Uganda, a country with a vibrant culture, deep roots, and ties with its neighbors, boasts natural resources that are a sight to see. Many tourists come to Uganda by air or land. Since its independence in 1962, Uganda has had many national holidays; 15 in total.
Public holidays in the nation are influenced by religion(s), culture, and social affairs. The Lunar Cycle is required in the creation of the holidays. Due to the diversity in culture, religion, and social life, the country celebrates public holidays differently. However, the government recognizes typical holidays; businesses close down as celebration resume in homes, social centers, and restaurants.
The office of the president possesses the power to create and change the public holiday. The employers acknowledge these holidays regardless of the day they occur. The staff gets to spend the holiday with the family and get a full paid day off from work. Some holidays are a day-long, while others can last up to two weeks.
If an employee has to work, such as doctors and nurses, the organization or company has to compensate them for that day and offer an extra day off in that week or add them to their annual leave. In Uganda, elections are considered national holidays.
HISTORY OF HEROES DAY: During Obote II regime the day was celebrated on 27th May
Upcoming Holidays
Here are the next National holidays in Uganda:
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- Christmas Day: Dec 25
- Boxing Day: Dec 26
List of Holidays In Uganda 2025
The following table shows the list of 2025 public holidays declared in Uganda which includes federal, regional government holidays and popular observances.
| Date | Holiday Name | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Jan 1 | New Year | Public Holiday |
| Sun, Jan 26 | Liberation Day | Public Holiday |
| Sun, Feb 16 | Remembrance of Archbishop Janani Luwum | Public Holiday |
| Sat, Mar 1 | Ramadan Start (tentative) | Public Holiday |
| Sat, Mar 8 | International Women's Day | Public Holiday |
| Mon, Mar 31 | Eid al-Fitr (tentative) | Public Holiday |
| Fri, Apr 18 | Good Friday | Public Holiday |
| Sun, Apr 20 | Easter Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Mon, Apr 21 | Easter Monday | Public Holiday |
| Thu, May 1 | Labour Day | Public Holiday |
| Sun, May 11 | Mother's Day | Public Holiday |
| Tue, Jun 3 | Martyr's Day | Public Holiday |
| Sat, Jun 7 | Eid al-Adha (tentative) | Public Holiday |
| Mon, Jun 9 | National Heroes Day | Public Holiday |
| Sat, Jun 21 | Father's Day | Public Holiday |
| Thu, Oct 9 | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| Thu, Dec 25 | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
| Fri, Dec 26 | Boxing Day | Public Holiday |
Key National Holidays: Government Holiday
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