Security leaders in Mpigi District have warned that anyone who organizes or participates in Martyrs Day celebrations within the district will be arrested, as authorities enforce a nationwide suspension of public commemorations.
The warning was issued by Mpigi Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Shads Mwanje Mutesasira while outlining security measures ahead of Uganda Martyrs Day commemorations.
According to Mwanje, residents should follow the celebrations through the media and remain at home instead of gathering at designated prayer venues.
“We have received information that some people intend to hold prayers at places such as St. Joseph’s in honour of Martyr Bruno and at Mitala Maria for Balikuddembe. I want to remind everyone to follow the President’s directive because its main purpose is to protect lives,” he said.
He urged believers to leave prayers to religious leaders and instead observe the day from their homes and workplaces.
“The President’s decision to stop pilgrims from going to Namugongo does not mean Ebola is in Namugongo. Government is taking preventive measures to ensure the disease does not spread,” Mwanje said.
“If people gather at these prayer venues, how can they be sure that no one among them is carrying the virus? Stay at home, avoid pilgrimages, and wait for next year when the situation will be safer.”
He said security agencies had received intelligence reports about planned gatherings and warned organizers against proceeding.
“As security authorities in Mpigi, we will not allow any celebration to take place tomorrow. We have deployed personnel across the district and are ready to arrest anyone found participating in unauthorized gatherings that could contribute to the spread of the disease,” he said.
Mwanje also appealed for public cooperation, stressing that the restrictions are intended to protect lives rather than inconvenience worshippers.
This year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations have been suspended following concerns over an Ebola outbreak in neighbouring countries and the risk posed by large gatherings at the pilgrimage site in Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.
President Yoweri Museveni suspended the annual commemorations as a precautionary measure to prevent the possible spread of the disease among Ugandans and international pilgrims.
Religious leaders have also called off public celebrations and urged believers to mark the day from their homes and places of worship.
