The government has declared Tuesday, May 12, 2026 a public holiday to mark the official swearing-in of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the 2026–2031 term.
The announcement was made in a press release dated May 8, 2026 by the Uganda Media Centre and signed by Executive Director Alan Kasujja.
“On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, President-elect His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will be officially sworn in for the 2026–2031 term,” the statement reads.
According to the release, the Minister of Public Service declared the day a public holiday to enable the public participate in the national event.
“Accordingly, the Minister of Public Service has declared this day a public holiday for the general public,” Kasujja stated.
The swearing-in ceremony will mark the beginning of Museveni’s new five-year term following the 2026 general elections.
Government is expected to release details of the swearing-in programme, including the venue, invited guests and security guidelines, in the coming days. The event traditionally attracts heads of state, diplomats and thousands of Ugandans.
The May 12 public holiday means government offices, banks and most private institutions will remain closed except for essential services.
This will be another swearing-in ceremony for Museveni since he first assumed power in 1986, extending his decades-long tenure after victory in the 2026 polls.