The announcement was made by the Uganda Media Centre in a press release issued on 24th July 2026 and signed by the Executive Director, Alan Kasujja.
"To enable you to participate in the Local Council Elections, 28th July, 2026 is a Public Holiday," the statement reads.
The declaration comes just four days ahead of the polls, which are expected to see millions of Ugandans vote for leaders at the village, parish, and sub-county levels.
Electoral officials and political stakeholders have been urging citizens to turn up in large numbers to elect leaders at the grassroots, saying Local Councils remain the closest point of contact between government and communities.
The public holiday means government offices, schools, and most businesses will be closed to allow voters and election officials to take part in the exercise without disruption.
Essential services such as health facilities, security, and other critical operations are expected to remain operational.
The Uganda Electoral Commission has already completed candidate nominations and voter register updates for the Local Council elections, which are the first to be held at that level in several years.
Authorities are now calling on citizens to use the day to exercise their democratic right.
"We encourage all eligible voters to come out and vote peacefully," an official from the Electoral Commission said earlier this week.
The Uganda Media Centre said further updates on the elections will be communicated through official government channels.