CAA, police confirm readiness for presidential swearing-in ceremony at Kololo

9 May 2026, 10:52 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

In preparations for the successful presidential swearing-in ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds next Tuesday, various government entities have come out to update the country on their level of preparedness for the event. It is against this background that today, at Uganda Media Centre, the Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Fred Mwesigye, explained the sector’s readiness to handle both the arriving guests and Muslim pilgrims travelling for pilgrimage and expected to return in June this year.

“Characteristics of airports are such that you do not disrupt traffic because of an event like this, since we sign agreements. Therefore, it is upon us to work extra hard to ensure that both cargo and passenger operations continue smoothly. Entebbe International Airport is ready to host all the guests who will attend the swearing-in ceremony. The first group of pilgrims will use Emirates, Qatar Airways and other European airlines through Dubai. There will also be chartered flights carrying approximately 385 and 250 passengers respectively. Pilgrims are expected to return between May 31st and June 10th, 2026,” he said.

“Airport staff have already been briefed to utilise the parking area near the control tower so as to create more space for the anticipated increase in people accompanying passengers. We wish all the pilgrims a safe and comfortable journey through Entebbe International Airport and a successful pilgrimage,” Mwesigye added.

He also confirmed that while there has been a decline in passenger arrivals, departures have increased in recent weeks.

The aviation team further stated that Uganda will be able to host guests and players during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament, noting that the airport has previously handled large numbers of aircraft during events such as Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and Non-Aligned Movement Summit.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Uganda Police Force, Kituuma Rusoke, highlighted the police force’s readiness, especially regarding traffic management.

“Please ensure that you carry your invitation cards and utilise your stickers accordingly. This enables security personnel to accord you the appropriate treatment. Specific routes leading to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds will be limited to the general public except for accredited vehicles with stickers. These routes include Sezibwa Road, the Golf Course traffic lights area, and John Babiiha Avenue, commonly known as Acacia Avenue, heading towards the ceremonial grounds,” he said.

“From Entebbe International Airport through the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, the Northern Bypass and Yusuf Lule Road, there will be intermittent traffic interruptions to allow us effectively manage the movement of traffic, particularly for VIPs and VVIPs. Therefore, the public should remain calm and cooperate with security personnel,” he added.

Kituuma also noted that the general public will be restricted from accessing the Katikati Restaurant–Lugogo Bypass area.

“We urge the general public to follow the guidelines and liaise with traffic officers. There will also be restricted access at Wampewo. Vehicles will instead be diverted to Jinja Road to access parking at Uganda Management Institute, while the Phaneroo Ministries International grounds will also be used for parking,” he emphasised.