KAMPALA, Uganda — A heavy security presence was reported across parts of Uganda on Tuesday as President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term in office at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala.
Security agencies intensified deployments in several districts amid fears of possible protests and public unrest during the inauguration ceremony, while other regions remained calm with businesses operating normally.
The swearing-in follows Uganda’s January 2026 General Election in which the Electoral Commission declared Museveni the winner with 71.65 per cent of the vote, extending his nearly four-decade rule that began in 1986.
In eastern Uganda, Iganga Municipality witnessed one of the heaviest security deployments, with personnel from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force stationed across markets, taxi parks and key roads.
Armed foot patrols and motorised security teams were also deployed around major roundabouts linking the municipality to neighbouring districts.
Busoga East Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha said the operation formed part of a broader national security strategy aimed at preventing disruptions during the inauguration.
According to Kasadha, intelligence reports had indicated possible attempts by opposition supporters to stage demonstrations, including burning tyres and blocking sections of the East African highway linking Uganda to Kenya.
He said such actions would interfere with public order and economic activity.
Security officers were also stationed near offices linked to the opposition National Unity Platform in Iganga, a move police described as routine.
However, Kigulu South MP-elect Andrew Kaluya dismissed allegations of planned protests, arguing that the deployment appeared excessive and politically motivated.
Kaluya accused authorities of previously interfering with opposition activities, including blocking party meetings without sufficient justification.
A similar security operation was observed in parts of Kapchorwa District, where police and Field Force Unit officers increased patrols along highways and trading centres.
At Kapteret checkpoint on the Kapchorwa–Mbale highway, security presence was significantly higher than during normal operations.
Sipi Region Police spokesperson Fredmark Chesang said the deployment was intended to maintain calm and prevent any disturbances linked to the national event.
Despite heightened security in some areas, other districts reported a relatively peaceful atmosphere.
In the Teso sub-region, including Soroti, Serere, Kumi and Amuria districts, residents continued with normal business activities without any major security disruption.
Serere Resident District Commissioner Stephen Ekoom said the situation remained stable.
“We have no deployment in Serere, and the people are enjoying their lives while businesses continue to operate normally in the district,” Ekoom said.
He nevertheless warned that security agencies remained alert to any attempts to disrupt public order.
“Let those who might consider sabotaging the day know that we are vigilant and present, even if silently,” he added.
In Soroti City, where opposition support has historically been strong, residents also reported calm conditions despite earlier warnings from local authorities against attempts to disrupt the ceremony.
Soroti City Resident City Commissioner John Michael Okurut had earlier warned that anyone planning to interfere with the inauguration would face legal action.
“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 let it go as planned,” Okurut said.
Elsewhere in western Uganda, daily life continued uninterrupted.
In Fort Portal, supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement organised public screenings of the inauguration ceremony, while businesses, pharmacies and markets remained open.
Shop owner Sulaight Tumusiime said commercial activity had not been affected by the political event.
Meanwhile, in Luwero, hundreds of Museveni supporters travelled overnight to Kampala aboard buses organised by local NRM leaders and veterans linked to the former National Resistance Army.
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Others gathered at public viewing venues in towns including Wobulenzi, Bombo and Kikyusa to follow the ceremony on giant screens accompanied by music performances and celebrations.
Luwero NRM District spokesperson Denis Kibirige described the inauguration as a reaffirmation of support for Museveni and the ruling party.
“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.
The inauguration comes amid continued scrutiny from opposition leaders and international observers following concerns raised over the conduct of the January election, internet restrictions and the broader political climate in Uganda.
The government, however, has consistently defended the election process and security operations, insisting that measures taken during the inauguration period were necessary to maintain stability and public safety.
