STATE HOUSE TO HOST INDEPENDENCE FETE! Museveni to Preside, 20 to Get National Honours

By Evans Najuna

KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside over Uganda’s 64th Independence Day celebrations on Friday, October 9, 2026, at State House, Entebbe, as the country marks 64 years since gaining independence from British colonial rule.

The celebrations will be held under the theme, “Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership,” Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda announced on Tuesday during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.

Babalanda said the national celebrations will be conducted under a virtual arrangement, with only a limited number of invited dignitaries physically attending the event at State House.

“At least 30 VVIPs and a few religious leaders will be physically present at State House, Entebbe, while the rest of the country will follow the celebrations and the President’s message through Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and other national broadcasters,” she said.

The minister said the 64th anniversary provides an opportunity for Ugandans to reflect on the country’s historical journey, honour the heroes and heroines who sacrificed for self-rule and celebrate achievements registered since independence.

She traced Uganda’s struggle for independence to early resistance against colonial rule, citing historical figures such as Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro and Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda, alongside political actors who later mobilised Ugandans for political and economic liberation.

According to Babalanda, the struggle culminated in internal self-government in 1961, the first general elections in April 1962 and Uganda’s attainment of independence on October 9, 1962.

The minister also revealed that the 64th Independence Day celebrations will be funded by State House despite an earlier Cabinet directive to temporarily suspend national and international celebrations and redirect funds towards other government priorities.

Babalanda said Cabinet, at its special meeting on March 19, 2026, directed that celebrations of national and international days be temporarily suspended from the financial year 2026/27.

“Notwithstanding this directive, the 64th Independence Day Anniversary celebrations will be funded by State House,” she said.

She added that preparations for the celebrations are being coordinated by the National Organising Committee under the Office of the President through various sub-committees.

Babalanda said security agencies have put in place comprehensive arrangements to secure the venue, routes and other areas associated with the celebrations.

The Special Forces Command (SFC) will take overall responsibility for security at State House, while the Uganda Police Force will handle security along the routes, around the venue and within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.

The UPF will be supported by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and External Security Organisation (ESO).

Babalanda urged the public to cooperate with security agencies and comply with traffic and security guidelines issued ahead of the celebrations.

As part of the celebrations, President Museveni is expected to confer national honours and awards on 20 outstanding Ugandans in recognition of their contribution to the country.

Ahead of the main celebrations, national thanksgiving prayers were held across the country, with prayers conducted in mosques on October 2, Seventh Day Adventist churches on October 3 and other churches on October 4.

Babalanda said publicity and mobilisation activities are also ongoing through television and radio talk shows, social media campaigns, print media, local radio stations and live television coverage.

She called on Ugandans to use the Independence anniversary to renew their commitment to national unity, patriotism, peace and the development of a sovereign and prosperous Uganda.

“The 64th Independence Day Anniversary is an opportunity for all of us to honour those who sacrificed for our freedom, celebrate our national achievements and look to the future with hope and visionary leadership,” Babalanda said.