Uganda is gearing up for a unique national milestone as preparations reach fever pitch for the 64th Independence Day celebrations, slated to take place at State House, Entebbe, on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda announced that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to officiate the national event, which will be marked under a distinctly virtual arrangement.
Addressing the media at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Babalanda outlined that public participation will be channeled primarily through national broadcasts to accommodate the streamlined format.
“The event will be conducted under a virtual arrangement; with only a limited number of invited Dignitaries physically attending at the Venue,” she said.
Under the planned setup, at least 30 VVIPs alongside a select group of religious leaders will be physically present at State House, while the rest of the country tunes in via the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and other national broadcasters.
This year’s national day will be commemorated under the theme “Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership”.
According to the minister, preparations are progressing smoothly under the stewardship of the National Organising Committee (NOC) based in the Office of the President, which has been coordinating various sub-committees.
The chosen theme pays glowing tribute to the sacrifices of Uganda’s historical heroes and heroines who laid the firm foundation for the nation’s independence.
It also serves as a clarion call for citizens to deeply reflect on the country’s arduous journey and the visionary leadership required to secure its prosperous future.
As a gazetted public holiday rooted in the historic attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1962, the event will be fully funded by State House in alignment with current government financing arrangements.
To drive grassroots awareness, a comprehensive synopsis aligned with the theme has been dispatched to guide publicity and mobilization efforts spearheaded by Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Chairpersons, and Chief Administrative Officers.
The decision to scale down physical attendance follows a directive issued by Cabinet during its 8th Special Meeting on March 19, 2026, which temporarily suspended large-scale celebrations of national and international days starting from the 2026/2027 financial year to redirect funds to other pressing government priorities.
Despite these budgetary adjustments, the 64th Independence Day celebrations will proceed seamlessly.
Babalanda emphasized that the anniversary is far from a mere ceremonial routine.
“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.
Reflecting on history, the minister noted that Uganda’s freedom was hard-fought through years of dedicated resistance, robust political mobilization, and immense sacrifice rather than being handed over on a silver platter.
She paid homage to early resistance icons such as Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro and Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda, alongside prominent political actors including Ignatius Musazi, Semakula Mulumba, Maindi, Miti, and James Kivu.
The political landscape was further shaped by the formation of the Bataka Bwa Buganda in the late 1940s and the Uganda National Congress (UNC) in 1952 under Musazi, which significantly bolstered African political mobilization and governance participation.
Additional milestones on the road to self-governance included the expansion of the Legislative Council in 1950 and 1958, the historic return of the Kabaka of Buganda from exile in 1955, and the signing of the Namirembe Agreement.
Intense debates and motions demanding independence within the Legislative Council ultimately cleared the path for internal self-governance in 1961, general elections in April 1962, and the ultimate dawn of independence on October 9, 1962.
Babalanda noted that this rich history should inspire citizens to strengthen national unity, deepen patriotism, and renew their shared commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and sovereign Uganda.
Spiritual observances have already set a reflective tone across the country through National Thanksgiving Prayers.
Mosques hosted prayers on Friday, October 2, followed by Seventh-day Adventist churches on Saturday, October 3, and mainstream churches on Sunday, October 4.
The minister extended her heartfelt gratitude to religious leaders and all Ugandans who actively participated in the thanksgiving services.
Publicity campaigns are currently active across multiple platforms, featuring television and radio talk shows, social media engagement, syndicated newspaper articles, and mobilization drives led by RDCs and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs).
Live television and radio coverage will be provided by UBC alongside selected private broadcasters.
On the security front, robust measures have been finalized to guarantee a secure environment for the proceedings.
The Special Forces Command (SFC) has been assigned overall responsibility for security at the State House venue.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force will manage traffic and secure routes within the Kampala Metropolitan Area, backed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), and the External Security Organisation (ESO).
Members of the public have been urged to cooperate fully with security personnel and strictly adhere to traffic guidelines throughout the celebrations.
Protocol and seating arrangements will strictly observe the National Order of Precedence, supported by a formally prepared official programme booklet.
As a traditional highlight of the national day, President Museveni is expected to confer prestigious National Honours and Awards upon 20 outstanding Ugandans across various distinguished categories.
Reiterating her confidence in the ongoing arrangements, Babalanda called upon all citizens to embrace the spirit of the day.
“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 concluded by urging Ugandans to mark the anniversary with deep-seated patriotism, unwavering unity, and immense pride in the nation’s enduring sovereignty
