Govt says organising nationwide prayers for Museveni

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The Government has announced a nationwide programme of prayers for President Yoweri Museveni ahead of his swearing-in on May 12, 2026, as a spiritual preparation for the country’s next five years.

Office of the President permanent secretary Haji Yunus Kakande says the prayers will be held across Uganda from May 8 to May 10, bringing together leaders, public servants and citizens in mosques and churches.

Speaking to the national broadcaster on May 4, Kakande said the initiative is rooted in the belief that national stability and leadership must be anchored in faith, urging Ugandans to actively participate in the spiritual exercise.

“We are going to organise prayers across the entire country. As you have seen, on the 8th, which will be a Friday, we’ll be in all mosques in Uganda. On Saturday, we shall be in Adventist churches, and on Sunday, we shall be in all Christian churches,” Kakande said.

He explained that government officials will be deployed to all different places of worship across the country to represent the state during the prayers, reinforcing the link between leadership and faith.

“These prayers are important. When you say, ‘For God and My Country', you must put it into action. Everything goes with prayer. Whatever you are going to do, first say a prayer,” he said.

Kakande emphasised that prayer is essential not only in leadership but also in everyday life, urging citizens to adopt it as a guiding principle.

“Even if you are going to eat food, first say a prayer. Even if you are going to travel, first say a prayer. Prayer is very, very important,” he said.

He added that the prayers will focus on seeking divine guidance for President Museveni’s new term, including prayers for good health, long life and continued peace and stability in Uganda.

“We have to pray for our President to give him life for the next five years and to give Uganda stability for the next five years,” Kakande noted.

He pointed to ongoing conflicts in other parts of the world as a reminder of how quickly stability can be lost, stressing the need for Uganda to remain united and prayerful.

“People in the Middle East are now suffering. They didn’t know that they were suffering this year. Last year they were okay. But now this year, many have died,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kakande confirmed that preparations for the May 12 swearing-in ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds are in advanced stages, with the event expected to attract both local and international dignitaries.

He said no invitation cards will be required for members of the public to attend the ceremony, encouraging Ugandans to turn up in large numbers to witness the inauguration.

The swearing-in is expected to be a major national event, with about 50 heads of state and government anticipated to attend, reflecting Uganda’s diplomatic ties and regional influence.

In addition, each district has been allocated 50 slots, allowing representatives from across the country to be part of the historic occasion.

Security agencies have already begun coordinating logistics to ensure a smooth and safe ceremony, while organisers are finalising protocol arrangements for visiting dignitaries.

President Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) won the 2026 Ugandan presidential election. According to the Electoral Commission, Museveni received 7,946,772 votes, which accounted for 71.65% of the total valid ballots cast. His primary challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), followed with 2,741,238 votes (24.72%).