🔴 Museveni sworn in for seventh term as Uganda's president — live updates

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 PRESIDENT MUSEVENI INAUGURATION 2026 

Edited and presented by Joseph Kizza
(Refresh this page for updates)
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 12:16 PM  

After parade inspection, the newly inaugurated President takes his seat for a march past.
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 12:05 PM  

President Museveni, again accompanied by CDF Kainerugaba, inspects the parade for the first in his new term.
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 12:03 PM  

 BREAKING NEWS 

New presidential term begins

Next, the Chief Justice, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet resume their seats as the newly sworn in President proceeds to the saluting dais for the presidential salute.

The anthems (national and EAC) are sung, followed by the hoisting of the Presidential Standard Flag accompanied by a 21-gun salute to signal the official start of the new term 2026-2031.
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 11:58 AM  

 BREAKING NEWS 

Museveni receives instruments of power

After taking the oath, the Chief Registrar guides the President-elect and Chief Justice where to respectively sign on the oath of allegiance and the oath of the president.

Then, the Chief Registrar presents, one by one, the instruments of power of the Republic of Uganda to the Chief Justice: Constitution, national flag, Presidential Standard Flag, national anthem, national coat of arms and public seal.

Thereafter, the Chief Justice hands over, one by one, the same instruments of power to the President.

The Chief of Defence Forces hands over the Instruments of National Defense to the President and Commander-in-Chief.

The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet receives, one by one, the instruments of power from the President for custody.

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 11:50 AM  

 BREAKING NEWS 

Museveni sworn in for new presidential term

Byabakama then invites President-elect Yoweri Museveni to proceed to the swearing-in podium, which he promptly does, accompanied by daughter Natasha.

The EC chairperson then introduces the President-elect to a cheering nation, before inviting the Chief Justice to proceed to the swearing-in podium to administer the oath of allegiance and the oath of president to the President-elect.

Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet and the Chief Registrar proceed to the swearing-in podium, upon which Byabakama resumes his seat.

The Chief Registrar presents the Bible and the oath of allegiance to Museveni who then takes the oath.

The Chief Registrar then presents the oath of president to the President-elect, before the Chief Registrar receives the Bible from the newly sworn-in President.

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 11:37 AM  

'Solemn occasion'

Byabakama starts by committing the occasion to prayer and then introduces the members of the Electoral Commission that he leads.

"On behalf of the Electoral Commission, I would like to welcome you to this solemn occasion where we are about to witness the swearing in of the President of Uganda for the next five years," he says.

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 11:30 AM  

'Defining moment'

Once the prayers are done, Vice-President Jessica Alupo is invited to take over the director of ceremonies duties — which she duly does, to cheers.

Once at the rostrum, Alupo begins by recognising and welcoming all the guests present.

"Your excellencies, we are at the verge of a defining moment today," she says, before inviting the chairman of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, to proceed to the swearing-in podium.

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 11:21 AM  

Next up, prayers.

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 11:13 AM  

The President, accompanied by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is now done with the parade inspection. He then heads over to the VVIP tent to greet the visiting heads of state and dignitaries.

Next up will be lowering of the Presidential Standard Flag to signal the official end of the 2021-2026 term of office.

It's a generously warm day in Kampala, meanwhile.

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 10:57 AM  

The President majestically walks to the saluting dais and takes his position to receive the presidential salute. The anthems (national and East African Community) are then played and sung.

Thereafter, he will inspect the parade.

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 10:53 AM  

 BREAKING NEWS 

President-elect Museveni arrives at Kololo

President-elect Yoweri Museveni has arrived at Kololo to huge applause. Wearing his trademark hat, he comes in standing through the roof of his vehicle as he waves to the cheering crowd. 

He is received by the Vice-President, Prime Minister, Minister in Charge of the Presidency, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet and  Service Chiefs.

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 10:45 AM  

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has arrived at the venue and like all the other high-profile guests, she is ushered to the VVIP tent.

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 10:33 AM  

The visiting heads of state are arriving at Kololo. Delegates from Africa and beyond are also present.

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 10:26 AM  

Pictured arriving below, on the left, is the man who declared Yoweri Museveni winner of the 2026 presidential election: Justice Simon Byabakama, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

He also has another role in today's formalities.

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 10:15 AM  

For today's event, Vice-President Jessica Alupo is the director of ceremonies, assisted by Alice Muwanguzi (Office of the President) and Col Chris Magezi, the acting Defence Public Information Officer.

Brig. Gen. John Bosco Asinguza (pictured below) is the Parade Commander.

The parade features officers of the Uganda People's Defence Force, Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service.

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 10:00 AM  

People, young and old, gathered at Millennium Park Lugogo to have packed breakfast before proceeding to Kololo for the inauguration, reports Alfred Ochwo.

