Holidays, Customs & Traditions in Uganda By Shamirah Bamwese, Natash Aidah Nabirye and Namulondo Priscilla

Holidays On all public holidays schools and government offices do not open Private businesses continue normally Special shows by music artists are held through out the country Some public holidays are simply announced depending on circumstances. For example when an important or national people die and the government declares morning days. Here are the known public holidays:

1 st Jan: New Year’s Day It is well known by Ugandans that getting into a new year is hard. Celebrations begin at mid-night of 31 st December. Once the clock ticks am a wave of shouting, drumming, singing and fireworks sweeps into the atmosphere. This is the most important ordinary public holiday in the lives of most Ugandans.

26 th January: Liberation Day  Uganda Liberation Day marks the events of January 26, 1986, when the military junta was overthrown by the current government after a five-year civil war.

8 th March: International Women's Day  Uganda is promoting liberation of women from religious, legal, economic, and sexual oppression, their access to higher education in possible. The struggle for sexual equality is ongoing. Women in Uganda use this day to celebrate their achievement in various sectors. Female members of Uganda Police & Army march as part of the International Women's day celebrations. (Bottom left) Women dancing on this day

April: Good Friday & Easter Day Celebrated by Christians in different churches commemorating the death and resurrection of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.  Government uses this day to reflect on how to create more employment opportunities, promote a conducive work environment and improve productivity, Consolidate and recognize the workers role in production and development.

3 rd June: Martyrs' Day This marks the climax of the execution of twenty six Christians at Namugongo on June 3, 1886; by the major tribal King in Uganda. 22 of these were Catholic believers & were declared "Blessed" by Pope Benedict XV in A church was constructed pictured here. Pilgrimage is made by Christians to this spot on this day.

 9 th June: National Heroes' Day People who have sacrificed themselves to better the lives of the Ugandan people are recognized with medals on this day. Even those who died in liberation wars are remembered on this day.  People who have sacrificed for the good of Uganda are recognized with medal on this day. Even those who died in liberation wars are remembered on this day

 9 th October: Independence Day This is the day when Uganda got independence from Britain, the colonial rulers, in  Muslims slaughter animals and serve themselves and others. It is required that the meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is given away to others and that one-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor.

25 th December: Christmas Day Most celebrated and prepared for day by families and individuals. The birth of Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated on this day. Prayers are conducted all around the country and in all Christian churches. After prayer a lot of eating and drinking marks the day. There are many public shows by local music artists. The prices of items go high days before and after this day Homes are decorated with lit Christmas trees or branches and in some cases you find a BIG father Christmas

26 th December: Boxing Day A day for presenting gifts in boxes

Traditions and Customs There are many traditions and customs in Uganda due to existence of very many tribes and clans. One tribe can have many clans and each clan has a totem (Animal or plant not eaten by members of the clan). A totem However, traditional dancing uniquely distinguishes most of them. Other traditions include circumcisions, coronations of kings

Here are a few ceremonies: Northern Uganda War dance

Other cultural dances

Marriage Ceremonial attires

Royal Ceremonies and tombs On the right is one of the King’s tombs Men in traditional attire lift the king high. The brown attire is made the a bark of tree. Above: The youngest of the kings in the country

List is Long! Bye for now. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YRAR