By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin , L.H.D (Hon)

US President Donald Trump has dispatched one of America’s most senior and trusted diplomats on the African continent, H.E. Nicholas Checker, to represent the United States at the swearing-in ceremony of Uganda’s long-serving President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, scheduled for Tuesday, 12th May 2026.

Speaking to HICGI News Agency, a political analyst who preferred anonymity described Washington’s decision to send a high-level delegation as a strategic diplomatic signal aimed at strengthening U.S. interests in the Great Lakes Region. According to the analyst, President Museveni continues to command significant influence and respect across Africa, positioning Uganda as a key regional ally.

“The decision by the United States to honor and effectively legitimize President Museveni’s re-election reflects America’s broader foreign policy interests in the Great Lakes Region,” the analyst said. “Museveni, often referred to as the ‘old lion,’ remains an influential figure whose leadership and regional security role continue to attract international engagement.”

The analyst further noted that some opposition supporters who anticipated stronger Western pressure against President Museveni may be surprised by the continued diplomatic, security, political, and economic cooperation between Uganda and Western powers.

“Ugandan opposition figures who expected Western countries to isolate Museveni are witnessing the opposite. The United States and its allies continue to maintain close relations with him, especially given his strategic role in regional peace and his current position as Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM),” the analyst added.

More than 30 Heads of State and senior foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony at Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds. Several leaders had already begun arriving in Uganda by Sunday.

Among the dignitaries already here include President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia, and H.E. Brahim Ghali.

Others are Vice President Constantino Chiwenga of Zimbabwe and H.E. Azouz Nasri, representing President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria.

Officials say the list of international guests is still being updated as more confirmations continue to come in ahead of the ceremony today.