Public holidays play a crucial role in national life, and Uganda public holidays 2026 are no exception. For citizens, these days commemorate faith, history, and national identity. For employers and businesses, they determine work schedules, payroll planning, and compliance with labor laws. Schools rely on the holiday calendar to structure academic terms, while travelers and tour operators use it to plan peak and off-peak seasons.
In 2026, Uganda’s public holidays reflect the country’s religious diversity, political history, and cultural heritage. Understanding the full Uganda holiday calendar 2026 helps individuals and organizations plan ahead, avoid disruptions, and make the most of long weekends.
This in-depth guide provides a complete, accurate, and practical overview of Uganda national holidays, including dates, explanations, FAQs, and planning tips structured to answer real user questions and support informed decision-making.
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What are the public holidays in Uganda in 2026?
Uganda public holidays in 2026 include:
- New Year’s Day
- NRM Liberation Day
- Archbishop Janani Luwum Day
- Women’s Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Labour Day
- Eid al-Fitr (moon-sighted)
- Martyrs’ Day
- National Heroes’ Day
- Eid al-Adha (moon-sighted)
- Independence Day
- Christmas Day
These holidays are observed nationwide, with Islamic holidays officially confirmed after moon sighting.
Comprehensive Uganda Public Holiday Table (2026)
Uganda public holidays 2026
| Date (2026) | Day | Holiday Name | Regions Observed |
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Nationwide |
| January 26 | Monday | NRM Liberation Day | Nationwide |
| February 16 | Monday | Archbishop Janani Luwum Day | Nationwide |
| March 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day | Nationwide |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Nationwide |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday | Nationwide |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | Nationwide |
| Approx. May | — | Eid al-Fitr | Nationwide |
| June 3 | Wednesday | Martyrs’ Day | Nationwide |
| June 9 | Tuesday | National Heroes’ Day | Nationwide |
| Approx. July | — | Eid al-Adha | Nationwide |
| October 9 | Friday | Independence Day | Nationwide |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Nationwide |
Note: Islamic holidays depend on lunar observation and are officially announced by Ugandan authorities.
Detailed Holiday Breakdown
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026
- Type: Civil holiday
- Background: Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Observance: Nationwide
- Impact:
- Government offices, banks, and schools closed
- Major travel and social celebrations
NRM Liberation Day – January 26, 2026
- Type: National historical holiday
- Background: Commemorates the 1986 victory of the National Resistance Movement.
- Observance: Nationwide
- Impact:
- Public ceremonies and political events
- Government offices closed
Archbishop Janani Luwum Day –February 16, 2026
- Type: National memorial holiday
- Background: Honors Archbishop Janani Luwum, assassinated in 1977.
- Religious Significance: Christian
- Impact:
- Public remembrance events
- Schools and offices closed
International Women’s Day – March 8, 2026 (Sunday)
- Type: Social and cultural holiday
- Background: Celebrates women’s achievements and gender equality.
- Impact:
- Public events may shift to Monday
- Government offices typically closed
Good Friday – April 3, 2026
- Type: Christian religious holiday
- Background: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Impact:
- Nationwide closure of schools and banks
- Religious services held countrywide
Easter Monday – April 6, 2026
- Type: Christian holiday
- Background: Celebrates the resurrection of Christ.
- Impact:
- Long weekend for businesses and families
- Tourism activity often increases
Labour Day – May 1, 2026
- Type: International labor holiday
- Background: Honors workers’ rights and contributions.
- Impact:
- Public rallies and union events
- Banks and offices closed
Eid al-Fitr – Date determined by moon sighting
- Type: Islamic religious holiday
- Background: Marks the end of Ramadan fasting.
- Observance: Nationwide
- Impact:
- Official holiday once announced
- Businesses may close temporarily
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Martyrs’ Day – June 3, 2026
- Type: National religious holiday
- Background: Honors Ugandan martyrs executed between 1885–1887.
- Impact:
- Major pilgrimage to Namugongo
- Government offices closed
National Heroes’ Day – June 9, 2026
- Type: National holiday
- Background: Recognizes individuals who contributed to national development.
- Impact:
- Public ceremonies
- Schools and offices closed
Eid al-Adha – Date determined by moon sighting
- Type: Islamic religious holiday
- Background: Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion.
- Impact:
- Nationwide observance
- Temporary business closures in some sectors
Independence Day – October 9, 2026
- Type: National holiday
- Background: Marks Uganda’s independence in 1962.
- Impact:
- Parades and national celebrations
- Government and schools closed
Christmas Day – December 25, 2026
- Type: Christian religious holiday
- Background: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Impact:
- Nationwide closure of banks and offices
- Peak travel and family gatherings
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FAQs (People Also Ask)
What are the official Uganda public holidays in 2026?
Uganda’s official public holidays in 2026 include New Year’s Day, Liberation Day, Janani Luwum Day, Women’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Eid al-Fitr, Martyrs’ Day, Heroes’ Day, Eid al-Adha, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.
How many public holidays does Uganda have in 2026?
Uganda has 13 official public holidays in 2026, subject to confirmation of Islamic holidays by moon sighting.
Which Uganda public holidays fall on weekends in 2026?
International Women’s Day falls on a Sunday in 2026. Authorities may announce an alternative weekday observance.
Are Islamic holidays fixed or moon-sighted in Uganda?
Islamic holidays in Uganda are moon-sighted, meaning dates vary and are officially announced by the government.
Do public holidays shift if they fall on a Sunday?
Uganda may observe a substitute public holiday on the following weekday, depending on government announcements.
Sources & Citations
- Uganda Ministry of Public Service – official holiday declarations
- Government of Uganda Gazette – public holiday notices
- Reputable national newspapers and calendar references
- International religious calendar authorities
(Citations should be checked against official announcements closer to 2026 for confirmation.)
Conclusion
Understanding Uganda public holidays 2026 is essential for effective planning whether you are an employer managing schedules, a school organizing terms, or a traveler arranging trips. With 13 nationally recognized holidays reflecting Uganda’s religious diversity and historical milestones, early awareness helps prevent disruption and maximize opportunities.
For best results, always confirm Islamic holiday dates once officially announced, and watch for substitute holiday notices when dates fall on weekends. With this guide, you are fully equipped to plan confidently throughout 2026.
