Uganda’s entertainment, sports, and religious sectors have faced unprecedented disruption following the government’s decision to restrict mass gatherings amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
As health authorities intensified efforts to contain the spread of the virus, organisers across the country were forced to postpone major events, relocate tournaments, and rethink how experiences are delivered. From pilgrimage celebrations attracting millions to highly anticipated concerts and film festivals, the ripple effects have been felt across multiple industries.
Uganda Martyrs’ Day Celebrations — Postponed
Perhaps the most significant casualty of the restrictions was the 2026 Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
President Yoweri Museveni announced the postponement of the annual June 3 pilgrimage, citing the heightened public health risks associated with large international gatherings.
“This decision was made because Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak,” he said.
Held at the Namugongo Catholic and Anglican shrines, Martyrs’ Day is one of Africa’s largest religious events, drawing millions of worshippers from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.
The World Health Organization (WHO) publicly commended Uganda’s decision, with the Director-General noting that the event could attract as many as two million pilgrims.
Uganda Film Festival (UFF) 2026 — Postponed
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) also postponed all activities related to the Uganda Film Festival 2026.
The decision affected film screenings, networking sessions, workshops, and the prestigious UFF Awards Gala that had been scheduled for June 5.
According to UCC, the postponement followed a Ministry of Health circular issued on May 26 restricting mass gatherings within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The move dealt a blow to Uganda’s growing film industry, which relies heavily on the festival as a platform to showcase local talent and celebrate creative excellence.
Comedy Store Uganda 10th Anniversary Gala — Postponed
Comedy lovers were equally affected after Comedy Store Uganda announced the postponement of its 10th Anniversary celebrations.
The milestone event had been scheduled for June 5 at Cricket Oval, Lugogo, and was expected to attract thousands of fans for an unforgettable night of laughter and entertainment.
In a statement shared by the organisers, they noted:
“After careful consultations with officials from the Ministry of Health, we sincerely regret to inform you that the Comedy Store 10th Anniversary Celebrations have been postponed.”
The announcement came just days before the event was set to take place.
Sounds of Diaspora by NSG x Bandali Manor — Postponed
One of Kampala’s most anticipated international music experiences, Sounds of Diaspora featuring UK Afro-swing collective NSG, was also postponed.
The event had generated significant excitement among fans eager to witness the group’s performance in Uganda. Organisers later confirmed that the show would be moved to a later date in compliance with public health directives.
Strictly Soul Kampala — Postponed
Strictly Soul Kampala joined the growing list of affected events.
The organisers announced that the popular R&B experience had been postponed until further notice, placing the safety and wellbeing of attendees at the forefront of their decision-making.
The event had become a favourite among Kampala’s nightlife enthusiasts and was expected to draw large crowds.
Retro Wave Edition 3 — Postponed
Retro Wave Edition 3 also became one of the events affected by the Ebola-related restrictions.
Known for its nostalgic atmosphere, throwback music selections, and vibrant social experience, the event had built a loyal following among Kampala’s partygoers. Organisers announced that the edition would be postponed in line with public health guidelines aimed at limiting large gatherings.
While attendees expressed disappointment, many acknowledged the importance of prioritising community safety during the outbreak.
Karole Kasita’s “Power Within” Concert — Nearly Cancelled, Eventually Cleared
Karole Kasita’s highly anticipated “Power Within” concert came dangerously close to cancellation.
Just 48 hours before the scheduled show, the Ministry of Health announced a suspension on public gatherings, including concerts, as part of Ebola containment measures.
Following engagements between organisers and health authorities, the Ministry eventually granted permission for the concert to proceed at Kampala Serena Hotel on May 29, subject to strict adherence to public health guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The decision highlighted the delicate balance between protecting public health and sustaining Uganda’s creative economy.
FIBA Africa Under-18 Zone Five Qualifiers — Relocated to Egypt
Uganda’s sports sector was not spared either.
The FIBA Africa Under-18 Zone Five Qualifiers, which had initially been scheduled to take place in Hoima, were relocated to Egypt following concerns surrounding the Ebola outbreak.
The tournament, later held from June 10 to 15, represented a missed opportunity for Uganda to showcase its ability to host international sporting events.
The relocation also meant lost business for hotels, transport providers, restaurants, and local vendors that would have benefited from the influx of teams, officials, and supporters.
Additionally, Uganda’s national teams lost the advantage of competing on home soil.
A Difficult Season for Uganda’s Events Industry
The postponements and relocations have underscored just how interconnected Uganda’s events ecosystem has become.
Beyond organisers and performers, photographers, decorators, caterers, vendors, transport operators, security personnel, and hospitality businesses all depend on these gatherings for income.
While the restrictions were introduced as a necessary public health intervention, they have also served as a reminder of the industry’s vulnerability to external shocks.
As Uganda continues to navigate the outbreak, stakeholders remain hopeful that postponed experiences will return stronger once it is safe to gather again.
Until then, one thing is certain: the country’s vibrant events calendar has been forced to pause, but not permanently.
The show, eventually, will go on.
