Security has been tightened at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds ahead of the Presidential swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, 12th May 2026, as the media was taken through a full dry run of how the day’s events will unfold.
Journalists toured the venue on Monday to witness the final preparations for the ceremony, which is expected to attract more than 15 Heads of State and over 50 foreign dignitaries.
The day began with aerial surveillance over Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where a security helicopter hovered above the venue as part of efforts to counter any possible air threats during the event.
Highly trained commandos later parachuted from military aircraft onto the grounds in a demonstration of air defence preparedness ahead of the ceremony.
Military officers were also seen painting and preparing the parade grounds where the official parade will be assembled, while red carpets were laid along the route designated for the walk of honour by visiting Heads of State.
Security patrols around the venue intensified, with patrol vehicles carrying armed soldiers moving around the area to monitor the surroundings.
Later, the media assembled for a joint government communications briefing on preparations for the event.
Robert Rwakandare, the Head of Politics at State House, thanked Ugandans for voting for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and invited members of the public who are able to attend the ceremony at Kololo. He emphasized the importance of peace and stability and encouraged opposition supporters to also witness the swearing-in ceremony.
Alan Kasujja, the Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, said the real public holiday would be on Tuesday and urged Ugandans to celebrate responsibly, while advising others to remain at home if necessary.
Julius Mucunguzi, the spokesperson of the Electoral Commission Uganda, said the Electoral Commission Chairperson will officially present the President-elect to Ugandans during the ceremony. He added that the event marks the final stage in concluding the electoral process that began months ago.
Denis Omara, the Public Information Officer of the Special Forces Command, warned that security operations at the venue will be strict, particularly regarding time management. He noted that check-in for invited guests and accredited personnel will run from 7:00am to 8:30am.
Obed Katulebe, the Public Relations Officer, described the occasion as unique and cautioned journalists against conducting interviews inside the Presidential tent. He also revealed that members of the public will access feeding centres at the UMI Parking Grounds and City High School.
Uganda Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke reminded the public about the earlier traffic and security guidelines issued on Friday and assured Ugandans that there was no cause for panic despite the heightened security deployment.
He added that routes outside Entebbe International Airport remain open but are being managed by security teams, with access routes including Old Entebbe Road and the Entebbe Expressway.
Rusoke further noted that specific roads around Upper Kololo Terrace will only be accessed by invited guests and dignitaries attending the ceremony.
Motorists have also been urged to remain disciplined and follow traffic guidance issued by security personnel.
Margaret Kafeero, the Head of Public Diplomacy, revealed that between 10 and 15 Heads of State are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony, alongside more than 50 dignitaries from different countries, some of whom have already arrived in Uganda.
