Uganda to Honour 20 Individuals During 64th Independence Celebrations

The Ugandan government has announced plans to honour 20 individuals during its 64th Independence Day celebrations on October 9, 2026. The celebrations will be held virtually at State House, and the proposed honourees will be recognised for their contribution to the country and service to the nation. This move is part of the country's tradition of recognising distinguished citizens during national celebrations.

The Secretary to the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, revealed that he will table a proposal to award the 20 individuals before Cabinet for consideration and approval. The proposal is expected to be presented on Monday, paving the way for the individuals to be formally recognised during the Independence Day celebrations. Kakande is responsible for overseeing preparations and logistical arrangements for major national events under the Office of the President.

The national awards presented during Independence Day celebrations are used to recognise Ugandans who have made notable contributions to public service, national development, and other areas of importance to the country. The selection and approval of recipients involve relevant government structures, including the Presidential Awards Committee, which considers individuals for different categories of national recognition.

In 2025, a total of 23 individuals were honoured with national awards during the 63rd Independence Day celebrations, highlighting the selective nature of the presidential recognition programme. The proposed 20 recipients for this year's celebrations will continue the tradition of recognising a relatively limited number of distinguished citizens during the country's national celebrations.

As preparations for the 2026 celebrations continue, Kakande's proposed list will have to go through the relevant government approval processes before the recipients are officially confirmed. The Office of the President plays a central role in coordinating preparations for national events, working with government officials and local authorities to ensure that arrangements are completed ahead of the celebrations.

The annual Independence Day celebrations provide an opportunity for the country to reflect on Uganda's journey since gaining independence on October 9, 1962, while also recognising individuals whose service and contributions are considered significant to the nation. If approved by Cabinet, the 20 proposed recipients will join the list of Ugandans who have received presidential recognition for their service to the country.

Further details, including the names of the proposed award recipients and the specific categories of awards they will receive, are expected to be made public after the necessary government approval processes are completed. The Ugandan government has a history of recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the country's development and progress.

Key points

• Twenty individuals are proposed to receive national awards during Uganda's 64th Independence Day celebrations.
• The awards will be presented virtually at State House on October 9, 2026.
• The selection of recipients involves relevant government structures, including the Presidential Awards Committee.