Public Holidays in Uganda 2026 – National & Public Holidays
Uganda observes a number of public holidays each year that reflect its religious diversity, historical events, and national identity. These holidays include Christian observances, Muslim festivals, and national commemorations.
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Overview of Public Holidays in Uganda
Uganda’s public holidays include fixed national days and movable religious festivals observed by Christian and Muslim communities. Holidays falling on weekends are generally observed on the same calendar date rather than shifted. Government offices, schools, and most businesses close nationwide.
List of Public Holidays in Uganda (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Marks the start of the Gregorian year. |
| NRM Liberation Day | January 26 | Monday | Commemorates the 1986 NRM takeover. |
| Archbishop Janani Luwum Day | February 16 | Monday | Honors Archbishop Janani Luwum. |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Sunday | Recognizes women’s rights and achievements. |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)* | March 20 | Friday | Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan. |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Christian observance of the crucifixion of Jesus. |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Monday | Observed the day after Easter Sunday. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Uganda Martyrs’ Day | June 3 | Wednesday | Honors the Christian martyrs of Uganda. |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)* | May 27 | Wednesday | Muslim festival of sacrifice. |
| National Heroes’ Day | June 9 | Tuesday | Honors national heroes of the Bush War. |
| Independence Day | October 9 | Friday | Marks independence from the UK in 1962. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Saturday | Public holiday following Christmas. |
*Islamic holiday dates are based on the Hijri lunar calendar and may vary slightly depending on official moon-sighting announcements.
List of Public Holidays in Uganda (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Marks the start of the Gregorian year. |
| NRM Liberation Day | January 26 | Sunday | Commemorates the 1986 takeover. |
| Archbishop Janani Luwum Day | February 16 | Sunday | Honors Archbishop Janani Luwum. |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Saturday | Recognizes women’s contributions. |
| Eid al-Fitr* | March 30 | Sunday | End of Ramadan. |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Christian observance. |
| Easter Monday | April 21 | Monday | Post-Easter holiday. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Uganda Martyrs’ Day | June 3 | Tuesday | Commemorates Christian martyrs. |
| Eid al-Adha* | June 6 | Friday | Muslim festival of sacrifice. |
| National Heroes’ Day | June 9 | Monday | Honors national heroes. |
| Independence Day | October 9 | Thursday | Independence from the UK. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Birth of Jesus Christ. |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Friday | Holiday after Christmas. |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Uganda’s holidays reflect its Christian heritage and Muslim community, alongside major national milestones. Christian observances such as Good Friday and Easter are widely marked, while Muslim festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are nationally recognized. Political history is remembered through Liberation Day, Janani Luwum Day, and Independence Day.
Public Observances and Closures
Most government offices, schools, and financial institutions close on public holidays. Because Islamic holidays depend on lunar observation, exact dates are usually confirmed close to the holiday. Uganda does not generally apply substitute weekdays for holidays falling on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Uganda have in 2026?
Uganda is expected to observe about 14 official public holidays in 2026.
Why do some holiday dates change every year?
Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow the lunar Hijri calendar, causing their Gregorian dates to shift annually.
Conclusion
Uganda’s public holidays reflect a balance of faith, history, and national pride. From Easter and Eid to Liberation and Independence Days, each holiday offers Ugandans time for remembrance, worship, and national reflection.
