Martyrs Day: Health teams on alert

KAMPALA - With just two weeks to Uganda Martyrs Day, the health ministry and partners have rolled out safety and emergency preparedness drills to ready the Namugongo shrines for the thousands of pilgrims expected on June 3, 2025.

Dr Joseph Ouma, representing the Commissioner for Health Services – Emergency Medical Services, confirmed that over 200 medical and health personnel, along with 40 ambulances, will be stationed at the Anglican and Catholic shrines to support both national and international pilgrims during the event.

Full-Scale Simulation Exercise (FSE) on Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) medical management was held at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine. (All Photos by John Musenze)

“This exercise is to assess our preparedness, and I can confirm we are ready. We are working in partnership with the Red Cross, World Health Organisation (WHO) Uganda, and other health facilities to ensure safety for all,” Ouma said during a Full-Scale Simulation Exercise (FSE) on Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) management at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.

The simulation tested the country’s emergency readiness and reviewed key response frameworks, including the draft MCI standard operating procedures and the national Mass Gathering Management Framework.

Dr Joseph Ouma, represented the Commissioner for Health Services – Emergency Medical Services at the function.

The simulation recreated a mass casualty incident caused by a stampede.

Key participants included the health ministry, the Police (Traffic and the Fire and Rescue), Uganda Red Cross, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Kiira Town Council, St John’s Ambulance, Emergency Care Society, AAPU, Malteser International, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Uganda.

As part of this year’s health precautions, all pilgrims will undergo mpox (formerly monkeypox) screening before entering any shrine premises, according to ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyona.

Full-Scale Simulation Exercise (FSE) on Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) medical management held at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.

“We are not working in isolation. Our partners are key to ensuring health and safety at every level. This simulation also serves as a tool for strengthening Uganda’s broader emergency care systems,” he said.

Shrines still closed to early pilgrims

Meanwhile, Rev. Fr Vincent Lubega, the rector of the Namugongo Catholic Shrine, advised pilgrims not to travel prematurely, particularly those expecting Church support.

“We have already received two pilgrims from different regions, but we had to send them back. The Church is not yet in a financial position to take care of them. We plan to officially begin receiving pilgrims under our care starting May 25. Those who can provide for themselves may come earlier, but we advise waiting until that date,” Lubega said.

All emergency response units including the fire brigade were around for the exercise.

Rev. Fr Vincent Lubega, Rector of the Namugongo Catholic Shrine, urged pilgrims not to arrive prematurely, particularly those expecting support from the Church.

This year, the Lugazi Catholic Diocese leads the Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo for the first time in 22 years.

Celebrations will begin on May 31, with a choral competition at Serena Hotel, and entrance is sh50000, organised by Vision Group, and conclude with the Mothers’ Run on June 7, 2025.