Among Africa's longest-serving leaders, Uganda prepares to inaugurate Museveni.

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah: 

The Ugandan government has revealed its plans for the swearing-in ceremony and inauguration of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta. MuseveniThe event, scheduled to take place on May 12, 2026 at the Kololo Ceremonial Square in Kampala, outlines a full program of events expected to attract international delegations, government officials, and members of the public.

Uganda prepares for a high-level state event

Among Africa's longest-serving leaders, Uganda prepares to inaugurate Museveni.

According to Prime Minister Milli PapalandaThe ceremony will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. under the slogan “Protecting the gains, and the qualitative leap towards upper-middle-income status,” with preparations already underway for what authorities have described as a high-level state event.

Museveni has been in power since 1986

Museveni has been in power since 1986, making him one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, and over the years his leadership has been credited with restoring stability and driving economic growth after years of turmoil.

The 81-year-old Museveni won a new presidential term after receiving 71,65% of votes, according to the Ugandan electoral commission, beating his main rival, Bobi Wine, who received 24,72% of votes.

The elections took place in January, following a tense campaign. Observers, including the United Nations, expressed concern about the atmosphere surrounding the elections, citing reports of intimidation, arrests, and restrictions on opposition activities.

Accusation of election fraud

Bobby Wayne, whose real name is Robert Kiagolani, rejected the election results. A spokesperson for his party described the results as “rigged,” while the candidate himself alleged irregularities, including ballot stuffing. Authorities have not confirmed these claims.

His continued rule has drawn criticism, particularly regarding constitutional changes that abolished term limits and age restrictions for the presidency, allowing him to extend his term.

A military parade was held in Kololo Square during the celebration.

Uganda is preparing for the presidential inauguration ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Square by organizing a military parade featuring pieces of its latest military equipment from the air and land forces.

The display highlights the strength, readiness and efficiency of the Uganda People's Defence Forces, as part of the country's preparations for the presidential inauguration ceremony.

Papalanda said that more than 35 international delegations from around the world are expected to attend, along with ministers, members of parliament, ambassadors and members of the public, and that security agencies are coordinating arrangements to ensure the event is held safely.

She also noted that the opening ceremony will be broadcast live on television and digital platforms to make it accessible nationwide.

Prior to the start of the inauguration ceremony, the government outlined a series of pre-inauguration activities, including the delivery of the outgoing term's program implementation report and the holding of thanksgiving prayers.

Babalanda added: “This is not just a celebration, but a moment to give an account to the Ugandan people and set the tone for the next phase.”.

The ceremony on May 12 will mark the official start of President Museveni’s seventh term, following his victory in the recent general elections in which the National Resistance Movement won a parliamentary majority and reportedly received more than 71 percent of the presidential vote, according to official results released by the electoral commission.