KAMPALA, UGANDA: 05 MAY 2026— The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, has announced that 30 international delegations have already confirmed their attendance for the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on May 12, 2026.
The event, which marks the start of the 2026–2031 presidential term, will be held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”.
May 12, 2026 will be a public holiday according to NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and bout 40,000 guests are expected at Kololo Independence Grounds, including 35 heads of state, 30 diplomats, and delegates from 16 liberation movements such as African National Congress, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, ZANU–PF, FRELIMO, and Rwandan Patriotic Front.
The local guest list is equally extensive, including: Members of both the 11th and incoming 12th Parliament, Cabinet Ministers and Civil Servants,Religious, traditional, and cultural leaders, and Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Uganda.
A Mandate Built on “Ideological Principles”
The inauguration follows the January 15, 2026, general elections, where Museveni secured 71.65% of the total votes cast. Minister Babalanda noted that voters found the NRM Manifesto appealing due to its focus on democracy, patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and socio-economic transformation.
The government highlighted several achievements justifying this public trust, including: Economic Growth: The economy expanded to Shs. 226.3 trillion (USD 61.3BN) in the 2024/25 financial year.
Health Milestones: Life expectancy has increased to 68 years, a significant jump from 43 years in 1986.
Poverty Reduction: Poverty rates fell from 56.4% in 1992 to 16.1% in 2024.
Security: Uganda now hosts 1.8 million refugees, a testament to the stability maintained over the last four decades.
Security for the ceremonies will be heightened, with the Uganda Police Force leading a joint committee supported by the Anti-Terrorism Unit, the UPDF, and the Special Forces Command (SFC).
While many will watch the proceedings on live television or via social media streams, the government has welcomed “all Ugandans from all walks of life” to attend in person at Kololo. Arrangements have been made to provide a meal and drink to every individual in attendance.
National thanksgiving prayers are scheduled to take place in mosques and churches nationwide between May 8 and May 10 to precede the historic event.
