As Uganda prepares to host thousands of pilgrims for the annual Martyrs day pilgrimage on 3 June 2025, the Ministry of Health, with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and Malteser International, conducted a full-scale simulation exercise at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine to assess the country’s capacity to respond to mass casualty incidents during large public gatherings.

The simulation, organized in advance of the annual pilgrimage that is expected to attract thousands of worshippers, tested the draft national mass casualty Incident Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the national mass gathering management framework. The exercise brought together over 30 trained health workers, 20 police officers, 10 Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) personnel, and 50 volunteer role-players, simulating real-life emergencies, including a stampede.

“This exercise was done to assess the country's readiness to respond to mass casualty incidents using the SOPs, and I can confirm that we are ready,” said Dr Joseph Oumo, who represented the Commissioner for Health Services – Emergency Medical Services at the Ministry of Health. “We are working in partnership with Malteser International, Uganda Red Cross, WHO, and some health facilities to ensure safety for all.”

Participants included the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau, Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau, Uganda Red Cross Society, St John Ambulance, Emergency Care Society of Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda Police, Special Forces Command, and health facilities such as St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Uganda Martyrs Hospital Lubaga, Kira Health Centre IV, and Zia Angelina Health Centre.

The simulation featured lectures, tabletop drills, and live-action emergency response scenarios, helping agencies rehearse coordination, triage, and referral pathways. Key lessons centered on communication protocols, inter-agency coordination, triage and on scene emergency care, ambulance dispatch and patient transfer and handover to health facility teams.

“Mass casualty events can overwhelm routine emergency response systems,” noted Dr Annet Alenyo Ngabirano, Case Management Officer at WHO Uganda. “This simulation wasn’t just a drill – it was a commitment to strengthening the country’s emergency systems and saving lives. We commend the Ministry of Health for this leadership.”

WHO has been instrumental in supporting the development of Uganda’s emergency medical services and public health preparedness plans, working closely with local stakeholders to improve real-time coordination and decision-making in health crises.

From Malteser International Uganda, Dr Celine Jacobs, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator East Africa added, “We are proud to have co-facilitated the prehospital simulation team. Preparing for large-scale events like Martyrs Day is critical. These exercises build confidence, clarify roles, and ultimately save lives.”

As part of this year’s Martyrs day health precautions, pilgrims will undergo mpox screening before entering shrine premises. Over 200 medical personnel and 40 ambulances will be deployed at the Namugongo Anglican and Catholic shrines to serve both national and international pilgrims.

“This simulation has highlighted the importance of effective partnerships and collaborations between government, development partners, and emergency response agencies,” said Ministry of Health spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona. “We are not working in isolation. Our partners are key to ensuring health and safety at every level.”

With the simulation exercise concluded, attention now turns to ensuring the health infrastructure is fully prepared to accommodate the anticipated influx of pilgrims. The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to follow safety advisories and cooperate with health authorities during the pilgrimage period.