Government of Uganda has declared Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16, 2026 as public holidays to allow citizens to fully participate in the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
The declaration was made by the Ministry of Public Service under the provisions of the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 174), Section 2(2).
In a letter dated January 9, 2026, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Mrs. Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire, said the decision was intended to enable Ugandans to effectively exercise their civic duty during the 2026 general elections.
“The two days will be observed as public holidays throughout Uganda for the purpose of enabling citizens to exercise their civic duty of participating in both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections 2026,” the letter stated.
The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance has been tasked with relaying the information to the Uganda Media Centre and the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation for nationwide dissemination.
The declaration is expected to facilitate voter participation by allowing citizens sufficient time to cast their ballots and take part in the electoral process without disruption from work or other obligations.
Ugandans are set to head to the polls in mid-January to elect the President and Members of Parliament for the next term.
