Dozens of people required emergency medical attention after fainting during Tuesday’s presidential inauguration ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, as security agencies also recorded several incidents of phone theft during the high-profile event.
According to Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, joint security teams evacuated at least 37 individuals who collapsed or developed medical complications at the venue.
Of these, 16 were rushed to Naguru China-Uganda Hospital, while 21 others were transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
“Thirty-seven individuals needed immediate medical attention and were evacuated to hospitals,” Kituuma said.
“Some had high blood pressure or fainted, while others had consumed too much alcohol and became overwhelmed,” he added.
Police also confirmed nine arrests linked to phone theft at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds despite the heavy security deployment.
Kituuma said three suspects were arrested in connection with theft cases, with one still in custody while two were later released.
He further revealed that four other individuals remain in police custody on charges related to common nuisance, while another suspect was arrested after allegedly attempting to enter the venue with a knife.
Meanwhile, two children who had been separated from their parents during the crowded ceremony were successfully reunited with their families.
Security agencies credited the tight deployment around the venue for preventing more serious incidents, especially following intelligence reports warning of possible disruptions in different parts of the city.
By Olivia Nabaggala
13th May 2026
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