Museveni Sworn In at Kololo as Muhoozi Kainerugaba Dominates Military Ceremony

 

By Political Desk

 

KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday was sworn in at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during a heavily secured inauguration ceremony attended by regional heads of state, foreign diplomats, senior government officials and thousands of supporters.

The ceremony marked the formal beginning of Museveni’s new presidential term following the recent general election, conducted under constitutional procedure before the Chief Justice and accompanied by full military honours, including parades, flyovers and ceremonial drills by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

Museveni arrived shortly before midday in a presidential convoy under tight security before inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the UPDF. He then took the Oath of Allegiance and the Presidential Oath in a nationally televised ceremony broadcast across Uganda and beyond.

 

Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s prominent role

 

Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba emerged as one of the most visible figures at the inauguration, taking a central role in coordinating military ceremonial operations at Kololo.

He was observed overseeing final parade rehearsals ahead of the president’s arrival, supervising troop formations and ensuring coordination between ground units and ceremonial displays. Senior military officers worked alongside him during the preparation and execution of the event.

During the ceremony, Muhoozi stood among top military leadership as the president inspected the guard of honour, reflecting his position as the country’s senior serving military officer and head of the armed forces.

Military displays formed a major part of the inauguration, with synchronized formations, salutes and ceremonial movements executed by UPDF units under coordinated command structures.

 

Museveni outlines priorities

 

In his inaugural address, Museveni emphasized continuity in government policy, focusing on economic transformation, industrialisation, infrastructure development and agricultural modernization.

He reiterated the need for increased production, job creation and wealth generation, urging Ugandans to participate in government-led development programmes aimed at expanding the economy.

“We must continue building a strong and self-reliant economy that creates opportunities for all citizens,” Museveni said.

The president also praised the UPDF and other security agencies for maintaining stability and highlighted Uganda’s role in regional peacekeeping and East African cooperation.

 

Regional and diplomatic attendance

 

The inauguration attracted multiple African heads of state, senior diplomatic delegations and representatives of international organisations, underscoring Uganda’s regional political influence.

Kololo grounds were filled with invited guests, government officials and supporters, while security agencies maintained strict control of access routes and surrounding areas throughout the day.

Military bands, cultural performances and ceremonial honours formed part of the programme, which was broadcast live on national television.

 

Opposition boycott

 

Opposition political parties largely stayed away from the ceremony, maintaining their stance of rejecting participation in the inauguration following the election outcome.

Their absence contributed to a largely one-sided political presence at Kololo, dominated by government officials and ruling party structures.

 

Ceremony concludes with official engagements

 

Following the oath-taking, Museveni greeted visiting dignitaries and senior officials before attending a closed-door reception with invited guests.

By the end of the day, government communications focused on the constitutional significance of the inauguration, the president’s address and the attendance of foreign delegations.

As celebrations continued in parts of Kampala, analysts noted that the inauguration once again highlighted the strong integration of military protocol within Uganda’s state ceremonies and the growing visibility of senior defence leadership during key national events.