By Johannah Nantongo
STATE HOUSE. Uganda will this year hold its first ever virtual Independence Day celebrations at State House, Entebbe, with only 30 dignitaries and a few religious leaders expected to attend the event physically.
The rest of the participants will join the celebrations online, according to arrangements approved by Cabinet. The celebrations will be held on October 9, 2026 under the theme, Embracing Our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership.
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Lumumba Kasule, announced the arrangements during a media briefing at the Media Centre in Kampala on Tuesday (October 6).
Lumumba said the Government used to spend at least shs3 billion on such national celebrations, but the virtual format means no additional money will be spent on the event because even the meals are covered by the State House budget.
“Only 30 dignitaries and a few religious leaders will attend in person. The rest will attend online,” she said.
The virtual celebrations will mark Uganda’s 64th Independence Day, commemorating the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1962.
Lumumba said the Government used to spend at least shs3 billion on such national celebrations, but the virtual format means no additional money will be spent on the event because even the meals are covered by the State House budget.
Cabinet also approved arrangements for the fifth national commemoration of Bishop James Hannington, which will be held on October 29 at Chando Hill in Mayuge district. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the chief guest at the commemoration.