Heightened Security Upcountry Ahead of Museveni’s Swearing-In

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1446 EAT on Tuesday 12 May 2026

As the presidential swearing-in ceremony gets underway at Kololo Independence Grounds, a mixed security and public order situation has emerged across different parts of the country, with some districts experiencing heightened deployments while others continue with normal activity.

In several upcountry districts, security agencies have intensified operations, while in other areas residents have continued with their daily routines without disruption.

In Iganga, a heavy security presence has been reported across major streets and public spaces. Personnel from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the Uganda Police Force have been deployed in markets, taxi parks and areas authorities describe as opposition strongholds.

Motorised and armed foot patrols have also been deployed at key roundabouts linking the municipality to neighbouring districts.

Busoga East Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha said the deployment forms part of a broader security plan aimed at preventing crime and possible disruptions during the inauguration of Yoweri Museveni, who begins his seventh term after securing 71.65 per cent of the vote in the January 2026 general election.

Kasadha said intelligence reports had indicated plans by some opposition supporters to stage protests, including burning tyres and blocking major roads such as the East African highway linking Uganda to Kenya.

He said such actions would disrupt business and public order. Security personnel have also been stationed at offices of the National Unity Platform in Iganga, a move police described as routine.

However, Kigulu South MP-elect Andrew Kaluya dismissed claims of planned protests, arguing that the deployment was unnecessary and intended to restrict political activity. He also accused police of previously blocking party meetings without justification.

A similar security posture has been reported in parts of Kapchorwa, where police and Field Force Unit officers have increased their presence along highways and in trading centres. At checkpoints such as Kapteret on the Kapchorwa–Mbale road, the number of security personnel has risen sharply compared with routine operations.

Sipi Region police spokesperson Fredmark Chesang said the deployment is intended to maintain public order during the national event.

In contrast, several districts in the Teso sub-region, including Soroti, Serere, Kumi and Amuria, have reported no unusual security deployments, with local leaders describing the situation as calm and businesses operating normally.

Stephen Ekoom, the Resident District Commissioner of Serere, said the security situation in the district remains stable.
“We have no deployment in Serere, and people are going about their lives while businesses continue to operate normally in the district,” Ekoom said.

He added that security forces remain on alert to respond to any disruptions.
“Let those who might consider sabotaging the day know that we are vigilant and present, even if silently,” he said.

Ekoom also noted that although cases of domestic violence exist in the district, they do not warrant heavy security deployment, adding that community policing efforts have instead been intensified.

In Soroti City, where expectations of heightened security had been raised due to the area’s opposition leanings, residents instead reported calm conditions, with normal activities continuing uninterrupted.

Earlier, John Michael Okurut, the Resident City Commissioner of Soroti City, warned against any attempts to disrupt the event while speaking on a local radio station.
“Should we hear of any group planning to sabotage today’s event, we will apprehend you and you will face the law. Let the day remain peaceful and proceed as planned,” Okurut said.

By press time, no major security deployments had been reported across much of the Teso sub-region.
Elsewhere, daily life continued largely uninterrupted. In Fort Portal, leaders of the National Resistance Movement organised a public viewing of the swearing-in ceremony. Business activity remained steady, with shops, markets and pharmacies operating normally.

Sulaight Tumusiime, a shop owner in Fort Portal, said the ceremony had not affected operations, with businesses continuing as usual.

In Luwero town, hundreds of NRM supporters boarded buses from the veterans’ office near Kasana Playground on Monday night, travelling to Kololo Independence Grounds to witness the ceremony.

The supporters, including veterans associated with the National Resistance Army, said Yoweri Museveni’s re-election reflected continued public confidence in his leadership and the ruling party.

Additional groups departed from Wobulenzi, Bombo and Kikyusa town councils to attend the swearing-in ceremony, while others gathered at Salabwa Gardens in Kikyusa Town Council to follow proceedings on big screens alongside food, drinks and music performances.

Luwero NRM district spokesperson Denis Kibirige said preparations for the celebrations had been completed, noting that supporters began arriving at various venues overnight ahead of the event.

“There are great celebrations here as we reaffirm our support for President Yoweri Museveni. As you are aware, the NRM story started in Luwero, and we remain committed supporters of President Yoweri Museveni,” Kibirige said.

-Observer

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