Museveni sworn in as Uganda’s president

Museveni sworn in as Uganda’s President

By Editor

National

A heavily guarded ceremonial atmosphere marked the swearing-in of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at Kololo Independence Grounds on Tuesday, with military rituals, constitutional procedures and cultural symbolism dominating the event.

At exactly 9:20am, national flags arrived at the venue under tight security as dignitaries, invited guests and thousands of supporters settled into the grounds ahead of the inauguration ceremony.

By 10:50am, Museveni’s motorcade approached the main ceremonial grounds, escorted by heavily armed security personnel from the Special Forces Command, police patrol units and motorcycle escorts.

Standing through the sunroof of his vehicle, Museveni waved to cheering supporters as the convoy slowly moved through the venue.

Moments later, the outgoing President proceeded to receive the final salute of his previous tenure as Commander-in-Chief. The national anthem was played at 10:55am before the parade commander approached him for formal military protocol.

Museveni then inspected the parade for the final time as outgoing head of state before proceeding to the official tent where he interacted briefly with visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries.

At 11:18am, the presidential standard flag was lowered, symbolically marking the end of Museveni’s previous term in office and temporarily rendering the presidency vacant in accordance with constitutional procedure.

Religious leaders then led the nation in prayer, with Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu offering prayers for wisdom, justice and good health for Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni.

Vice President Jessica Alupo later took to the podium and guided the constitutional process before inviting Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama to formally declare the President-elect.

“From the declared results, Museveni emerged winner after satisfying the legal requirement that a candidate must obtain more than 50 percent of valid votes cast,” Byabakama announced before congratulating the President-elect.

At 11:46am, Museveni was called forward to take the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath before Flavian Zeija. He walked to the podium accompanied by his daughter Natasha Karugire as a military salute was accorded to him.

Cheers erupted across the venue as Museveni took the oath of allegiance followed by the presidential oath, officially commencing his new term in office.

Following the swearing-in, the newly inaugurated President signed official instruments before receiving the Constitution, the national flag, the presidential standard, the coat of arms and the public seal.

At 11:57am, a presidential salute was accorded to Museveni, followed shortly by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute as the presidential standard flag was raised once again, symbolising the beginning of a new presidential term.

Museveni later proceeded to inspect the military parade as the newly sworn-in President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

END