Parliament has restricted physical attendance at the forthcoming State of the Nation Address scheduled for June 4, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, citing precautionary measures following the Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Clerk to Parliament, only Members of the 12th Parliament and selected parliamentary officials will be allowed to attend the function physically.
The directive, signed by Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, further advised all invited guests not to attend physically, noting that arrangements have been made for virtual participation.
“All guests earlier invited are advised not to attend physically as Parliament has made arrangements for virtual attendance of the proceedings,” Mwesige said.
He added that the State of the Nation Address would be broadcast live on Parliament’s social media platforms and the national broadcaster to enable public access to the proceedings.
“Only Members of the 12th Parliament and select officials of Parliament will attend the function,” Kasaija said in the statement dated May 22, 2026.
The move comes at a politically sensitive time, with heightened public attention on ongoing corruption investigations involving Parliament leadership, while regional health authorities continue monitoring Ebola cases reported in parts of eastern DR Congo near Uganda’s border.
The Ministry of Health has recently intensified surveillance and public health preparedness measures following fears of possible cross-border transmission of the Ebola virus.
