Uganda will no longer rotate its Independence Day celebrations across various districts, with the annual national event now permanently stationed at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
The directive, issued by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, takes effect this year, beginning with Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations set for Thursday, October 9, 2025.
“From now on, Independence Day celebrations will be held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds,” Gen. Muhoozi announced during final parade rehearsals held ahead of the national event.
He clarified that while Independence Day will now be centralised, other national commemorations—such as Liberation Day and Tarehe Sita—will continue to rotate across regions in order to preserve inclusivity and promote national unity.
The decision marks a significant policy shift from previous years, where rotating Independence Day celebrations aimed to foster cohesion and equitable national visibility by involving local communities across the country.
Gen. Muhoozi, who inspected the joint security parade comprising UPDF, Uganda Police, Prisons, and Wildlife Authority personnel, commended the forces for their discipline and innovation in executing new parade drills.
“Drills build technical skill, cohesion, confidence, and teamwork,” he said, stressing that a flawless parade represents national values, pride, and order. “It is the very essence of military discipline and the backbone of our country.”
This year’s Independence Day will be celebrated under the theme:
“63 Years of Independence: A Reason to Double Our Efforts in Sustaining a United and Progressive Nation.”
