The Government of Uganda will from the 2026/27 financial year stop spending public funds on organising national public celebrations such as Women’s Day, Labour Day and Independence Day, in a major austerity measure aimed at reducing expenditure.

Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi said the decision forms part of government’s broader rationalisation of public spending, with resources being redirected to priority programmes.

Speaking on the matter, Dr. Ggoobi explained that instead of hosting large state-funded public functions, President Yoweri Museveni will address the nation on such occasions through radio and television broadcasts from State House.

He added that government will only continue funding a limited number of religious functions, while spending on most public commemorations will be halted.

According to Dr. Ggoobi, the funds saved through the move will be channelled towards financing government priorities, particularly the ATMS programme and other key enablers intended to support economic growth and service delivery.

The announcement marks a significant shift in how Uganda commemorates national public holidays, many of which have traditionally been marked by large public gatherings attended by senior government officials, cultural leaders and members of the public.

Government has in recent years intensified efforts to reduce public expenditure and prioritise funding towards wealth creation, infrastructure and social services amid growing pressure on the national budget.