Uganda will on Friday, October 9, 2026, commemorate its 64th Independence Day Anniversary with national celebrations to be held at State House, Entebbe. The celebrations, under the theme “Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership,” will honour the sacrifices of Uganda’s independence heroes and heroines while providing an opportunity for Ugandans to reflect on the country’s journey since attaining self-rule in 1962.
Minister in charge of the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, said the celebrations are being organised to recognise the sacrifices made by Uganda’s patriots in the struggle for freedom and emphasise the importance of sovereignty, national unity, patriotism and visionary leadership in shaping the country’s future. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to officiate at the national celebrations.
Independence Day is a gazetted public holiday observed every October 9 to commemorate Uganda’s attainment of Independence from British colonial rule in 1962. Babalanda said the occasion should not only be viewed as a celebration but also as a moment for Ugandans to reflect on the historical struggles that preceded Independence, acknowledge the achievements registered over the years and renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and sovereign nation.
According to Babalanda, Uganda’s Independence was not achieved “on a silver plate,” but followed years of resistance, political mobilisation and sacrifice by Ugandans who challenged colonial domination. She cited Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro and Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda among the early resisters, noting their resistance to colonial expansion and attempts to annex Bunyoro to Egypt in 1872.
This year’s national celebrations will be conducted under prevailing government arrangements, with only a limited number of invited guests expected to physically attend the main event at State House, Entebbe. At least 30 VVIPs and a few religious leaders will attend the celebrations physically, while the rest of the country will participate virtually through the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and other national broadcasters.
Preparations for the celebrations are being coordinated by the National Organising Committee (NOC) under the Office of the President through various sub-committees. As part of the preparations, national thanksgiving prayers were held across the country ahead of the anniversary. Publicity and mobilisation activities have also been intensified ahead of the celebrations, including national and district-level television and radio talk shows and social media campaigns.
Comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the celebrations. The Special Forces Command (SFC) will take overall responsibility for security at State House, Entebbe, while the Uganda Police Force (UPF) will provide security along routes and within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Key points
- Uganda to commemorate 64th Independence Day Anniversary on October 9, 2026
- Celebrations to be largely virtual due to prevailing government arrangements
- National Organising Committee coordinates preparations for the celebrations
