Security agencies have deployed over 7,000 personnel to ensure safety during the 2025 Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo, scheduled for Tuesday, June 3.
The deployment, which includes both overt and covert operatives from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force (UPF), is part of heightened measures to secure the annual pilgrimage that draws tens of thousands of faithful from Uganda and abroad.
The event commemorates 45 Christian converts who were killed for their faith between 1885 and 1887.
On Friday, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Frank Mwesigwa, Director of Police Operations Services, inspected the Catholic and Anglican shrines to assess security readiness.
“I have inspected the security preparations at the two shrines, and I commend security officers for their efforts in ensuring pilgrims’ safety. We have deployed over 7,000 overt and covert security operatives to secure the event,” Mwesigwa said.
He added that standby teams, mobile squads, and medical units have also been positioned to respond quickly to emergencies.
Commanders from key security units—including the Special Forces Command (SFC), Counter-Terrorism (CT), Field Force Unit (FFU), Regional Police Commanders (RPCs), and Division Police Commanders (DPCs)—have pledged joint coordination to safeguard the event.
“We urge the pilgrims to come and are assured of their safety,” Mwesigwa noted.
To support emergency preparedness, Mwesigwa and Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng convened an inter-agency meeting to align security and health response efforts.
“We have a first aid team. Whatever challenges come in the way, we are ready to handle it. We have planned for this event and we are sure it will go on well,” Dr Aceng said.
She confirmed that Joint Medical Stores (JMS) has provided additional medical supplies for both shrines.
