Ugandan police have released new rules for Christians travelling to the Namugongo Shrine for the Martyrs' Day ceremonies on June 3.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya (DRC), the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, South Sudan and Rwanda walk to central Uganda to honour 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican martyrs who were killed for converting to Christianity on the orders of the then-King of Buganda Kingdom, Kabaka Mwanga II.

The Day in Kenya's western neighbour is also a national public holiday.


Okoth Ochola, Uganda's Inspector General of Police, urged regional commanders on Monday to accompany pilgrims walking to Namugongo for security.

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For the pilgrims' safety, police commanders were also instructed to ensure that they slept at churches, schools, and community centres.

Simultaneously, police health services have placed ambulances along significant routes to aid pilgrims who have become exhausted throughout their journey.

Pilgrims have also been told to cooperate to facilitate coordination and close surveillance.


Martyrs' Day is always a National public holiday in Uganda, and over a million pilgrims are expected to make the pilgrimage to remember 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican martyrs who were murdered for converting to Christianity on orders of Kababa Mwanga II, then king of Buganda, between 1885 and 1887.