Kakande Tables Proposal to Honour 20 Ugandans During 64th Independence Celebrations

KAMPALA — At least 20 Ugandans are expected to receive national awards during the country’s 64th Independence Day celebrations scheduled for October 9, 2026.

The awards are expected to be presented as part of the celebrations to be held virtually at State House, with the proposed honourees set to be recognised for their contribution to the country and service to the nation.

The development was revealed by the Secretary to the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, who said the proposal to award the 20 individuals will be presented to Cabinet for consideration and approval.

Speaking on 88.8 CBS FM, Kakande said he is expected to table the proposal before Cabinet on Monday, paving the way for the individuals to be formally recognised during the Independence Day celebrations.

Kakande is responsible for overseeing preparations and logistical arrangements for major national events under the Office of the President, including the annual Independence Day celebrations.

The proposed awards come as Uganda prepares to commemorate 64 years of independence from British colonial rule, with the national celebrations taking place on October 9.

National awards presented during Independence Day celebrations are traditionally used to recognise Ugandans who have made notable contributions to public service, national development and other areas of importance to the country.

The selection and approval of recipients involves relevant government structures, including the Presidential Awards Committee, which considers individuals for different categories of national recognition.

The proposed 20 recipients for this year's celebrations would continue the tradition of recognising a relatively limited number of distinguished citizens during the country's national celebrations.

During the 63rd Independence Day celebrations in 2025, a total of 23 individuals were honoured with national awards, highlighting the selective nature of the presidential recognition programme.

As preparations for the 2026 celebrations continue, Kakande's proposed list will have to go through the relevant government approval processes before the recipients are officially confirmed.

The Office of the President also plays a central role in coordinating preparations for national events, working with government officials and local authorities to ensure that arrangements are completed ahead of the celebrations.

The annual Independence Day celebrations provide an opportunity for the country to reflect on Uganda's journey since gaining independence on October 9, 1962, while also recognising individuals whose service and contributions are considered significant to the nation.

If approved by Cabinet, the 20 proposed recipients will join the list of Ugandans who have received presidential recognition for their service to the country during the 64th Independence Day celebrations.

Further details, including the names of the proposed award recipients and the specific categories of awards they will receive, are expected to be made public after the necessary government approval processes are completed.