Uganda ready for 2026 presidential swearing-in ceremony at Kololo

5 May 2026, 1:28 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the announcement by the Electoral Commission that President-elect Yoweri Museveni won the January 2026 general election with 71.65% of the total votes cast, government officials have confirmed the country’s readiness for the upcoming swearing-in ceremony.

The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, alongside the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Richard Todwong, made the announcement while addressing the media at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.

Babalanda said Ugandans had overwhelmingly voted for the NRM to continue leading the country for the next five years.

“As we all know, on 15th January 2026, Ugandans overwhelmingly voted for the NRM party to lead this country for the next five years. The Electoral Commission confirmed that our candidate, Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa, scored 71.65% of the total votes cast,” she said.

She highlighted progress made under NRM leadership since 1986, noting that the economy has grown significantly. Uganda’s GDP, she said, increased from 3% in the 2019/2020 financial year to 6.3% in 2024/2025, and is projected to grow by 4.6% by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.

The minister also cited improvements in social indicators, including an increase in life expectancy from 43 years in 1986 to about 60 years currently. She added that access to clean water, particularly in rural areas, has improved, alongside increased electricity coverage. Uganda’s refugee policy, which supports approximately 1.8 million refugees, was also highlighted.

Babalanda revealed that several international delegates have been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony, with at least 30 having already confirmed their participation. The event will be held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on 12th May 2026 under the theme: “Protecting the Gains: Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”

She urged the public to follow the ceremony through various media platforms, especially those unable to attend in person, noting that security at the venue will be tight.

In his remarks, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said the party is fully prepared for the ceremony, with ongoing coordination meetings at the Secretariat. He added that efforts are underway to invite other political parties.

“We have achieved 88% of our manifesto, and the remaining 12% will be implemented in the next term. We expect about 30,000 guests at the venue,” he said.

According to Article 103(8) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the swearing-in of a newly elected president must take place within 24 hours after the expiration of the incumbent’s term.