Martyrs Day: Explosion Rocks Munyonyo

Munyonyo — An explosion has been reported near the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine this morning, just as Martyrs Day celebrations were getting underway.

The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Catholic shrine, where hundreds of pilgrims were gathering for the annual religious commemoration.

The cause and nature of the explosion remain unclear, but police have cordoned off the area and are conducting preliminary investigations.

There are currently no confirmed fatalities or injuries, though eyewitnesses described hearing a loud bang followed by brief panic among some pilgrims.

Martyrs Day, commemorated on June 3, is one of Uganda’s largest religious events, drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims from across the country and East Africa.

Celebrations traditionally begin days earlier, with prayers, processions, and mass gatherings at Munyonyo Catholic Shrine and Namugongo Anglican Shrine.

Security around both sites has since been heightened, and authorities are urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement.