Uganda is preparing for a high-profile presidential swearing-in ceremony set for May 12, 2026, at the Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, where President Yoweri Museveni will be officially inaugurated for his seventh elected term in office.
According to government officials, the event has attracted significant international attention, with at least 35 Heads of State and Government expected to attend. The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, confirmed that invitations were extended across Africa and beyond, including to long-standing political allies and partner movements.
Babalanda noted that around 15 foreign delegations have already confirmed attendance, while more responses are still being processed. She added that the ceremony is expected to be a major diplomatic gathering, reflecting Uganda’s continued political and international engagements.
Museveni, who represents the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), secured victory in the January 15 presidential election with 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.6% of the total votes cast, according to the Electoral Commission. His closest rival, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), of the National Unity Platform (NUP), came second, while other candidates trailed significantly.
The inauguration will also be attended by representatives of several political movements and ruling parties from across Africa and beyond. These include the African National Congress (South Africa), FRELIMO (Mozambique), ZANU-PF (Zimbabwe), CCM (Tanzania), RPF (Rwanda), CNDD (Burundi), UDA (Kenya), and SPLM (South Sudan), among others. Delegations from the Communist Party of China and Russia’s ruling political structures are also expected.
The government has framed the ceremony under the theme “Protecting the gains, making a qualitative leap into high middle income status,” with official proceedings scheduled to run from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Preparations are being coordinated by a National Organising Committee led by the Office of the President, with oversight from senior government officials and the NRM Secretariat. Authorities estimate attendance at Kololo could reach between 30,000 and 40,000 people, including both local and international guests.
However, the event has also drawn political debate. Some opposition leaders have announced plans to boycott the ceremony, citing concerns over the electoral process and alleged irregularities during the vote. The government has responded by emphasizing that invitations to political parties are being handled through formal inter-party structures.
As Kampala readies for the inauguration, the ceremony is shaping up to be not only a national political milestone but also a significant diplomatic gathering with wide international participation.