Museveni postpones Martyrs Day celebrations as Anita Among withdraws from speakership race

18 May 2026, 10:11 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

President Yoweri Museveni yesterday, through his official social media platforms, confirmed the postponement of one of Uganda’s most attended annual events, the Martyrs Day celebrations. The President said that although the decision was regrettable, the protection of life must come first.

June 3 was officially declared a national public holiday in Uganda during the 1970s by President Idi Amin to commemorate Christian and Muslim believers who were killed for their faith in the 1880s.

“After consultations with the National Epidemic Response Task Force and religious leaders, we have decided to postpone Martyrs Day celebrations to a later date, which will be communicated. Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims from Eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak. I encourage those who had begun their journey to return home, continue observing precautionary measures, report anyone who is sick, and encourage those who are unwell to seek medical attention. We regret any inconvenience caused, but the protection of life must come first,” Museveni said.

Additionally, as stipulated in the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the President yesterday assented to the Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026, into law. According to a statement released by the Presidential Press Unit, the Act is intended to provide for the protection of the sovereignty of the people of Uganda, designate the department responsible for peace and security in the Ministry of Internal Affairs as the implementing authority, and safeguard Uganda’s independence.

“The Act is expected to strengthen Uganda’s capacity to safeguard its processes, while further entrenching the constitutional principle that governance and development authorities remain anchored in national interest,” the statement reads.

In another development, the Speaker Emeritus of the 11th Parliament, Anita Annet Among, today morning announced her withdrawal from the Speakership race through her official X account (formerly Twitter). She thanked her family, party, and friends for their support, and pledged to remain loyal to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. She also expressed readiness to serve in any capacity assigned by the party and the President.

Regarding the ongoing investigations involving her name, Anita Among pledged continued cooperation with security agencies.

“I wish to draw the attention of the public to matters regarding the Speakership race. After wide consultations and deep introspection, and in order to maintain harmony and clarity within my party, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament. I am greatly indebted to H.E. Museveni, my party, and the NRM members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve. I pledge my total support to the candidate who will be endorsed by the President and the party, and implore all colleagues of the 12th Parliament to do the same. I remain available to serve my country in any capacity the President may assign me. For God and my Country,” Among said.

On May 25, 2026, members of the 12th Parliament are expected to vote for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.