NRM Liberation Day is a national holiday in Uganda that is celebrated every 26th of January. This special anniversary was established to commemorate the end of a five-year guerrilla war which resulted in overthrowing the regime of Milton Obote, Uganda’s former president, on 26th January 1986. The day marks the triumph of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which is currently the ruling political party in Uganda, led by President Yoweri Museveni.
The holiday is a major event in Uganda, marked with numerous official ceremonies, military parades, speeches, and social gatherings. Usually, the main celebratory event takes place at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, presided over by the President. The Ugandan people view this day as a remembrance of their liberation from dictatorial leadership and hence filled with deep patriotic feelings.
However, NRM Liberation Day has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the national celebration glamorizes a regime that has been accused of numerous human rights abuses and political corruption. Despite this, it remains an important date in the country's calendar as it symbolizes the transition from instability to relative peace and security. This day stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of Ugandans in their journey towards self-rule and freedom from oppression.