With less than 24 hours to go, Uganda is in the final stretch of preparations for the swearing-in ceremony of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who will take the oath of office for his seventh term tomorrow at the iconic Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The high-profile event, scheduled to run from 8:00am to 2:00pm, is expected to draw between 30,000 and 40,000 attendees, including Heads of State, government officials, diplomats, political leaders, and ordinary Ugandans. The government has declared Tuesday, May 12, 2026, a public holiday to allow citizens to follow and participate in the national occasion.
Foreign dignitaries continue to stream into the country. Confirmed high-level arrivals include Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Rwanda’s Prime Minister representing President Paul Kagame, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Algeria’s Vice President, and the East African Community Secretary General, among others. Over 30–45 international delegations are expected, underscoring strong regional and continental solidarity.
Security has been heightened across Kampala, with major road closures around Kololo, increased patrols, and strict access controls requiring accredited vehicle stickers. The National Organising Committee, comprising officials from various Ministries, the NRM Secretariat, and the Office of the President, has been working around the clock to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and memorable ceremony.
The event will be held under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.” Nationwide thanksgiving prayers were held from May 8 to 10 across different faiths to seek blessings for the new term.
Minister for the Presidency Hon. Milly Babalanda and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong have appealed for calm and urged Ugandans to embrace the spirit of unity as the nation marks this important milestone.
As final touches — including venue setup and rehearsals — reach completion, all eyes are on Kololo tomorrow, where President Museveni will formally begin his 2026–2031 term following his decisive victory in the January 15, 2026, general elections.
TrendingUG.com will bring you live updates, highlights, and analysis from the ceremony. Stay tuned.