The Martyrs Day celebrations on 03rd June 2023 went on successfully, with no major incidents, both at the Anglican Site and the Catholic Shrine in Namugongo.

That is according to the police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, who addressed journalists during the weekly media briefing at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala  

Enanga, however, added that the police registered a few cases of petty theft of bags, mobile phones, and a few other small items. Other pilgrims got stranded in Namugongo since they did not have the means of returning home.

The annual celebration of the Uganda Martyrs was held on Saturday 03rd June, both at the Anglican Site and the Catholic Shrine in Namugongo.

According to the police, over 3 million people, including foreign pilgrims, attended the celebrations, in Namugongo and elsewhere. Enanga commended the organizers and all those that put in efforts to the success of this celebration.

Enanga highlighted some of the incidents recorded during the celebrations. He noted that 199 cases were recorded from 28th May to 4th June 2023, including theft of mobile phones taking the lead with 130 cases, 62 cases of the theft of assorted household items, and 7 other offences.

Enanga added that 148 people were arrested – 137 males, 3 women, and 8 male juveniles. At least 34 children were reunited with their parents while a number of people lost personal belongings station.

At least 22 pilgrims who were stranded at the Catholic Martyrs Shrine, were helped and driven back to their homes.

The Kampala Metropolitan Traffic Commander, Rogers Kawuma Nsereko, said that three separate car crashes were reported in Jinja, Namugongo, and Kyengera ahead of Martyrs Day. Two pilgrims died while five others were seriously injured.

Nsereko thanked the pilgrims who wore reflector jackets that improved their safety on the road and he urged more people to emulate them.