All pilgrims to receive free medical care at Anglican, Catholic shrines

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All pilgrims arriving at both the Anglican and Catholic Shrines will receive free medical check-ups and treatment for various ailments ahead of the Martyrs Day celebrations, set for June 3, 2025.

This was revealed by the Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, who also serves as the chairperson of the organising committee for the Northern Uganda Cluster, leading this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations at the Anglican shrine.

Aceng made the announcement on Sunday, June 1, 2025, during a press conference held at the Anglican shrine, where her team briefed Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu on the ongoing preparations.

She explained that the annual health camp is intended to manage a range of medical conditions, including injuries sustained during the pilgrimage, as well as pre-existing illnesses pilgrims may arrive with.

“Martyrs Day attracts a huge number of people, both Catholic and Anglican. Some come walking, others come driving. We get injuries along the way, but people also come in with their own ailments. So the idea of the camp is to manage these ailments early so that come the day of celebrations, we are all fit,” she said.

Aceng said the camp, which has been running for the past eight days and is still ongoing, is equipped not only with medical supplies but also with qualified healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, family doctors, and specialists to treat a wide range of conditions.

“As we receive the pilgrims, we treat all kinds of conditions because we have specialists, general doctors, and family doctors both at the Anglican and Catholic sites,” she added.

To support the camp, Aceng said there are standby ambulances at both shrines, including those equipped with intensive care units, ready to evacuate patients who may need treatment beyond what is available on-site.

She further noted that hospitals such as Mengo, Rubaga, Mulago, and others in Namugongo have been prepared to receive pilgrims requiring additional care.

Additionally, a team of epidemiologists has been deployed to monitor and prevent any potential disease outbreaks due to the large crowds. Hygiene and sanitation measures have also been enhanced.

“For the last two days, we have been taking samples from the holy water, from the dam, from National Water, including sewage, for testing to make sure no disease comes our way. We also have cesspool emptiers removing sewage in real time to ensure everyone remains healthy,” she said.

Mind your health

While the Ministry and its partner agencies have set up medical teams at the shrines, Aceng urged pilgrims to take personal responsibility for their health.

She encouraged them to follow basic disease prevention measures, including using the free masks being distributed at shrine entrances, applying hand sanitiser, and limiting physical contact such as handshakes and hugs, especially as the country continues to manage Monkeypox and other diseases.

According to the Ministry of Health, Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It causes a painful rash, fever, and other symptoms, and can be transmitted through contact with infected individuals, including touching, kissing, sex, or using contaminated items such as bed sheets, clothing, or needles.

This year’s Martyrs Day celebrations will be held under the theme, “Imitating God’s goodness, by doing good”, drawn from Galatians 6:9.