The Government of Uganda has announced that it will no longer finance official celebrations for several national public holidays as part of broader efforts to reduce public expenditure and redirect resources toward key development priorities.
The new measure will take effect in the 2026/2027 financial year, which begins on July 1, 2026. Among the national events affected are Independence Day celebrations, International Women’s Day, Labour Day, and Heroes’ Day.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, who said the move is intended to save public funds and ensure greater efficiency in government spending.
According to Dr. Ggoobi, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will continue to address the nation during these commemorative occasions, but his messages will be delivered from his office through radio and television broadcasts instead of large-scale public ceremonies.
“The funds previously allocated to these celebrations will be redirected to priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mining, science and technology, among other critical areas,” Dr. Ggoobi explained.
The decision reflects Uganda’s growing focus on financing strategic development projects under the country’s Fourth National Development Plan. Government officials indicate that a significant share of public resources will now be channeled toward major infrastructure and economic transformation initiatives, including the development of the national railway network and oil and gas pipeline projects.
Authorities believe the spending cuts will help strengthen investment in productive sectors while supporting long-term economic growth and national development goals.
The policy marks a significant shift in how Uganda observes some of its most important national occasions, prioritizing fiscal discipline and development spending over large government-funded celebrations.