KAMPALA — Uganda’s 64th Independence Day celebrations will be held at State House, Entebbe, on Friday, October 9, 2026, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to officiate, Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda has announced.
Briefing the media at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Babalanda said the celebrations will be conducted virtually, with only a limited number of invited dignitaries physically attending the event at State House.
“The event will be conducted under a virtual arrangement, with only a limited number of invited dignitaries physically attending at the venue,” she said.
At least 30 VVIPs and a few religious leaders will be physically present at State House, Entebbe, while 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 celebrations will be held under the theme: “Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership.” According to Babalanda, preparations for the anniversary are progressing well, with the National Organising Committee (NOC), under the Office of the President, coordinating activities through various sub-committees.
The minister noted that this year’s theme recognises the sacrifices of Uganda’s heroes and heroines who laid the foundation for the country’s independence, while also calling upon Ugandans to reflect on the country’s journey and the leadership required to secure its future.
The minister said Independence Day remains a gazetted public holiday observed annually to commemorate Uganda’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1962. As such, it will be fully funded by State House in accordance with prevailing government arrangements.
To create the necessary awareness for the day, a detailed synopsis aligned with the theme was prepared and is being used to guide publicity and mobilisation through Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), district chairpersons and chief administrative officers.
Babalanda explained that although Cabinet, at its 8th Special Meeting held on March 19, 2026, directed that celebrations of national and international days be temporarily suspended from the 2026/2027 financial year and funds previously allocated to such activities be redirected to other government priorities, the 64th Independence Day celebrations will proceed.
She described the occasion as more than a ceremonial event, saying it provides 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.
“Independence Day Anniversary is therefore not merely ceremonial. It is a moment for national reflection, an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of our forebearers and to celebrate the achievements of our sovereign Republic,” she said.
Babalanda noted that Uganda’s independence was achieved through years of resistance, political mobilisation and sacrifice, rather than being handed to the country on a silver platter.
She cited early resistance figures such as Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro and Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda, alongside political actors including Ignatius Musazi, Semakula Mulumba, Maindi, Miti and James Kivu.
She said the formation of the Bataka Bwa Buganda in the late 1940s and the Uganda National Congress (UNC) in 1952 under Musazi strengthened African political mobilisation and increased participation in governance.
The expansion of the Legislative Council in 1950 and 1958, the return of the Kabaka of Buganda from exile in 1955 and the Namirembe Agreement were among the milestones that advanced Uganda’s journey towards self-government.
Motions demanding independence in the Legislative Council eventually paved the way for internal self-government in 1961, general elections in April 1962 and, ultimately, independence on October 9, 1962.
Babalanda said this year’s anniversary should therefore be used to strengthen national unity, patriotism and national identity while renewing commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and sovereign Uganda.
Preparatory activities have included National Thanksgiving Prayers conducted across the country. Prayers were held in mosques on Friday, October 2, in Seventh-day Adventist churches on Saturday, October 3, and in other churches on Sunday, October 4.
The minister thanked religious leaders and Ugandans who participated in the thanksgiving prayers.
She said publicity and mobilisation campaigns are also ongoing through national and district-level television and radio talk shows, social media, syndicated newspaper articles, and mobilisation by RDCs and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) on local radio stations.
UBC and selected private broadcasters will provide live coverage of the celebrations.
To secure the function, security arrangements have also been finalised, with the Special Forces Command (SFC) given overall responsibility for security at State House. Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force will secure routes and the Kampala Metropolitan Area, supported by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and External Security Organisation (ESO).
Babalanda called upon members of the public to cooperate with security agencies and comply with security and traffic guidelines during the celebrations.
She added that protocol and seating arrangements will follow the National Order of Precedence and that an official programme booklet has been prepared.
As part of the celebrations, President Museveni is expected to confer National Honours and Awards on 20 outstanding Ugandans in various categories.
Babalanda assured Ugandans that preparations for the anniversary are on course and called upon citizens to participate meaningfully in the celebrations.
“I wish to assure the country that preparations for the 64th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations are on course. I call upon all Ugandans to participate meaningfully and to use the occasion to reflect on Uganda’s journey since Independence, celebrate achievements and renew our commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and sovereign Uganda,” she said.
She urged Ugandans to mark the anniversary with patriotism, unity and pride in Uganda’s sovereignty.
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