Christians in Ntungamo District marked Uganda Martyrs Day in their respective parishes on Tuesday, reflecting on the sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs and the growth of Christianity, even as the ongoing Ebola outbreak disrupted the traditional pilgrimage to Namugongo.
At Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Ntungamo Town, pilgrims who would ordinarily travel to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo gathered locally for prayers, thanksgiving and testimonies following the suspension of organized pilgrimages due to public health concerns.
Parish Priest Rev. Fr. John Baptist Tumusiime said the decision to redirect pilgrims to their local parishes was intended to protect worshippers while preserving the spiritual significance of the annual commemoration.
“Most of them who were supposed to make a pilgrimage to Namugongo, we asked them to make it here. They are from different centres. These pilgrims are going to have acts of thanksgiving and make testimonies,” he said.
The celebrations were conducted under strict health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola.
Worshippers were encouraged to wash their hands regularly, use sanitizers and avoid physical contact during church services.
“In church when it is time for the exchange of peace, we don't shake hands. We just wave. We have added additional seats so that people can distance a little. We did it with COVID-19 and now with Ebola, we shall do the same,” Fr. Tumusiime said.
He noted that despite the disruptions caused by the outbreak, the message of sacrifice and faith embodied by the Uganda Martyrs remained at the centre of the celebrations.
“Today we reflect more on the seed of Christianity because the blood of the martyrs has become the seed of Christianity. The more they were harassed, the more Christianity grew. We remember the sacrifices these people made and their commitment and we follow in that line,” he said.
This year's Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations are being held under the theme, “The Blood of the Martyrs, the Seed of Christianity,” while also aligning with the broader pastoral theme, “Christ is Alive in Me and You.”
Earlier in the day, the first Mass at Sacred Heart Parish was led by Fr. Thursday Abedinego, who prayed for an end to the Ebola outbreak and for renewed strength and hope among Christians.
Fr. Tumusiime said the outbreak had affected not only worship practices but also the psychological wellbeing of believers.
“Ebola outbreak has affected us psychologically because Christians live in fear of the disease. They are not comfortable. Our liturgy, the way we celebrate, has been disrupted—the way we hug and the sign of peace. We have asked many people not to come but rather to remain in other places of worship,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the impact of reduced attendance on church fundraising and development projects.
“On days like these we also put in an element of supporting the church financially and if people are not here then how shall we get the support for the development of the projects,” he added.
Across Ntungamo District's 10 Catholic parishes, Christians commemorated the Uganda Martyrs while balancing public health precautions with expressions of faith, resilience and devotion, underscoring the enduring significance of one of Uganda's most important religious observances.
