Uganda's 64th Independence Day celebrations will take place at State House in Entebbe on October 9, 2026. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is set to officiate the event. The celebrations will be conducted virtually, with only a limited number of invited dignitaries attending in person. This decision was announced by Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.
According to Minister Babalanda, at least 30 Very Very Important Persons (VVIPs) and a few religious leaders will physically attend the event at State House, Entebbe. The rest of the country will follow the celebrations and the President's message through the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and other national broadcasters. This year's theme, "Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership," recognizes the sacrifices of Uganda's heroes and heroines who fought for independence.
The National Organising Committee (NOC), under the Office of the President, is coordinating activities for the anniversary through various sub-committees. Preparations for the celebrations are progressing well, according to Babalanda. The minister noted that Independence Day is a gazetted public holiday observed annually to commemorate Uganda's attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1962.
Despite a directive from Cabinet to temporarily suspend celebrations of National and International Days, the 64th Independence Day celebrations will proceed as planned. The event will be fully funded by State House in accordance with prevailing government arrangements. A detailed synopsis aligned to the theme has been prepared to guide publicity and mobilisation through Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Chairpersons, and Chief Administrative Officers.
Minister Babalanda emphasized that Independence Day is more than a ceremonial event, providing an opportunity for Ugandans to honour those who sacrificed for the country's freedom, reflect on the nation's historical journey, and celebrate achievements registered since independence. She described the occasion as a moment for national reflection, an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of forebearers, and to celebrate the achievements of Uganda's sovereign Republic.
Uganda's independence was achieved through years of resistance, political mobilisation, and sacrifice, rather than being handed to the country on a silver plate. Early resistance figures, such as Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro, played a significant role in the fight for independence. Babalanda's statement highlights the importance of remembering and honouring these individuals who contributed to Uganda's liberation.
The 64th Independence Day celebrations will serve as a reminder of Uganda's journey towards independence and the leadership required to secure its future. As the country commemorates this significant milestone, Ugandans are encouraged to reflect on their nation's history and celebrate its achievements. The event will be a celebration of Uganda's sovereignty and its people's resilience in the face of adversity.
Key points
- Only 30 VVIPs to attend Uganda's 64th Independence Day celebrations at State House.
- The event will be conducted virtually, with the rest of the country following through national broadcasters.
- This year's theme is "Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership".
