Uganda holiday calendar

Public holidays in Uganda 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Uganda public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.

Public holidays
17
Regional dates
0
Observances
1
Substitute dates
0

How public holidays work in Uganda

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Uganda calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.

No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. January is the busiest month, with 4 listed dates.

Uganda holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 18 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Uganda for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year's DayUganda's January 1 statutory public holiday opening the Gregorian civil year. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of New Year's Day in Uganda.Public holiday—
Election Day HolidayThe first of two specially declared 2026 holidays for presidential and parliamentary voting.Public holiday—
Election HolidayThe second day of Uganda's specially declared two-day 2026 election holiday. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Election Holiday in Uganda.Public holiday—
NRM Liberation DayThe January 26 official holiday commemorating the NRA/NRM capture of Kampala in 1986.Public holiday—
Archbishop Janani Luwum DayUganda's February 16 statutory remembrance of the Anglican archbishop killed under Idi Amin.Public holiday—
International Women's DayUganda's March 8 statutory public holiday focused on women's rights, work and public participation.Public holiday—
Eid al-FitrUganda's confirmed 2026 statutory holiday ending the Ramadan fast on March 20.Public holiday—
Good FridayUganda's statutory Christian holiday on the Friday before Western Easter. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Good Friday in Uganda.Public holiday—
Easter MondayUganda's statutory public holiday on the day after Western Easter Sunday. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Easter Monday in Uganda.Public holiday—
Labour DayUganda's May 1 statutory holiday for workers, labour rights and decent employment.Public holiday—
Presidential Swearing-In HolidayThe specially gazetted May 12, 2026 holiday for Uganda's presidential inauguration. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Presidential Swearing-In Holiday in Uganda.Public holiday—
Eid al-AdhaUganda's confirmed 2026 statutory holiday for the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice on May 27.Public holiday—
Uganda Martyrs' DayUganda's June 3 statutory holiday remembering Catholic and Anglican martyrs killed in Buganda.Public holiday—
National Heroes DayUganda's June 9 statutory holiday for recognised national service and sacrifice. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of National Heroes Day in Uganda.Public holiday—
MawlidThe August 25, 2026 national Muslim commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birth, without a general public-holiday closure.Cultural observance—
Independence DayUganda's October 9 statutory holiday marking independence from British rule in 1962.Public holiday—
Christmas DayUganda's December 25 statutory public holiday for Christmas. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Christmas Day in Uganda.Public holiday—
Boxing DayUganda's December 26 statutory holiday extending the Christmas period. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Boxing Day in Uganda.Public holiday—

Sources for Uganda holidays

Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.