PRESIDENT YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI

BY: EDITOR

Uganda is set for a historic and tightly secured national event tomorrow as President Yoweri Museveni takes the oath of office for another five-year term at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.

The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, is expected to attract thousands of Ugandans, foreign dignitaries, diplomats, religious leaders, and representatives from across Africa and beyond. Government officials say preparations have been finalized for what is expected to be one of the country’s largest state events in recent years.

President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, will begin his seventh elected term following his victory in the 2026 general election. According to the Electoral Commission, Museveni secured 71.65 percent of the vote.

The oath of office is expected to be administered by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija before invited guests and international delegations at the heavily guarded Kololo grounds.

Security agencies have deployed heavily across Kampala ahead of the ceremony, with military and police presence intensified around major roads, government installations, hotels, and strategic entry points into the city.

Authorities have urged members of the public to cooperate with security personnel and follow traffic guidance issued for the event.

Government spokespersons confirmed that at least 35 African heads of state and high-level delegations are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony, underlining Uganda’s diplomatic importance within the region.

In preparation for the national event, the government declared Tuesday a public holiday to allow citizens to participate in celebrations and follow proceedings across the country.

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has described the inauguration as a celebration of peace, stability, and continuity under Museveni’s leadership.

Supporters from different regions have already started arriving in Kampala, with organized groups expected to march and participate in festivities surrounding the event.

However, the swearing-in comes amid criticism from opposition groups, who continue to contest the election outcome. Several opposition leaders and parties have announced plans to boycott the ceremony, maintaining claims that the electoral process was unfair.

Despite political tensions, business activity in Kampala has remained high ahead of the event, with hotels reporting increased bookings and traders expecting brisk business from visiting delegations and supporters.

The Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Uganda’s traditional venue for presidential inaugurations and national celebrations, has undergone extensive preparations including installation of security infrastructure, media platforms, VIP seating sections, and ceremonial decorations.

President Museveni is expected to deliver a keynote inaugural address outlining his government’s priorities for the next five years, including economic transformation, regional security, infrastructure development, and youth employment.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on national television and radio stations, with millions of Ugandans expected to follow proceedings from across the country and abroad.