The government is set to spend at least UGX 9 billion on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s May 12, 2026 swearing-in ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, drawing criticism from some lawmakers over the growing cost of presidential inaugurations.
Officials from the Ministry of Presidency say the funds will facilitate the high-profile ceremony expected to attract more than 4,000 guests, including foreign heads of state, diplomats, religious leaders, and senior government officials.
According to reports, government initially budgeted UGX 3 billion for the event before approving an additional UGX 4 billion through supplementary funding, pushing the overall expenditure beyond the UGX 7.7 billion spent during the 2021 inauguration.
The budget is expected to cater for security deployment, hospitality, protocol arrangements, transport logistics, venue preparation, and accommodation for visiting dignitaries.
The ceremony will mark President Museveni’s seventh term in office following the 2026 general elections.
However, the expenditure has triggered debate among Members of Parliament and sections of the public, with critics questioning whether such spending is justifiable at a time when the country faces pressure on public services and rising debt obligations.
Some legislators have proposed that future presidential oath-taking ceremonies be held within Parliament as a cost-saving measure rather than staging large-scale national events at Kololo.
Opposition figures argue that the resources could instead be redirected toward essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and social services.
Despite the criticism, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has defended the expenditure, insisting that a presidential inauguration is a significant state function that requires adequate facilitation, especially given the expected attendance of regional and international dignitaries.
Government officials also maintain that security considerations and international protocol standards contribute significantly to the overall budget.
The upcoming ceremony is expected to be one of the largest state events of the year, with preparations already underway at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
