Police Issue Tight Security, Traffic Guidelines Ahead of Presidential Swearing-In

The Uganda Police has issued stringent security and traffic guidelines to the public and invited guests attending the presidential swearing-in ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds.Addressing the media in Kampala in May 2026, Kituuma Rusoke urged the public to cooperate with security agencies to avoid inconvenience and embarrassment.Mr Rusoke explained that access to several roads leading to the ceremonial grounds will be restricted to the general public, except for vehicles with printed stickers.The affected routes include Kololo Upper and Lower roads, Wampewo Avenue (Hotel Africana stretch), and John Babiiha Road, commonly known as Acacia Avenue. Other roads affected are Old Kira Road, Parliament Avenue, Nile Avenue, and the Kamwokya approach.“Those roads will experience intermittent traffic interruptions to enable us manage and control the flow of traffic,” Mr Rusoke noted.He also clarified that the aircraft seen flying over different parts of the country in recent weeks are conducting rehearsal flights by the Uganda People’s Defence Air Force ahead of the May 12 presidential swearing-in ceremony, during which an aerial display is expected.“You must have been seeing some air shows. Those jets are from the UPDF air force, UPDAF, and those were rehearsals. Just wait for D-Day, you should expect a meticulous display by our mighty UPDF,” he said.His remarks follow growing public concern over the loud sounds caused by the aircraft, with some members of the public alleging that the noise had shattered glass windows and disrupted normal business operations.“People should not be scared. They should instead get used to them. The people conducting those rehearsal flights are experts. Let us wait for D-Day and see what comes out,” he added.Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is set to be sworn in for a seventh term after being declared winner of the January 15, 2026 presidential election, extending his leadership beyond four decades.Mr Museveni was declared winner after securing 7,944,772 votes, representing 71.65 percent of the valid ballots cast. His closest challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, garnered 2,741,238 votes, equivalent to 24.72 percent.The campaign period was marked by persistent targeting of the National Unity Platform, its leadership, candidates, and supporters across several districts. Election day was also conducted under a nationwide internet blackout, which drew criticism from opposition groups and human rights activists.