Uganda security forces
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Security agencies have intensified deployments across Kampala and surrounding metropolitan areas ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Tuesday at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, with authorities describing the operation as one of the most comprehensive security arrangements mounted in recent years.
The inauguration, which will usher Museveni into his seventh elective term in office, is expected to attract more than 35 Heads of State, diplomats, foreign delegations and thousands of invited guests, prompting heightened vigilance by the Uganda Police Force and sister security agencies.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the increased security presence should not alarm the public, noting that the deployments are precautionary measures intended to guarantee safety and ensure the smooth running of the national event.
“The deployment is meant to ensure the safety of Ugandans, visitors and dignitaries attending the ceremony. We urge the public to cooperate with security personnel and follow all traffic guidance that will be issued,” Rusoke said.
Joint security teams comprising traffic police, counter-terrorism officers, tactical response units, anti-riot police and rapid intervention teams have been stationed along major roads leading into Kampala and around strategic locations within the city.
Heavy security presence has particularly been observed along Entebbe Road, Jinja Road and Masaka Road, where patrol vehicles, armored units and foot patrol teams have been conducting surveillance and monitoring movements ahead of the ceremony.
Authorities have also mounted covert and overt intelligence operations to detect and neutralize any potential threats before and during the inauguration. According to security officials, surveillance teams are monitoring activities around the city while access to sensitive areas has been significantly tightened.
At the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, strict access control measures have been introduced, with only accredited guests, VVIPs, diplomats and individuals possessing official access stickers allowed into restricted zones.
Several roads surrounding Kololo have either been closed or partially restricted as part of the broader traffic management plan.
Among the affected routes are Ssezibwa Road, Wampewo Avenue and sections of John Babiha Road. Upper Kololo Terrace and Elgon Terrace are also operating under special access arrangements.
“Elgon Terrace will mainly be used by VVIPs and invited guests with access stickers, while Wampewo Avenue will facilitate pedestrians, service providers and attendees accessing the venue on foot,” Rusoke explained.
Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes, with traffic diversions directing some vehicles through Jinja Road toward designated parking areas such as Uganda Management Institute grounds and the nearby Phaneroo grounds.
Security checkpoints have additionally been established around the city to regulate movement and screen vehicles entering high-security zones.
Police have also warned against planned demonstrations or unlawful gatherings during the inauguration period, stressing that any attempts to disrupt the ceremony will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“We encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals, objects or activities to security agencies,” Rusoke said.
The force further cautioned revelers against reckless celebrations during the public holiday declared for Tuesday, warning that operations against drunk driving and traffic violations will be intensified throughout Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Citizens without official invitations have been encouraged to follow the proceedings live on television instead of attempting to access restricted areas around Kololo.
The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled to run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will feature military parade inspections, prayers led by religious leaders and a ceremonial 21-gun salute as Museveni officially begins his new five-year term from 2026 to 2031.
