International Women's Day

International Women's Day in Uganda connects the global March 8 movement for women's political, social and economic equality with Ugandan organising and policy. State House records the country's first official celebration in 1984. Subsequent constitutional reforms, reserved parliamentary seats and women's civil-society work changed participation, while unequal access to land, paid work, education, health care and freedom from gender-based violence remain central concerns.

The holiday is more than a generic celebration or a claim that equality has been achieved. National themes focus public programmes on current issues; in 2026 the theme concerned investment in access to justice, and the government launched action plans addressing gender-based violence, climate equality and female genital mutilation. Women's experiences differ by age, disability, livelihood, region and household, so official achievements and continuing criticism both belong in the account.

International Women's Day is expressly listed in Schedule 2 of Uganda's Public Holidays Act and is therefore a nationwide public holiday. The Act contains no rule moving a Saturday or Sunday holiday to Monday: the calendar date remains the legal holiday unless the President separately declares another day under section 2(2). Covered employees receive ordinary full remuneration; holiday work attracts additional pay or paid leave in lieu under the Public Holidays Act and Employment Act, subject to those Acts' conditions.