Kampala experienced heightened security deployment on Tuesday as the city prepared for the swearing-in ceremony of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, with armed personnel maintaining a strong presence across major highways, junctions, and suburbs.
Before dawn, security teams comprising the military and police had already taken positions along key entry and exit routes into the capital. Along the Northern Bypass, armored vehicles, patrol trucks, and temporary security posts were visible at several roundabouts, while officers conducted continuous patrols.
The deployment extended through areas such as Kalerwe, Bwaise, Mulago, Wandegeya, Nsambya, and Clock Tower, where both pedestrian and vehicular movement continued under close watch. Lamp posts, buildings, and roadside barriers were draped in yellow campaign materials and portraits of the president ahead of the ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Public transport vehicles ferried supporters toward the venue throughout the morning, while groups clad in yellow party attire marched through different parts of the city waving flags and singing political slogans. Brass bands and processions were also spotted in several suburbs.
Meanwhile, boda boda riders affiliated with the New Generation Boda Boda sector staged celebratory processions that caused temporary traffic disruptions in parts of the city centre. The riders, many wearing yellow T-shirts and helmets, converged at Railway Grounds before riding in large convoys through Kampala Road, Jinja Road, Nakawa, Naguru, and Lugogo.
Traffic briefly came to a halt at some junctions as riders hooted, revved engines, and performed stunts while security officers monitored the processions.
However, some residents and road users expressed frustration over the disruptions. John Bosco Musasizi, a rider from Makindye, accused some individuals within the convoy of taking advantage of the commotion to steal from motorists and pedestrians.
He also criticized what he described as unequal treatment by security personnel, saying ordinary riders continued to face arrests and motorcycle impoundments while the procession moved freely through the city.
Jeremiah Gumisiriza, the Kampala chairman of the Museveni Boda-boda Supporters Association, dismissed allegations linking the group to criminal acts. He said anyone involved in theft should be apprehended by security agencies.
Gumisiriza added that the gathering was intended both to celebrate Museveni’s inauguration and to raise concerns over funds reportedly allocated to the boda boda sector.
Across Kampala Metropolitan areas, heavily armed units from the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the Special Forces Command, Counter Terrorism, and other joint security agencies maintained patrols and guarded strategic locations.
Newly acquired police motorcycles carrying armed officers were also deployed throughout the central business district and on major roads leading to the city centre.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the intensified deployment was aimed at preventing possible security threats and maintaining order during the inauguration activities.
Organisers of the inauguration at Kololo expected tens of thousands of guests, including several foreign dignitaries and heads of state, for the ceremony marking Museveni’s latest term in office following the 2026 general elections.
According to official election results, Museveni secured victory with 71.65 percent of the vote, extending a presidency that began in 1986 after the National Resistance Army took power following the bush war.
As celebrations and tight security unfolded simultaneously across the capital, Kampala reflected both the significance of the political occasion and the heavy security atmosphere surrounding one of Uganda’s most consequential national events.
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