With just days to go before the much-anticipated event, preparations have reached fever pitch for the swearing-in ceremony of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who will take the oath of office for his seventh term on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
Following his decisive victory in the January 15, 2026, presidential elections—where he secured approximately 71.65% of the vote—the long-serving leader is set to extend his four-decade tenure at the helm of Uganda. Government officials describe the upcoming ceremony as a grand national celebration that will blend pomp, security precision, and international diplomacy.
High-Level Mobilization Underway
The National Organising Committee, comprising technical teams from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the NRM Secretariat, and the Office of the President, is working around the clock to ensure the event runs seamlessly. Minister of State for National Guidance Godfrey Kabbyanga has confirmed that preparations are in high gear, with expectations of over 50 heads of state and governments in attendance, alongside thousands of local and international dignitaries.
Security forces, led by the Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, have conducted high-profile rehearsals at the venue. Spectacular displays by military paratroopers and coordinated parades by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police, and Prisons Services have thrilled observers and underscored the emphasis on a safe, orderly occasion.
Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda revealed that the ceremony, scheduled to run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will be held under the theme: “Protecting the gains, making a qualitative leap to higher middle income status.” Over 4,000 guests are expected, including ministers, Members of Parliament, ambassadors, and members of the public.
Nationwide Participation Encouraged
In a bid to foster national unity, the government has organised thanksgiving prayers across different faiths from May 8 to 10. Additionally, mobilisation efforts, spearheaded by figures such as Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, are targeting widespread citizen participation, particularly among the youth, popularly referred to as “bazukulu.”
Authorities have urged Ugandans to follow the proceedings through national media platforms, while assuring the public that comprehensive security and traffic management plans are in place to minimise disruptions in the capital.
A Moment of Reflection and Vision
President Museveni, who first came to power in 1986 after a prolonged bush war, will once again take the oath administered by the Chief Justice at Kololo—an iconic venue that has witnessed many of the nation’s milestone political events. Officials say the ceremony will not only celebrate electoral victory but also chart the course for Uganda’s continued socio-economic transformation.
As final touches are applied at Kololo and delegations begin arriving, the eyes of the nation—and indeed the region—remain fixed on what promises to be a colourful and significant chapter in Uganda’s political history.
TrendingUg.com will provide live updates and comprehensive coverage of the May 12 swearing-in ceremony.