All roads are now firmly leading to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds as Uganda prepares for a grand swearing-in ceremony on May 12, where President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will officially take oath for another five-year term. This is under the theme “Protecting The Gains, Making A Qualitative Leap Into High Middle-Income Status” The highly anticipated event marks […]
All roads are now firmly leading to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds as Uganda prepares for a grand swearing-in ceremony on May 12, where President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will officially take oath for another five-year term.
This is under the theme “Protecting The Gains, Making A Qualitative Leap Into High Middle-Income Status”
The highly anticipated event marks the beginning of the 2026–2031 leadership cycle and is expected to attract thousands of Ugandans, alongside a strong international presence.
The announcement was made by Minister for Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda, who confirmed that the ceremony will run from morning to afternoon and will be held under a national theme focused on accelerating Uganda’s transition to high middle-income status.
Museveni returns to office after securing 71.65% of the vote in the January 2026 general elections, defeating multiple opposition candidates in a highly competitive race.
Government has described the outcome as a reflection of continued public trust in the ruling National Resistance Movement and its long-term development agenda.
Preparations for the day are already in high gear, with organisers who include the National Organizing Commitee that comprises of the National Resistance Movement,(NRM), State House, Uganda Media Center among others the describing the event as one of Uganda’s most significant political ceremonies in recent years.
Nrm’s Secretary General Richard Todwong noted that the day will officially be declared a public holiday. He also praised the NRM for securing 372 Member of Parliament seats in the 12th Parliament out of the total 529 slots . Other political parties like NUP secured 49 MPs, UPC-12,FDC -9, DP-6, PFF-2 and 68 independents.
He further noted that a consolidation of other political parties from accross Africa and the world will be in attendence like the CPC from China ZANU-PF from Zambia, RPF , Rwanda, CND – Burundi. As the ruling political party Todwong noted that only 12 percent of the 2021-2026 Manifesto has not been achieved , which he said will be extended to the next term. He also noted that 50 members will also be invited from each district to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
In a move expected to attract large crowds, government has announced that food and drinks will be provided for all attendees at the venue, a gesture aimed at encouraging mass participation and national celebration.
Officials say arrangements are being finalised to manage large numbers of people expected at Kololo, with seating areas, public viewing screens, and logistics support already being set up.
The ceremony is expected to draw wide international attention, with more than 30 foreign delegations confirmed to attend.
These include heads of state, senior government representatives, diplomats, and delegations from various African countries and international partner states.
In addition, several political and ideological movements from around the world have also been invited, reflecting Uganda’s diplomatic and political engagements.
Locally, invitations have been extended to Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament from both the outgoing and incoming parliament, senior civil servants, religious leaders, cultural institutions, and representatives of civil society.
Security agencies have already placed Kampala and surrounding areas under tight surveillance ahead of the event.
The Uganda Police Force is leading operations, supported by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Anti-Terrorism units, and the Special Forces Command.
Authorities say the measures are meant to ensure safety, smooth traffic management, and protection of dignitaries and citizens during the ceremony.
Traffic diversions and movement guidelines are expected to be released ahead of the big day.
As preparations continue, government has been revealing what it calls key achievements under the National Resistance Movement’s long rule.
According to Babalanda,Uganda has maintained relative peace and stability for nearly four decades, creating an environment that has allowed economic growth and national development.
Government also points to Uganda’s transformation from a refugee-producing country in earlier years to one that now hosts over 1.8 million refugees.
Economically, the country has grown significantly, with the economy reportedly expanding from about Shs 128 trillion to over Shs 226 trillion in five years.
Among the things she revealed include;
Expansion of electricity generation and access across the country
Development of road infrastructure connecting major towns and rural areas
Improved access to clean and safe water
Expansion of health services and improved life expectancy
Reduction in poverty levels over the years
Government says these improvements form the foundation of Uganda’s push toward middle-income status.
Ahead of the swearing-in, Ugandans have been encouraged to participate in national thanksgiving prayers across the country.
The programme has been scheduled as follows:
Friday May 8: Prayers in all mosques
Saturday May 9: Seventh Day Adventist churches
Sunday May 10: Other Christian denominations
Officials say the prayers are intended to promote unity, reflection, and national gratitude ahead of the ceremony.
The event will be broadcast live on major television stations, including national broadcaster as well as private media houses.
Organisers say social media platforms will also carry live streams to allow Ugandans in and outside the country to follow proceedings in real time.
Large public screens are expected to be installed in selected areas of Kampala for those unable to access Kololo directly.
