Uganda will mark its 64th Independence Day anniversary on Friday, October 9, 2026, with national celebrations scheduled to take place at State House, Entebbe, in a largely virtual format.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda announced the arrangements on Tuesday during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on preparations for the celebrations.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to officiate at the event, which will be held under the theme, “Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership.”
Babalanda said the theme honours the sacrifices of Uganda’s independence heroes and heroines while providing an opportunity for Ugandans to reflect on the country’s journey since independence in 1962.
Unlike previous national celebrations that attracted large crowds, this year’s event will have limited physical attendance. About 30 VVIPs and a few religious leaders are expected to attend at State House, Entebbe, while the wider public will follow the proceedings through television, radio and other national broadcasting platforms.
“The national celebrations will be held at State House, Entebbe, with H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to officiate,” Babalanda said.
She added that the President’s message and the proceedings would be broadcast by the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and other national broadcasters.
The celebrations come despite a Cabinet directive issued in March 2026 to temporarily suspend celebrations of national and international days and redirect funds allocated to such events towards other government priorities.
Babalanda said the Independence Day celebrations would instead be financed by State House and conducted in accordance with prevailing government arrangements.
Preparations are being coordinated by the National Organising Committee under the Office of the President through various sub-committees.
As part of the preparations, national thanksgiving prayers were held last week across different faith communities. Prayers were conducted in mosques on October 2, Seventh Day Adventist churches on October 3 and other churches on October 4.
Publicity and mobilisation activities are also underway through television and radio talk shows, social media campaigns, syndicated print articles and mobilisation by Resident District Commissioners and Resident City Commissioners.
Security preparations have also been put in place. The Special Forces Command will take overall responsibility for security at State House, while the Uganda Police Force will provide security along routes and within the Kampala Metropolitan Area, with support from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and External Security Organisation (ESO).
The 64th Independence Day celebrations will mark 64 years since Uganda gained independence from British colonial rule in 1962.
