Celebrating National Days: No more fanfare and pomp

What the report says

Ugandan commentator Obed K. Katureebe argues that the country’s approach to National Days has shifted away from large public ceremonies, and uses the 64th Independence Day as an example. The Independent Uganda reported that Uganda marked Independence Day remotely at State House Entebbe on 9 October 2026, with fewer than 50 guests and without the usual military parade, musical performances or broad political speeches, aside from remarks by President Yoweri Museveni.

According to the article, the move away from big celebrations followed a Cabinet consensus to reduce the cost of National Days and redirect funds to other priorities, including education and health. The piece also says the change has been linked by some observers to fiscal tightening, with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said to have ended state funding for large-scale holiday events as part of efforts to curb government spending, the deficit and debt.

Katureebe’s commentary does not reject cost saving, but warns that fewer celebrations may reduce the civic value these days once carried. He argues that Independence Day, Heroes Day and Liberation Day were moments for national reflection, historical education and renewed discussion about sacrifice, betrayal and state-building. He cites examples from other countries, such as Israel, Russia and Rwanda, to show how national commemorations can be used to reinforce identity, remembrance and public memory.