As Christians across Uganda prepare to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs, Church leaders have urged believers to prioritise health and safety after this year's traditional mass pilgrimage to Namugongo was suspended due to the Ebola outbreak. While preparations for the national celebrations had been completed, only a limited number of invited worshippers will attend tomorrow's scientific prayers at the Anglican Martyrs' Site.

Every year on June 3rd, thousands of Christians from Uganda and across the world gather at Namugongo to honour the Uganda Martyrs who gave their lives for their faith.

This year's Anglican celebrations were entrusted to Uganda Christian University on behalf of the Church of Uganda, with extensive preparations undertaken to host the day.

However, following concerns over the Ebola outbreak, President Yoweri Museveni directed that large public gatherings be suspended, prompting church leaders to halt the usual pilgrimage activities and advise pilgrims who had already begun their journeys to return home.

Addressing journalists at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, the Chairperson of the Organising Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, said all arrangements had been adjusted to comply with public health guidelines.

Prof. Kitayimbwa revealed that the number of choirs participating in tomorrow's service has been reduced from over 600 to only 30, including the Uganda Christian University Choir, Kisaasi Church of Uganda Choir, and a few selected groups.

He emphasised that despite the reduced numbers, the worship experience will remain meaningful and spiritually enriching.

He cautioned Christians against attempting to travel to Namugongo, noting that security has been heightened and access to the site will remain strictly controlled throughout the commemorations.

Prof. Kitayimbwa also reminded believers that God's blessings are not tied to physical objects, urging Christians to focus on genuine faith rather than seeking holy water or other symbolic items from Namugongo.

He clarified that the Church will not be conducting the usual Uganda Martyrs' Day celebrations but will instead hold a special prayer service while awaiting further government guidance on the public health situation.

Meanwhile, Uganda Christian University's Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, David Mugawe, thanked the House of Bishops for entrusting the university with organising this year's commemorations.

He said priority was given to improving sanitation, water supply, security, and the overall appearance of the Martyrs' Site.

Mugawe noted that the two billion shillings provided by the government, together with an additional one billion shillings contributed by UCU, enabled significant upgrades at the site.

He encouraged Christians to visit the shrine once the public health situation normalises.

The Chairperson of the UCU Governing Council and Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr Alfred Olwa confirmed that all preparations have been completed and that the church is fully ready for tomorrow's scientific service.

He urged bishops and invited participants to keep time, announcing that the special prayer service would begin at exactly 9:00 a.m.

Tomorrow's service will be led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, assisted by bishops from across the province.

While the usual crowds of pilgrims will be absent, church leaders say the actions of the Uganda Martyrs will continue to inspire Christians through prayer, faith, and remembrance, even under extraordinary circumstances.