An emotional scene unfolded at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo yesterday when security and health personnel turned away a Congolese man who had travelled to the shrine seeking prayers for healing amid heightened restrictions linked to Ebola concerns.
The man, whose identity could not immediately be established, arrived at the shrine on a boda boda motorcycle accompanied by a caretaker.
However, upon reaching the entrance, the pair were denied access and instructed to leave.
Witnesses said the caretaker attempted to help the visibly weak man dismount the motorcycle before security personnel intervened and ordered them to turn back.
The caretaker, who spoke amid tears, said his relative had battled an unexplained illness for several years despite seeking treatment from various health facilities.
‘My relative has been sick for the last five years. We have gone to different hospitals, but there has been no improvement. Doctors have not been able to identify what is wrong with him. That is why I brought him here for prayers and healing,’ he said.
According to the caretaker, the patient was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but grew up in Uganda.
Having exhausted medical options, he said, the family had turned to faith in the hope of finding relief.
‘We did not know where else to go. We believed that by coming here, he could receive healing through the prayers of the Uganda Martyrs. We thought today would be the day things changed for him, but now we have been turned away,’ he said.
Efforts to obtain an official explanation from security personnel at the shrine were unsuccessful, as those on duty said they were not authorised to speak to the media.
The incident occurred as authorities maintained strict health measures at Namugongo following the cancellation of this year’s public Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring DRC.
Although public access to the shrines was heavily restricted, limited prayer services continued under tight health protocols.
At the Catholic shrine, organisers disinfected chairs and designated worship areas after each Mass before allowing another group of worshippers to enter.