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 9:45 AM  

It's a lively atmosphere at Kololo under glorious Kampala sunshine. From colourfully ornated performers to smartly dressed guests, the stage is well and truly set.

From the pictures below, you will definitely recognise a number of faces, including former Electoral Commission chairperson Eng. Badru Kiggundu and Bank of Uganda governor Dr Michael Atingi-Ego.

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 9:32 AM  

📸 More arrivals

There is a steady stream of people arriving at the inauguration venue. Members of the Indian delegation have shown up wearing scarves bearing diplomatic allegiance to the two nations: Uganda and India.

Nice touch!

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 9:17 AM  

📸 Guests settling in

It's only 9am but Kololo Ceremonial Grounds is already filling up by every passing minute on this fine Tuesday morning in Uganda's capital.

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 9:00 AM  

☀️ Kololo soaks up morning sunshine

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 8:52 AM  

Vision Group congratulates Museveni

This year is the 40th anniversary of Uganda's leading multimedia organisation, Vision Group.

"Your unique foresight birthed Vision Group 40 years ago and we remain proud to be associated with your visionary leadership, indomitable spirit and undeniable legacy," reads the company's congratulatory message to President Yoweri Museveni as he gets set to be sworn in for the 2026-2031 term.

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 8:46 AM  

📝  How we got here

On January 15 this year, Ugandans voted for their next president, with eight candidates to choose from.

Eventually, the incumbent, Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), emerged victorious, securing re-election with 71.65% of the vote.

The final results were announced to the nation two days after the election by Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama at the National Tally Centre (EC head office premises) in Lubowa, Lweza.

Just like in the 2021 election, Museveni again beat his closest challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) — and six other candidates.

Here's what each candidate got:

▪️ Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM): 7,946,772 votes (71.65%)
▪️ Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP):  2,741,238 votes (24.72%)
▪️ James Nathan Nandala Mafabi of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC): 209,039 votes (1.88%)
▪️ Gregory Mugisha Muntu of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT): 59,276 votes (0.53%)
▪️ Frank Bulira Kabinga of Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP): 45,959 votes (0.41%)
▪️ Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP): 33,440 votes (0.30%)
▪️Mubarak Munyagwa of Common Man's Party (CMP): 31,666 votes (0.29%)
▪️Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP): 23,458 votes (0.21%)

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 8:23 AM  

Missed the drone display?

On the evening before the inauguration, eyes in Kampala turned skywards to watch a spectacular drone show-style aerial display — a first in Uganda — as a special thank-you message from President Museveni for his election victory.

New Vision's Eddie Ssejjoba was at Skyz Hotel Naguru to capture the drone display and glitzy fireworks show that started at around 8:30pm.

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 8:02 AM  

Museveni dines with guest leaders

On Monday evening, after a busy day of diplomatic engagements at State House Entebbe, President Museveni, accompanied by his daughter Natasha, hosted his distinguished high-profile guests for a state dinner at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

"I welcomed them to Uganda, a country strategically located at the centre of the world and naturally positioned as a regional hub. From Munyonyo, our guests were able to experience the beauty of our country, our pleasant climate and the uniqueness of our geography. I thank them for honouring our invitation and for the solidarity they continue to show Uganda," he said in a post on social media platform X.

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 7:45 AM  

Museveni welcomes US envoy

On Monday, President Museveni held a meeting with Nicholas Checker, the US Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, who paid a courtesy call ahead of official engagements in Uganda.

The envoy, accompanied by the US Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp,  is in the country to represent President Donald Trump at today's presidential swearing-in ceremony.

In their meeting at State House, Museveni called on the US and other global partners to support Africa’s industrialisation and value addition efforts in order to expand the continent’s economy and create more jobs for its rapidly growing population.

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 7:36 AM  

✈️Who has jetted in?

Today's inauguration ceremony will be held under the theme: “Protecting the Gains: Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”

Expect military parades, cultural performances and speeches at today's function, which has drawn a number of heads of state, government officials, and international delegations from across Africa and beyond.

Here's who has arrived:

▪️President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia 🇸🇴

▪️President Brahim Ghali of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

▪️President Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia 🇪🇹

▪️President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of DR Congo 🇨🇩

▪️President Salva Kiir of South Sudan 🇸🇸

▪️President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo 🇹🇬

Other leaders include;

▪️Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga of Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

▪️Vice-President Azouz Nasri of Algeria 🇩🇿
▪️Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva of Rwanda 🇷🇼
▪️Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua of Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶

▪️Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare of Namibia 🇳🇦
▪️Former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria 🇳🇬

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 7:04 AM  

🚦'Cooperate with traffic police'

ACP Kituuma Rusoke, who speaks for the entire Uganda Police Force, appealed to all motorists and road users to cooperate with traffic police officers deployed along the main routes, access roads, junctions, and roundabouts to ensure smooth traffic flow to the venue and designated parking areas.

"Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance and strictly follow all directions issued by traffic officers on duty," he said.

"To enhance safety, security, and orderliness, certain activities will be prohibited along designated routes. Parking outside authorized areas is strictly forbidden, and any vehicles found in violation will be towed to the nearest police stations at the owner’s expense.

"Motorists are further urged to use the roads responsibly, avoid reckless driving, and comply with all temporary traffic diversions and restrictions that will be in place."

Police urged the public to "remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative as the country marks this important national occasion".

"Motorcycles will not be allowed beyond the designated restricted junctions," said Rusoke.
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 6:54 AM  

Ebb Expressway, Northern Bypass open

Police said the Entebbe Expressway and Northern Bypass will remain open to the general public.

But they were keen to add that Traffic Police may implement diversions where necessary at the following junctions:

▪️Mpala – diversion to Old Entebbe highway
▪️Kisubi – diversion to Nakawuka Road
▪️Kajjansi Flyover – diversion to Lubowa-Zana
▪️Serena-Kigo, Mutungo-Kitiko, and Busabala Traffic Lights – for access to the city centre
▪️Munyonyo Roundabout – diversion to Salaama Road and Buziga areas
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 6:47 AM  

🅿️    What about parking?

Police said access to parking areas will strictly be limited to accredited persons, with all invited guests advised to clearly display their accreditation stickers for easy identification.

▪️VVIP parking: access through Elgon Terrace, parking at Heroes Corner, Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

▪️General public parking areas: City High School, Phaneroo Grounds, Uganda Management Institute (UMI) and Millennium Grounds

▪️Members of Parliament parking: at Parliament

▪️NRM Secretariat members parking: at NRM Kyadondo Offices
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 6:40 AM  

⛔️✋🏾Restricted access points

In the buildup to today, the Police has been issuing guidelines to the public on traffic management. Here are the restricted access points around Kololo:

▪️Wampewo Roundabout: Vehicles will not be allowed to join Wampewo Avenue. Motorists will instead be diverted to Jinja Road to access UMI parking and Phaneroo Grounds.

▪️Golf Course/Fairway Hotel Traffic Lights: Only VVIP vehicles with RED STICKERS will be allowed access to Acacia Avenue.

▪️Katikati Junction: The general public will not be allowed to proceed towards the venue and will instead be directed to Lugogo Traffic Lights on Jinja Road.

▪️City Oil, Acacia Road: Vehicles from Old Kira Road and Mawanda Road will be diverted towards Mulago Traffic Lights.
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 6:30 AM  

🚦So what's the plan?

Traffic plan, that is.

As you would imagine, access to Kololo is going to be restricted. Police's GIS Unit, which is responsible for spatial mapping of police data, has produced this visual below indicating the traffic deployment during today's ceremony.

For instance, the red dots with a black cross indicate traffic cutoff points.

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 6:15 AM  

🗞️OKULAYIRA

It's matters inauguration in today's Bukedde paper, which also has a 16-page special on the the presidential inauguration.

Head over here to read an e-copy of this edition.

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 6:12 AM  

🗞️TASKS AHEAD

Well, the inauguration will be a day's event. After there, the hard work to 'Protect the gains' will well and truly begin.

And today's edition of New Vision, which has an 84-page inauguration special inside, reminds us of the TASKS AHEAD.

Grab yourself  an electronic copy of the paper on our e-paper portal RIGHT HERE.

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 6:00 AM  

Hello!

Good morning everyone. Welcome to New Vision's live text coverage of today's presidential inauguration. Like I mentioned in the opening entry down there, all roads will be leading to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, which has already been nicely readied for today's ceremony.

By the way, it's a public holiday here in Uganda to enable the citizens to either attend or follow the presidential swearing-in. Will keep you updated right here on this page throughout the course of the day.
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 5:50 AM  

'Whole world will be watching us'

Uganda's newly elected president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will today (May 12) be sworn into office by Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija at what will be a colourful ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in the capital Kampala.

Tens of thousands of local and foreign guests are expected fill the venue to witness this crucial formal function that will mark the start of President-elect Museveni's seventh term in office. Millions of others will follow along remotely on TV and online.

So why does it matter, you may ask?

Taking the oath of office is a constitutional requirement and sets the stage for the incoming regime through the inaugural address, as well as points to national unity and continuity. So yep, it is an important day.

Speaking of which...

In his final press briefing at Kololo on Monday (the eve), Uganda Media Centre executive director Alan Kasujja (pictured below) told reporters what will happen today "is very important" as it is not only a national event, but also a regional and international one. 

"The whole world will be watching us and we expect as a country to be putting our best foot forward," he said.