Scaled-down Martyrs Day brings mixed fortunes for Namugongo businesses

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The Namugongo business community has expressed mixed reactions over the scientific Martyrs Day celebrations, with some vendors welcoming the arrangement while others raised concerns over the negative impact on their businesses.

Due to the Ebola pandemic, the government scaled down the usual celebrations held annually on June 3 to commemorate Uganda Martyrs Day, which normally attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the country and beyond, generating significant revenue for local businesses.

However, this year’s celebrations were marked by restrictions, including a ban on business activities in the vicinity of the Namugongo Martyrs Catholic Shrine.

Some vendors, particularly those selling religious items and food, were optimistic about potential sales. However, many were left stranded when pilgrims arrived in small numbers to pray at the historic site.

Maria Namugenyi, a religious item vendor selling to a customer at Namugongo Catholic Shrine during the scientific prayer celebrations on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Namugongo in Wakiso district. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“We expected a lot of people to come and buy our items, but we were stopped from displaying our merchandise inside the compound. Our religious items, which we used to sell to the wealth class due to competition, are now priced cheaply due to the low market,” said Maria Namugenyi, a religious item vendor.

“We are concerned about the restrictions imposed by the police and the Martyrs Day National Organising Committee because I have lacked customers for my olive oil, key holders, rosaries and prayer books,” Namugenyi added.

Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament Betty Nambooze Bakireke said businesses are struggling due to a challenging election year, which has increased money in circulation and contributed to inflation.

Betty Nambooze Bakireke, the Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament, addressing the media after attending scientific prayers at Namugongo Catholic Shrine on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“When the trade order followed an election year, it was very challenging for the business world, which left many unemployed and suffering high cost of living. Scientific prayers give room for the government to contain the Ebola virus that might have spread further in the population with many pilgrims coming from neighbouring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Nambooze said.

Arnold Katabazi, a bar owner, said the scientific Martyrs Day celebrations had affected business activity and sales.

“We rely on the pilgrims for our income. I used to sell 10 jerrycans of waragi, but I have two jerrycans which are still full,” he said.

“During the night, we had many customers, but for the last one week there have been restrictions due to the Ebola virus, and we are not happy about it because it is a big loss to us,” he added.

Allen Kyatuhire, a mobile money vendor, said business was significantly lower compared to last year when vendors made substantial profits from the event.

“Customers are very few, we hoped that since this was an election year where the prices of goods and services are high, we expected to reap big from Martyrs Day celebrations,” she said.

Sharon Natukunda, who operates a pork joint at Nalongo Pork City, Kyaliwajjala in Namugongo, said they had made losses compared to previous years.

“We sold between 500kg and 800kg of pork last year, but it has greatly reduced. Now we are even failing to sell 50kg due to scientific celebrations on television, radio and small numbers in church,” Natukunda added.

Owol Ali, the chief executive officer of Holy Furniture Namugongo, welcomed the decision to restrict mass pilgrimages.

“When the pilgrims come in large numbers to celebrate Martyrs Day, they block roads, and our customers do not have where to pass. We normally close our business for two days due to congestion because buying furniture is not a daily issue due to the extra planning involved,” Ali said.

“We are happy for the government because when many people are here, only food and textile business vendors are the ones who enjoy most,” he added.

Godfrey Twinamatsiko, a sugar cane vendor, said he was satisfied with the virtual celebration arrangement.

Godfrey Twinamatsiko, a sugar cane seller, said that he was not affected by the scientific Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3, 2026, at Namugongo, insisting that his business works when roads are open without congestion. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“For us who use bicycles to conduct business, we do not like congestion when roads are blocked. Now that cars are moving freely, customers are buying from us, and we are happy that they did not come,” he noted.

He added that past celebrations often came with security concerns.

“These celebrations normally come with thieves, and the situation is now calm because the police and army can control a small number of people coming to attend prayers inside the premises,” he said.

Rosette Niyigaba, a chapati vendor, said she had made losses due to the low turnout.

“I paid sh250,000 to book a chapati stall at Namugongo Lorry Park, but pilgrims are few, and I am counting losses,” Niyigaba said.

The Martyrs Day celebrations commemorate the execution of 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican martyrs who were killed between 1885 and 1887 under the orders of Kabaka Danieri Basammula-Ekkere Mwanga II Mukasa for refusing to renounce their faith.

The event remains a significant cultural and religious occasion in Uganda, attracting pilgrims from across the region.