As Uganda draws closer to this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations scheduled for 3rd June, preparations at the Anglican Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo have entered an advanced stage, with government, church leaders, and security agencies intensifying coordination to ensure a safe, organized, and spiritually fulfilling commemoration for millions of pilgrims expected from Uganda and abroad.

The National Organizing Committee today held its third high-level preparatory meeting at the Anglican Martyrs site in Namugongo, bringing together representatives from key government ministries, security agencies, and church institutions.

The meeting was chaired by Dunstan Balaba, the Permanent Secretary at the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity and Chairperson of the National Organizing Committee.

Officials reviewed progress in critical areas including security deployment, sanitation, health services, business regulation, traffic management, and the movement of pilgrims expected to attend this year’s celebrations.

The government recently designated the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity to coordinate all ministries, departments, and agencies involved in organizing the national event.

Speaking during the meeting, Dunstan Balaba expressed satisfaction with the progress so far, noting that preparations are steadily taking shape ahead of the annual commemoration.

This year’s Anglican celebrations will be led by Uganda Christian University, while the Catholic celebrations will be hosted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasese.

Organizers say pilgrims are expected from across East Africa, Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world, including more than 1,900 pilgrims from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rev. Dr. Richard Mulindwa, the Head of Church Relations at Uganda Christian University, revealed that major improvements have already been completed at the Anglican site to enhance pilgrims’ experience during the celebrations.

He said organizers have prioritized sanitation, health, and accessibility through the construction of modern toilets, the renovation of walkways, the installation of solar lighting, and the beautification of the shrine grounds.

According to Rev. Dr. Mulindwa, the Anglican site is now nearly 90 percent ready to receive pilgrims.

Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced ground assessments and operational planning ahead of the large gathering expected at Namugongo.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala urged pilgrims to cooperate with security personnel and avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or valuable items during the celebrations.

With only 20 days remaining to Uganda Martyrs Day, both government and church leaders say preparations are now in the final stages, with renewed focus on safety and order and ensuring that pilgrims have a dignified and spiritually enriching experience at Namugongo.