Uganda Public Holidays
Uganda observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Browse Uganda holidays by year
Choose a year to see the complete public holiday calendar and planning details.
2026 holidays
A quick look at public holidays in Uganda.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year |
| Jan 26 | Monday | Liberation Day |
| Feb 16 | Monday | Remembrance of Archbishop Janani Luwum |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Ramadan Start |
| Mar 8 | Sunday | International Women's Day |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 10 | Sunday | Mother's Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha |
| Jun 3 | Wednesday | Martyrs' Day |
| Jun 9 | Tuesday | National Heroes Day |
About public holidays in Uganda
Uganda observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Use the year pages above to see the full holiday calendar.
About public holidays in Uganda
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Uganda for 2026. Our site organizes holidays by country, offering a comprehensive look at national observances and traditions. For a detailed explanation of what constitutes a public holiday, please refer to our Public Holidays Explained page.
Explore the full list of Ugandan holidays for 2026, including specific dates and details, on our Uganda Public Holidays 2026 page.
Major public holidays in 2026
Uganda observes a variety of public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural and historical significance. Key observances in 2026 include:
Many other holidays are observed in Uganda, including religious festivals whose dates can vary. For a complete listing, please visit the Uganda Public Holidays 2026 page.
- New Year — 1 January 2026. A global celebration marking the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Liberation Day — 26 January 2026. Commemorates the end of the Ugandan Bush War in 1986.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. A solemn observance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Easter Monday — 6 April 2026. Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Labour Day — 1 May 2026. Honors the contributions of workers.
- Independence Day — 9 October 2026. Marks Uganda's independence from British rule in 1962.
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026. A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.
- Boxing Day — 26 December 2026. Traditionally a day for giving gifts to the less fortunate.
Planning around holidays
Public holidays in Uganda often fall on fixed dates, but some religious observances, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are determined by the lunar calendar and may shift annually. It's advisable to check the specific dates for these holidays in your chosen year.
- Seasonal Patterns: Many holidays are clustered around significant religious periods like Easter and Ramadan, or national commemorations. Check your chosen year for specific date alignments.
- Fixed Dates: Holidays like New Year's Day, Christmas, and Independence Day occur on the same date each year, making them predictable for planning.
- Lunar Calendar Influence: Islamic holidays shift annually based on the sighting of the moon, so always verify these dates for your travel or planning.
- Equinoxes and Solstices: While observed, these astronomical events typically do not affect business operations or public services.
- Variable Dates: Some holidays, like Mother's Day and Father's Day, are celebrated on specific days of the week within a particular month, leading to slight date variations year to year.
Plan Your Year Around UG Holidays
View Uganda holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.