By Diana N. Kintu
Uganda is finalising preparations for the swearing-in and inauguration ceremonies of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni scheduled for 12 May 2026 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
According to a statement delivered by Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, the event will officially mark the beginning of President Museveni’s new five-year term following the January 2026 General Elections.
Speaking during a media briefing, Babalanda said the ceremony represents another milestone in Uganda’s democratic journey, which she said has remained consistent since the promulgation of the 1995 Constitution.
She noted that the country’s democratic path was inspired by the National Resistance Movement Ten-Point Programme, which prioritised democracy as a key pillar of governance.
Since the adoption of the Constitution in 1995, Ugandans have participated in elections every five years, maintaining more than three decades of uninterrupted democratic processes.
According to the statement, President Museveni secured 71.65 per cent of votes cast during the January elections, with officials attributing the victory to the ruling party’s manifesto centred on democracy, patriotism, pan-Africanism and socio-economic transformation.
Government also highlighted achievements registered under the NRM administration over the past four decades.
These include sustained peace and security, with Uganda currently hosting approximately 1.8 million refugees, continued economic growth with Gross Domestic Product expanding from UGX 128.5 trillion in 2019 to UGX 226.3 trillion in the 2024/25 financial year, and Uganda’s graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2024 to lower middle-income status.
Officials further cited progress in poverty reduction, noting that subsistence households declined from 68 per cent in 2014 to 33 per cent in 2024.
Access to electricity has also improved, now reaching 60 per cent of the population, while life expectancy has risen to 68 years and maternal mortality has reduced by 45 per cent.
Government also highlighted expansion of the national road network, which now stands at 6,288 kilometres of tarmacked roads compared to just 1,000 kilometres in 1986.
Access to clean water has equally improved, reaching 81 per cent of villages by 2025.
The inauguration ceremony will run from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm under the theme: “Protectingthe Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
Preparations are being coordinated by the National Organising Committee under the Office of the President and supervised by Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe.
At least 30 international delegations and 15 revolutionary parties have confirmed attendance alongside Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, diplomats, religious leaders and cultural leaders.
Security agencies led by the Uganda Police Force, supported by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and Special Forces Command, have heightened security across Kampala ahead of the event.
Babalanda urged Ugandans to remain peaceful and disciplined before, during and after the ceremony.