Authorities in Fort Portal City have suspended prayers and activities to mark Uganda Martyrs Day as part of measures to contain the spread of Ebola. The directive was announced by Asumin Nasike, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Fort Portal City, during a meeting of the City Ebola task force held at her office on Tuesday afternoon.
Nasike, who also chairs the City Ebola task force, said the decision follows guidance from the national Ebola task force, which directed high-risk areas, where Fort Portal City falls, to suspend Martyrs Day prayers.
President Yoweri Museveni last month suspended this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations held on June 3, as a preventive measure against the spread of Ebola. The annual event attracts thousands of pilgrims and worshippers from across Uganda and neighboring countries, creating a high risk for disease transmission. Under guidance from the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Catholic dioceses across the country were instructed to commemorate the day at the parish level instead of organizing large gatherings.
Nasike noted that despite the suspension of national celebrations, many Christians have a strong spiritual attachment to the Uganda Martyrs and could still turn up in large numbers in their local churches, which might expose them to the risk of infection. However, she clarified that only Martyrs Day prayers have been suspended and that regular church services and prayers will continue, provided that places of worship strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Ebola prevention.
The RCC urged religious leaders and Christians to comply with the directive for the safety of the public. She also reminded residents that several other public events remain suspended in the city, including weekly markets, music and entertainment concerts, marathons, public rallies, and cultural festivals.
Nasike encouraged residents to continue observing Ebola prevention measures, including regular handwashing, sanitizing, avoiding handshakes, and staying away from crowded places. Fort Portal Diocese had not yet issued any communication about the directive by the time of filing this report.
On Monday, Fr. Peter Kyomuhendo, the Social Communications Officer of Fort Portal Diocese, had told this reporter that the Diocese had not organized any major celebrations apart from the prayers that would be held at the parish level. By Tuesday evening, the country had 15 confirmed Ebola cases according to the Ministry of Health-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
