Uganda’s government has clarified that June 3 will remain a public holiday despite the suspension of the 2026 Martyrs’ Day celebrations following the Ebola outbreak in Bundibugyo District and neighboring areas.
The clarification was issued on Monday, May 18, 2026, by the Uganda Media Centre in a statement signed by Executive Director Allan Kasujja.
“While the celebrations have been postponed as a precautionary measure, the day remains a recognised national holiday,” Kasujja stated.
President Yoweri Museveni announced the suspension of the annual religious event after consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders.
In a statement dated May 17, 2026, addressed to Ugandans, especially the “Bazzukulu,” Museveni said the decision was taken to protect public health amid growing concerns over the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain.
“After consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders, we have decided to postpone the Martyrs’ Day to a later date, which will be communicated,” Museveni said.
The President explained that Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims every year from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region currently battling Ebola, making large gatherings risky during the outbreak.
“This decision was made because Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak. To safeguard everyone’s lives, it is essential that this important event be postponed,” he added.
Museveni urged pilgrims who had already started travelling to return home and continue following preventive health measures, including reporting suspected Ebola cases and encouraging the sick to seek medical attention.
“We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” the President noted.
The suspension comes as health authorities intensify surveillance following confirmation of a new Ebola outbreak in Uganda. The Ministry of Health confirmed the outbreak in mid-May after a posthumous positive Ebola test involving a patient in Kampala.
On Friday, May 15, 2026, President Museveni revealed that he had convened a meeting with the national epidemics task force at Nakasero State Lodge to assess the situation.
“This evening, I met the task force on epidemics in Nakasero. We discussed the Ebola situation in the region, and we will communicate the way forward. There is no cause for alarm,” Museveni posted on his X account.
Uganda Martyrs’ Day is commemorated annually on June 3 at Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda and the wider East African region.
