The Days Kampala Fills Up
The days each year that bring big crowds and road closures to Kampala — Martyrs' Day, the Kabaka's Run, the City Festival — when they fall and what they do to the city.
A handful of days each year fill Kampala's roads — or close them. Pilgrimages, runs and festivals that bring huge crowds and police traffic plans. This is when they fall and what they do to the city, so you can plan around them. Some move year to year; the ones marked “about” are fixed closer to the time.
In 94 days
Independence Day
Friday, 9 October 2026 · National holiday
Uganda's national day. When the main celebrations are held in Kampala (the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds), expect road closures and a heavy security presence in the city centre.
A public holiday — most offices and many shops close. The City Festival is timed around it, so early-to-mid October is the busiest stretch of the city's year.
Through the year
Kampala City Festival
In 100 daysAbout early-to-mid October 2026 · KCCA · ends at Kololo