Uganda Calendar with Holidays 2026 — In 2026, Uganda observes 14 national public holidays that mix civil pride, religious adherence, and historical remembrance. The year starts with New Year’s Day on January 1, followed by NRM Liberation Day (National Liberation Day) on January 26, which overthrows the previous regime. On 16 February, Archbishop Janani Luwum Day pays tribute to the leader of the Shaheed Church. March 8 brings International Women’s Day, followed by Eid al-Fitr, the religious festival, around March 20, marking the end of Ramadan.
Uganda Calendar with Holidays 2026
The Easter period includes Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6), celebrating Christian traditions. On May 1, Labor Day recognizes the contribution of workers, while Eid al-Adha comes half on May 27 as another major Islamic festival. On June 3, along with Martyr’s Day, it respects both the religious and patriotic heritage of the country, remembering the day of the fallen missionaries and national heroes, recognizing those who sacrificed for the liberation of the country.
Independence Day on 9 October celebrates independence from the colonial rule of Uganda. The year ends on December 25 with Christmas Day and Boxing Day on December 26, which provides time for reflection and family reunion. These holidays punctuate the year in Uganda with moments for remembrance, cultural celebration, and national unity.
Uganda Holiday Calendar 2026
Uganda Holidays 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 26 | Monday | Liberation Day (NRM) |
| Feb 16 | Monday | Archbishop Janani Luwum Day |
| Mar 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al‑Fitr (tentative) |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al‑Adha (tentative) |
| June 3 | Wednesday | Martyrs’ Day |
| Jun 9 | Tuesday | National Heroes’ Day |
| Oct 9 | Friday | Independence Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day |
- New Year’s Day—JAN1: The Gregorian calendar marks the beginning of the year.
- Liberation Day—Jan 26: Remember the acquisition of NRM in 1986.
- Archbishop Janani Luwum Day—February 16: The martyr is honored.
- International Women’s Day—Mar 8: Celebrates women’s contributions and rights.
- Eid AL-FITR—Mar 20: Marks the end of Ramadan with prayer and feast.
- Good Friday—April 3: Christian observation of Jesus’ cross.
- Easter Monday—April 6: Easter follows as a Christian holiday on Sunday.
- Labor Day—May 1: Recognizes the contribution of workers.
- Eid al-Adha—May 27: The festival of sacrifice, remembering Ibrahim’s devotion.
- Martyr’s Day—June 3: Uganda, which was martyred in 1886, respects the martyrs.
- National Heroes Day—June 9: A tribute to the freedom heroes of Uganda.
- Independence Day—October 9 :celebrates freedom from British rule.
- Christmas Day—DEC25: Christian festival of the birth of Jesus.
- Boxing Day—Dec 26: Christmas follows as an official holiday.
Uganda 2026 Calendar FAQs
1. How many public holidays are there in Uganda in 2026?
Uganda officially recognizes 14 public holidays in 2026.
2.What is NRM Liberation Day?
Celebrated on 26 January, it remembers the power occupying the National Resistance Movement in 1986.
3. Who is remembered on 16 February?
Archbishop Janani Luwum Day honors the Anglican archbishop murdered in 1977; it’s been a national holiday since 2016.
4.When is Uganda’s Independence Day?
Celebrated on October 9 in 1962, marking freedom from the UK
5. Are Islamic holidays fixed or temporary?
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are based on the lunar calendar and can be shifted based on the moon’s philosophy; Mar 20 and May 27 are temporary.