across the Province.

The official Martyrs’ Day liturgy will be shared through the diocesan secretaries in due course.

The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, assigned Uganda Christian University (UCU) to continue organising this year’s scientific celebrations and also prepare to coordinate next year’s Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations. 

On Wednesday, the archbishop visited the Uganda Martyrs’ Anglican Site at Namugongo to assess the readiness of UCU to host this year’s commemorations.

Kazimba (centre) touring around the Anglican Shrine at Namugongo. (Photo by Peter Ssaava)

Kaziimba (centre) planting a tree at the Anglican Shrine at Namugongo. (Photo by Peter Ssaava)

The Mukono-based university was mandated by the House of Bishops to organise this year’s celebrations on behalf of Church of Uganda.

Since assuming this responsibility, the university has undertaken significant improvements at the site in several key areas, including security and safety, beautification, branding, and improving sanitation and water supply.

Among the notable developments are the construction and renovation of modern toilet facilities, establishment of walkways, restoration of the green environment, reconstruction of sections of the collapsed perimeter wall to enhance security, drilling and construction of a water solar powered supply system, renovation of several buildings at the site and general clean-up of the site.

The initial expectation was that the site would welcome thousands of pilgrims, as has been the case in previous years.

However, the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has necessitated a change of plans. The celebrations will be conducted scientifically.

The Church of Uganda has encouraged all Christians and members of the public to continue observing the Ministry of Health SOPs for the safety and well-being of all.