There are 14 public holidays in Uganda in 2023, two of which fall on weekends: New Year's Day and Martyr's Day.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
NRM Liberation Day
NRM Liberation Day, observed on January 26, 2023, celebrates when National Resistance Movement (NRM) overthrew a corrupt government in 1986. Uganda People's Congress (UPC) party led by Milton Obote won the 1980 election.
Archbishop Janani Luwum Memorial Day
Archbishop Janani Luwum Memorial Day is a public holiday in Uganda on February 16, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of when Janani Luwum was arrested and killed. Janani Luwum was born in 1922 and became the archbishop of the Church of Uganda in 1974.
International Women's Day
The holiday is one of the most important days to recognize the achievements made by women and to raise awareness about women's equality. It is observed on March 8, 2023.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 7, 2023.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is observed on April 10, 2023.
Eid al-Fitr
This is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide celebrating the end of a month of fasting. The holiday falls on the first day of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, April 21, 2023.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Martyr's Day
Martyr's Day, observed on June 3, 2023, commemorates the event when 23 Anglicans and 22 Catholics were executed in the historic Kingdom of Buganda after they converted to Christianity.
National Heroes' Day
National Heroes' Day is a public holiday in Uganda, and it is observed on June 9, 2023. The holiday honors all those who sacrificed themselves to better the lives of the Ugandan people and those who fought on both sides of the Ugandan Bush War.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, is an important Muslim festival. The holiday falls on June 28, 2023, and it honors the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in Uganda, and it is observed on October 9, 2023. The holiday celebrates Uganda's independence from the United Kingdom in 1962.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen's Day and is widely known as a shopping holiday in some countries. It falls on December 26, 2023.
The following is the list of public holidays in Uganda 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| NRM Liberation Day | Jan 26, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Archbishop Janani Luwum Memorial Day | Feb 16, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| International Women's Day | Mar 08, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Apr 21, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Martyr's Day | Jun 03, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| National Heroes' Day | Jun 09, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 28, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | Oct 09, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Uganda in 2023.