Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds have sparked debate over the scale and cost of celebrations ahead of the veteran leader’s eighth consecutive term in office.
In recent days, the Kampala metropolitan area has witnessed heightened security activity, including increased helicopter patrols and fighter jet movements as authorities finalize preparations for the inauguration ceremony.
Roads leading to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds have also seen intensified security deployments and roadblocks, while sections of the venue and surrounding roads have undergone renovation and beautification works ahead of the event.
The preparations have, however, attracted criticism from some members of the public and political figures who questioned the expenditure associated with the ceremony.
Former National Resistance Movement legislator turned government critic Barnabas Tinkasimire described the spending on the ceremony as a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Tinkasimire argued that the President should instead adopt a modest swearing-in ceremony similar to the one held on the steps of Parliament after he first assumed power.
“He should minimize these extravagant celebrations and instead direct the resources towards implementing his manifesto and addressing the pressing needs of Ugandans,” Tinkasimire reportedly said.
The criticism was dismissed by senior ruling party officials who defended the scale of the preparations.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said the ceremony reflects what the ruling party considers decades of peace, stability, and development under Museveni’s leadership.
“The celebrations reflect the country’s achievements and the confidence Ugandans continue to place in President Museveni,” Todwong said.
NRM youth leader Brenda Kiconco also defended the nationwide celebrations and activities linked to the inauguration, arguing that they correspond with the strong support Museveni reportedly received during the recently concluded elections.
Meanwhile, anti-corruption activist Henry Muguzi criticized what he described as continued misuse of public resources during state functions.
“There is nothing new in what we are witnessing. This has become the usual pattern whenever government organizes such functions,” Muguzi said.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to attract regional leaders, foreign dignitaries, government officials, and thousands of supporters as Uganda begins another five-year term under Museveni’s leadership.
Tags: Yoweri Museveni, Swearing-In Ceremony, Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, NRM, Uganda Politics, Richard Todwong, Barnabas Tinkasimire, Henry Muguzi