Uganda's public holidays mark faith, history and national heroes. Here is the list of gazetted public holidays and what each one celebrates. Religious holidays like Easter and Eid move each year, so check the official calendar.
Fixed public holidays
- 1 January, New Year's Day.
- 26 January, NRM Liberation Day: marks the 1986 takeover of government by the National Resistance Movement.
- 16 February, Archbishop Janani Luwum Day: remembers the Anglican archbishop killed in 1977.
- 8 March, International Women's Day.
- 1 May, Labour Day.
- 3 June, Uganda Martyrs Day: honours the Catholic and Anglican martyrs killed between 1885 and 1887. Millions gather at Namugongo.
- 9 June, National Heroes Day: honours Ugandans who contributed to the nation.
- 9 October, Independence Day: marks independence from Britain in 1962.
- 25 December, Christmas Day.
- 26 December, Boxing Day.
Moveable holidays
- Good Friday and Easter Monday
- Eid al-Fitr, at the end of Ramadan
- Eid al-Adha
Other declared holidays
Government sometimes declares additional public holidays, for example for general elections or national events. Follow official announcements.
Holidays and work
Under Uganda's employment laws, employees who work on a public holiday are generally entitled to extra pay or a day off in lieu. Check your contract and HR policy.
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