The National Resistance Movement (NRM) on Monday night staged a spectacular drone show over Kampala, using synchronized aerial displays to celebrate Uganda’s development milestones and President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership ahead of Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony.
The brightly lit display transformed the city skyline as hundreds of drones formed patriotic symbols, national colours, and political messages associated with the ruling party and Uganda’s progress under the NRM government.
The show attracted attention across the city and quickly dominated social media platforms, with videos and photos widely shared by supporters and residents impressed by the rare technological spectacle.
At the Next Media Park in Naguru, excitement filled the air as the first sparks of fireworks announced the start of the glitzy night sky show before the drones took up the evening.
Cameras were held high as staff screened everything that came up.
The drone display formed part of broader celebrations organized ahead of Museveni’s inauguration for a seventh term in office at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Political observers say the event reflected a growing shift toward modern and visually driven political communication, with drone technology increasingly being used globally during national celebrations, sporting ceremonies, and political events.
Unlike traditional fireworks, drone shows rely on programmed aerial choreography using illuminated drones that create moving images and messages in the sky.
For the NRM, the display appeared aimed at projecting an image of modernization, patriotism, and technological advancement while energizing supporters ahead of the inauguration ceremony.
The aerial spectacle also reinforced key themes the ruling party has consistently promoted, including peace, unity, infrastructure development, and national pride.
The timing of the show coincided with heightened activity in Kampala as regional leaders, diplomats, and thousands of supporters arrived in the city for the swearing-in ceremony.
Security remained tight across major roads and strategic installations throughout the evening as preparations for Tuesday’s national event entered their final stages.