Government has announced that beginning in the 2026/27 financial year, public funds will no longer be used to organize celebrations for national public holidays, including Women’s Day, Labour Day, and Independence Day.
The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, said the decision is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to rationalize expenditure and ensure that public resources are directed toward key national development priorities.
“Effective next financial year, government will not spend money on organizing public functions, including Women’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, and other celebrations. Funds will only be allocated to a few religious functions,” Dr. Ggoobi said.
He added that President Yoweri Museveni will instead address the nation on important occasions through radio and television broadcasts from State House.
According to Ggoobi, the funds saved from organizing these celebrations will be redirected to support priority government programs, including Agriculture Transformation and Modernization (ATM) initiatives and other strategic development interventions.
The move forms part of a broader government agenda aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, improving efficiency in public spending, and ensuring that resources are invested in programs that have a direct impact on the livelihoods of Ugandans.
