As Uganda joins the rest of the Christian world to commemorate Martyrs Day 2026, this year’s celebrations have been held under heightened public health measures following the Ebola outbreak that prompted government restrictions on mass gatherings and travel to some areas. While the annual pilgrimage to Namugongo traditionally attracts millions of faithful from Uganda and abroad, many believers have been unable to participate physically. Our reporter spoke to people in downtown Kampala to find out their views on this year’s commemoration and how the restrictions have affected their observance of the day.

Despite the restrictions, the significance of Martyrs' Day remains deeply rooted in Uganda’s history and Christian faith. The day honours the Uganda Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs between 1885 and 1887 during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II. Their courage and steadfast faith continue to inspire generations of believers, making Martyrs Day one of the most important religious commemorations in Uganda and across Africa. Today, we hear from members of the public on what the occasion means to them amid the current public health challenges.

As Uganda marks this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations, mixed reactions have emerged from members of the public regarding the restrictions that limited the number of pilgrims travelling to Namugongo due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak.

Mr. Jumah Martin Kaganda, a clothes trader at Owino Market, congratulated all believers and pilgrims who managed to participate in this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations. He called upon the government to consider putting in place measures that would allow some faithful to attend future celebrations even during public health emergencies.

Meanwhile, Frank, another trader in Owino Market, said this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations have been disappointing for many believers who were unable to travel to Namugongo to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs.

On their part, Lydia Nabadda and Nalongo Joyce Nambooze said they understand the government’s decision to restrict pilgrimages due to the Ebola outbreak. They noted that such measures are necessary to protect the public from possible infections and safeguard lives.

Mzee Byekwaso expressed disappointment over missing this year’s pilgrimage, saying that he has always made it a tradition to travel to Namugongo for the annual commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs. He described the restrictions as painful but acknowledged the importance of protecting public health.

Another citizen, Nabbosa Tendo, said that besides the Ebola outbreak, increasing poverty and the high cost of living have made it difficult for many Ugandans to undertake pilgrimages. She observed that financial challenges have become a major obstacle for many faithful who would otherwise have wished to participate in the celebrations.

Despite the restrictions, many Ugandans continue to commemorate Martyrs' Day through prayers, community gatherings, and media broadcasts. The annual event honours the faith and sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs, who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for their Christian beliefs, and remains one of the most significant religious celebrations in Uganda and across the region.