Uganda will on Monday, January 26, 2026, commemorate the 40th anniversary of the National Resistance Movement/Army (NRM/A) Victory Day with national celebrations at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
According to a statement issued by the Minister for the Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda, the event will be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Chief Guest, alongside distinguished guests from within Uganda and abroad.
The celebrations will be held under the theme “Tribute to the Patriots who ushered in a fundamental change.”
The 2026 celebrations come at a significant moment, following President Museveni’s recent re-election for a fifth term after securing 71 per cent of the vote.
Minister Babalanda described the victory as a strong vote of confidence in the President’s leadership and the achievements registered under the NRM government.
She congratulated President Museveni, Members of Parliament and all local leaders elected for the 2026–2031 term, noting that the anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on Uganda’s transformation over the past four decades.
The celebrations will feature a special military parade involving the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, alongside cultural and entertainment performances.
President Museveni will also confer medals in various categories to 33 Ugandan’s in recognition of their distinguished service and sacrifice to the nation.
Victory Day marks January 26, 1986, when National Resistance Army fighters captured Kampala, ending years of political instability and conflict.
President Museveni was subsequently sworn in as Uganda’s ninth President, pledging what he famously described as a “fundamental change” in the country’s politics, governance and development.
Minister Babalanda noted that prior to 1986, Uganda had experienced eight changes of leadership since independence, most of them through coups or war, a period marked by economic collapse, insecurity and mass displacement.
Forty years later, she said, the country enjoys relative peace and secure borders, despite regional security challenges stemming from conflicts in neighbouring countries.
She highlighted key milestones achieved under NRM leadership, including sustained economic growth, expanded electricity generation capacity, major investments in health and education infrastructure, improved access to clean water, digital transformation and growth in transport infrastructure.
Uganda is now Africa’s leading coffee exporter, with agriculture remaining the country’s largest employer.
“The transformation journey of Uganda is unstoppable, and the gains attained over the last 40 years can only be consolidated for the benefit of all Ugandan’s,” the minister said.
