President Museveni Declares January 15 and 16 Public Holidays for 2026 Elections

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has declared Thursday, January 15, and Friday, January 16, 2026, as public holidays to allow Ugandans to fully participate in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

The declaration was made under the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 174), through a legal notice issued by the President. The two days will be observed as public holidays across the country.

“In exercise of the powers conferred upon the President by Section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act, I declare 15th and 16th January, 2026 to be observed as public holidays throughout Uganda,” the notice states.

According to the declaration, the purpose of the holidays is to enable citizens to take part in the electoral process without interruption. “The holidays are meant to enable citizens to participate in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections,” the notice adds.

The legal notice was issued and signed by President Museveni on January 8, 2026, under the public seal of the Republic of Uganda.

The move is expected to ease voter turnout by giving voters enough time to travel, vote, and take part in related electoral activities during the two-day election period.