Independence Day is a public holiday in Rwanda on July 1 yearly. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when Rwanda gained its independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962.
In 1884, Rwanda's territory became part of German East Africa, which marked the start of the European colonial era. For many years, German ruled the country by supporting the king and the existing hierarchy. During World War I, Belgian forces invaded and took control of Rwanda and Burundi in 1916 and renamed Ruanda-Urundi.
Belgian colonial rule cumulated the tensions between the Tutsi, who favored a Belgian colony with a Tutsi monarchy, and the Hutu, who do not want a Tutsi Monarchy and led to the Rwandan Revolution in 1959, which transited the country into an independent Hutu-dominated republic.
In 1961, a referendum was held by the Hutu, and 80% of voters voted to abolish the monarchy. Rwanda was separated from Ruanda-Urundi and gained independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962.
The following is the list of Independence Day in Rwanda from 2022 to 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Day | Jul 01, 2022 | Friday |
| Independence Day | Jul 01, 2023 | Saturday |
| Independence Day | Jul 01, 2024 | Monday |
| Independence Day | Jul 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Independence Day | Jul 01, 2026 | Wednesday |
Please check more public holidays in Rwanda: