As President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni prepares to take the oath of office for a seventh term on May 12, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, security has been significantly tightened across Kampala, with major traffic diversions and restricted access expected to disrupt movement within the city.
The inauguration ceremony, declared a public holiday and scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees, including between 30 and 35 heads of state and foreign delegations.
The event will formally usher in Museveni’s 2026–2031 term following the January 15 general elections, in which the Electoral Commission declared him winner with 71.65 percent of the vote. His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform, secured about 24 to 25 percent.
Kyagulanyi rejected the election results, citing alleged electoral irregularities, intimidation, and restrictions during the campaign period.
The swearing-in ceremony is anchored in Articles 103 and 105 of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, which outline the procedures for presidential elections and the inauguration process upon the expiry of a presidential term.
The ruling National Resistance Movement has framed the event as a symbol of continuity and stability.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, Presidency Minister Milly Babirye Babalanda highlighted government achievements, including growth in GDP from UGX 128.5 trillion in 2019 to more than UGX 226 trillion in 2025, alongside improvements in electricity generation, road infrastructure, and water access.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said the inauguration theme, “Protecting gains, qualitative leap to high middle-income,” reflects the party’s focus on continuity and economic transformation.
Security agencies led by the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces have announced strict measures, including controlled entry points, traffic diversions, and accredited access routes through roads such as Yusuf Lule Road and the Entebbe Expressway.
Public parking has been designated at locations including City High School and UMA Grounds, while separate parking arrangements have been made for VIPs and members of Parliament.
By Francis Lubega
11th May 2026
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