In a new communication from the Chancellor’s office, the Archbishop has provided additional guidance for the 3rd June celebrations. The faithful who wish to receive Holy Communion on the tongue will not be denied – as long as it is done with high respect and hygiene.
In a letter, dated 1st June 2026 and addressed to all priests and the faithful of Kampala Archdiocese, comes as an addendum to earlier directives from the Liturgy Department regarding Ebola prevention measures.
Communion on the Tongue: Permitted, But With Care
The Archbishop recommends that Holy Communion be received by hand as a precaution. However, he adds:
“Communion should not be denied to those who wish to receive it on the tongue. This must be administered in a highly respectable and hygienic manner.”
For priests and extraordinary ministers, this means extra attention to hand hygiene and careful handling of the Blessed Sacrament when giving Communion on the tongue.
Liturgical Collection Directed to the Martyrs Guild
The Archbishop has also designated the entire liturgical collection for 3rd June 2026 to support the Martyrs Guild.
The funds will be shared as follows:
- 40% remains at the parish level.
- 30% goes to the Archdiocese Martyrs Guild (via the Diocesan Treasurer).
- 30% goes to the Secretariat at Nsambya (also via the Diocesan Treasurer).
Parishes are asked to ensure full compliance and timely remittance.
What This Means for the Faithful
If you are planning to receive Holy Communion on the tongue this Martyrs Day, you are free to do so. Parish Priests have been instructed to administer it with extra care and cleanliness.
If you prefer to receive by hand, that remains the recommended practice.
This addendum follows earlier guidance from the Liturgy Department, which introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all places of worship due to the Ebola outbreak. Those SOPs included handwashing, temperature checks, no handshakes, and distancing.
The new communication from the Chancellor’s office does not replace those SOPs. It adds two specific clarifications for the 3rd June celebrations.
Stay informed through your local parish and official Archdiocese communications. Further updates will be shared as the situation develops.