“Its not certain when restrictions on gatherings will be lifted. Even if the government of Uganda were to lift the ban today, there would not be enough time to prepare for the event.” Bishop Zziwa stated.
By Leonard Kamugisha AKIDA
Rt Rev Bishop Anthony Zziwa, the Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference – UEC, confirms that the Uganda Martyr’s day celebration meant to be celebrated this year on 3rdJune will not take place due to difficulties caused by the novel corona virus pandemic.
In an open letter to the all Archbishops, and Bishops, dated April29th,2020, UEC states that due to the restrictions on gatherings and movements of people, organizing the celebrations would be difficult since it involves meetings with many persons and government agencies.
“Given that background, Rt Rev Bishop Serverus Jjumba, the Bishop of the Masaka Diocese has officially informed me that his diocese will not be in position to organize the 2020 Martyrs day celebrations (29th May for youth and 3rd June, for the rest of the pilgrims,” Bishop Zziwa confirmed.
Masaka Diocese was the organizers of the 2020 Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the diocese states there’s no enough time to prepare for the events.
Episcopal conference said organizing the celebrations of Namugongo requires frequent meetings which may not be possible opting for postponements.
The cancellations will see pilgrims not walking to Namugongo as it used to be a case in the recent past pilgrimages.
“Its not certain when restrictions on gatherings will be lifted. Even if the government of Uganda were to lift the ban today, there would not be enough time to prepare for the event.” Bishop Zziwa stated.
The conference further revealed that another date shall be set for the celebrations after a meeting which has not yet been scheduled.
