Trump Sends Representative to Museveni’s Swearing-in Ceremony

US President Donald Trump has sent a representative to Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026. 

Trumo’s representative Nick Checker, the Senior Bureau Official in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, is already in the country, Checker and the US delegation he has led to Uganda met Museveni at State House Entebbe.

Uganda is set for a significant political moment as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni takes the oath of office for another term, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. The event follows his victory in the 2026 general elections and marks the formal commencement of a new presidential term.

The ceremony is expected to draw thousands of Ugandans, alongside regional and international dignitaries.
Security has been significantly heightened in Kampala ahead of the event, with authorities emphasizing public safety and order.

Police and other security agencies have deployed heavily across the city to manage crowds and prevent disruptions. The swearing-in is regarded as a high-profile national function, often accompanied by tight security measures, traffic restrictions, and controlled access to key venues.

The ceremony is also attracting strong international attention, reflecting Uganda’s strategic position in regional politics. Leaders from across Africa, as well as global representatives.

MUSEVENI AND TRUMP ENVOY MEETING

Museveni and Checker talked about US-Uganda relations, and discussed value addition and industrialisation, according to Museveni.

The President also told Trump’s representative that Uganda would no longersend raw materials abroad.

“I emphasized the need for value addition and industrialisation across Africa. We cannot continue exporting raw materials such as coffee, oil and minerals without processing them,” noted Museveni after the meeting.

“Value addition is crucial for expanding Africa’s GDP, creating jobs and increasing the purchasing power of our people. I welcome him to Uganda and wish him a fruitful stay.”

Others who have jetted into the country are Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan; and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia.

As Museveni begins another term in office, expectations remain high among citizens and stakeholders. Key issues likely to define the new administration, including wealth creation, service delivery, and governance reforms. The swearing-in ceremony therefore not only symbolizes continuity in leadership but also sets the tone for Uganda’s political and socio-economic direction in the years ahead.

Museveni has been in power since 1986 and will have ruled Uganda for 45 years by the end of his term in 2031. That year, Museveni will be 86 years old.

While some argue that Museveni could seek reelection in 2031, others say this is his last term and that his son and army chief could succeed him, although Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has hinted on Gen Salim Saleh, the president’s younger brother, as the one who will succeed Museveni. (See Details Here and There).