Churches in Uganda have begun suspending gatherings and religious events following growing concerns over Ebola infections reported in the country.
The Ebola situation has further disrupted major public activities in Uganda, with authorities and religious leaders supporting restrictions on large gatherings to reduce transmission risks.
In a statement on May 27, Makerere Full Gospel Church in Uganda confirmed that it had suspended all weekly meetings and Revival Week events, leaving only Sunday services active following the reporting of new Ebola cases.
The church said the move was aimed at reducing the risk of infection and preventing any possible transmission linked to church gatherings.
“As of yesterday, two more cases of Ebola infection have been reported in Kampala. To limit the likelihood of infection in the church or any cases being traced back to the church, the Revival Week and other Weekly Meetings are temporarily discontinued,” the statement read in part.
According to the notice, stricter health screening measures will be introduced during Sunday services, while members have been advised to avoid hugging and handshakes.
This development follows reports of two additional Ebola infections in Kampala linked to the Bundibugyo virus outbreak that spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda Postpones Martyrs’ Day Celebrations Over Ebola Fears
In an earlier statement, Uganda announced the postponement of the 2026 Martyrs’ Day celebrations traditionally held on June 3 at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine under the Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala.
The annual event attracts thousands of pilgrims from Uganda and across the region, making it one of the world’s largest Catholic gatherings.
Also Read: Trump to Set Up Ebola Quarantine Camp in Kenya for Infected Americans
According to a press release dated Sunday, May 17, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said the decision was part of broader measures to protect public health amid Ebola concerns.
“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,” President Museveni said.
The Ugandan President explained that the decision to postpone the annual celebration “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 noted.
WHO Declares Ebola Emergency
The World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency of international concern earlier this week. Health officials are racing to contain what has become the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record.
Also Read: Kenya on High Alert as Suspected Ebola Case Turns Negative
In Congo, there have been 906 suspected cases, including 105 confirmed, and at least 223 suspected deaths along with 10 confirmed fatalities, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
Uganda has reported seven confirmed cases and one death, most tied to the initial cluster.
As of May 27, Kenya had not reported any confirmed Ebola cases despite growing regional concerns over the outbreak spreading in parts of Central and East Africa.
However, reports indicate that the Trump administration is moving to establish a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to or infected with Ebola.
The proposed facility, which is still awaiting final approval from the Kenyan government, would reportedly be staffed by U.S. public health officers and used to manage Americans arriving from Ebola-affected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda instead of transporting them back to the United States.
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