As you all know, Martyrs’ Day is an annual day observed by nations to salute the martyrdom of soldiers who lost their lives defending the sovereignty of the nation. The actual date may vary from one country to another.
So here in Uganda, This year’s Martyrs Day celebrations will be held on Monday 3rd June 2019.
There are three different venues were pilgrims are expected to gather, among them which include Namugongo Catholic Martyrs shrine, Anglican Martyrs Shrine Namugongo, and Mamiree.
According to church representatives, millions of people are expected to grace the event from all over the world.
As security, Uganda Police has put up measures to make sure that all the pilgrims reach safely at their destinations.
On that day(3rd June 2019), The police are said to deploy both overt and covert personnel from police and other security agencies. Police marine unit will also be stationed on the water sources to prevent anybody from drowning.
There will be traffic diversions on most routes leading to the shrines and the police requests the public to follow the guidelines that have been put in place.
The Public and pilgrims are advised to call the numbers below in case of any threat or emergency.
Namugongo Police Helplines
1. Catholic shrine Toll-Free: 0800300102
2. Anglican Church Toll-free: 0800300108
3 999
CCTV cameras have been erected in various spots around Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area. They will also be used to monitor both pilgrims at the shrines and routes they will use.
In addition to that, aerial surveillance will be used from the police Airwing.
This time around, representatives from the Child and Family Protection Department has established a tent that will act as a temporary ground where lost children will be kept. Parents will be able to crosscheck in the tent whenever your child is missing. (Thanks to Uganda Police)
The Police shall also put up a complaint desk where cases like thefts, or loss of property or persons will be registered.
Pilgrims are advised to come with only essential items. Items that can cause harm to others or breach security will not be allowed in and out of the shrines. – said ACP POLLY NAMAYE(DEPUTY PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER)
Uganda Police shall also have our health teams on standby in the health tent which has already been set up at the shrine.
Ambulances from the UPF, UPDF, Ministry of health and Red Cross will be stationed at the shrines.
Poor hygiene can also be a security threat, so they implore all the pilgrims to keep hygiene at this year’s Martyrs Day.
All Service providers are requested to keep time as per the church communication.
NO service provider will be granted access to set up their station at the venues on 3rd June. This will be done to help security in planning and also looking for threats early enough.
The residents in the neighborhood are asked to be patient with these guidelines.
Finally, Uganda Police would want to caution the public to be aware of their environment and report any suspicious persons or activities to the police. The Police and its sister security agencies will be working with other stakeholders like religious leaders as well as the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities to see that this year’s martyrs day celebrations end successfully.
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