Today at the Uganda Media Centre, I briefed the nation on preparations for the commemoration of Uganda's 64th Independence Day Anniversary, scheduled for Friday, 9th October 2026.
The national celebrations will be held at State House, Entebbe, with H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to officiate, under the theme: "Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership."
The theme recognises the sacrifices of Uganda's Independence heroes and heroines as the foundation of the country's freedom.
Independence Day remains a gazetted public holiday observed annually on 9th October, commemorating Uganda's attainment of Independence in 1962.
The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the country's historical journey, honour the sacrifices of patriots, heroes and heroines, and celebrate the achievements registered since Independence.
Uganda's Independence was not achieved on a silver plate, but was the result of years of resistance, political mobilisation and sacrifice. Early resisters included Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro, who resisted attempts to annex Bunyoro to Egypt in 1872, and Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda, whose resistance included the Battle of Kabuwoko in Buddu in 1897.
The struggle was further advanced by political actors such as Semakula Mulumba, Maindi, Miti and James Kivu, alongside the establishment of Bataka Bwa Buganda in the late 1940s and the formation of the Uganda National Congress (UNC) in 1952 under the leadership of Ignatius Musazi.
These developments increased African participation in governance, including the expansion of the Legislative Council (LEGCO) in 1950 and 1958, while the return of the Kabaka of Buganda from exile in 1955 and the subsequent Namirembe Agreement marked further milestones towards self-government.
In accordance with the prevailing arrangements for national celebrations, the event will be conducted virtually, with only a limited number of invited dignitaries physically present. At least 30 VVIPs and a few religious leaders will attend 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 is in reference to the 8th Special Meeting held on 19th March 2026, under Minute 59 (CT 2026) 5(8), where Cabinet directed that celebrations of National and International Days be temporarily suspended with effect from Financial Year 2026/2027, and that funds allocated for such celebrations be repurposed towards other pressing government priorities.
Notwithstanding the directive, the 64th Independence Day Anniversary will be funded by State House and is being undertaken in accordance with the prevailing government arrangements.
Preparations are being coordinated by the National Organizing Committee (NOC) under the Office of the President through the relevant sub-committees. National Thanksgiving Prayers were conducted in all mosques on Friday, 2nd October, in all Seventh Day Adventist Churches on Saturday, 3rd October, and in all other churches on Sunday, 4th October 2026. I thank all Ugandans who participated.
Publicity and mobilisation activities are ongoing, including national and district-level television and radio talk shows, social media campaigns coordinated through the Uganda Media Centre, syndicated print articles, publicity by RDCs and RCCs on local radio stations, and live television coverage by UBC and selected private TV and radio stations.
Comprehensive security arrangements are in place. The Special Forces Command (SFC) will take overall responsibility for security at the venue, while the Uganda Police Force (UPF) will provide security along the routes and within the Kampala Metropolitan Area, supported by the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and the External Security Organisation (ESO).