The cancellation of national Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo over Ebola concerns has left traders, food vendors and hospitality operators counting losses after investing heavily in anticipation of the annual pilgrimage.
The June 3 event typically attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to the Catholic and Anglican shrines at Namugongo, generating significant business for local enterprises ranging from guest houses and restaurants to transport operators and informal vendors.
This year’s celebrations, however, were restricted following government and church decisions to suspend the traditional national gathering as a precaution against the spread of Ebola.
Many traders who had already stocked merchandise and secured selling spaces near the Catholic shrine said customer numbers fell far short of expectations.
Denis Abada, who operates a recreation centre near the Catholic shrine, said the cancellation had significantly affected business.
“Losses are there because we normally benefit from the large numbers of pilgrims who come to Namugongo during Martyrs Day,” he said.
Abada said the facility usually hosts entertainment activities and receives bookings from visitors during the pilgrimage period.
“We had received bookings, but after the announcement that the celebrations had been cancelled, many clients withdrew and stopped making reservations,” he said.
According to Abada, the business typically earns about Shs20 million during the annual event.
The pilgrimage has long served as an important source of income for local businesses, with food vendors, accommodation facilities and temporary market operators relying on the influx of visitors.
Rashida Nalongo, who runs a restaurant opposite the main entrance to the Catholic shrine, said she had purchased large quantities of food in preparation for the celebrations.
“We expected to earn money to support our families and pay school fees for our children, but the cancellation has left us with losses,” she said.
The government and religious leaders suspended the national celebrations following concerns over Ebola cases linked to cross-border transmission from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Health authorities said the restrictions were intended to reduce the risk of disease transmission associated with large public gatherings.
Among those affected were temporary vendors who had already paid for business spaces near the shrine.
Rosette Namugga, a chapati vendor, said she paid Shs250,000 for a small trading space and hired two workers ahead of the celebrations.
“The money was not refunded after the cancellation. I also have workers whom I must continue paying,” she said.
Local leaders urged residents and traders to comply with public health measures despite the economic impact.
Isaac Lumanyika, the newly elected chancellor of Namugongo Buloli, said the restrictions were necessary to protect public health.
“Normally we expect many pilgrims to join us in Namugongo, but because of Ebola the celebration was restricted to invited guests. The community should understand the reasons behind the decision,” he said.
He expressed hope that the annual pilgrimage would return to its normal scale next year if public health conditions permit.
Uganda Martyrs Day commemorates a group of Christian converts executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II and is one of the largest religious events in East Africa, attracting pilgrims from across Uganda and neighbouring countries.