The Office of the President has set aside Shs6 billion for the 2025/26 financial year to fund the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect for the 2026-2031 term.
Current President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni plans to run for re-election, facing competition from several opposition figures. Among them are Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Jimmy Akena from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Mandala Mafabi representing the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party.
Hajj Yunus Kakande, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, presented the state house budget to the Presidential Election Affairs Committee. He explained that a portion of the Shs6 billion will cover expenses for more than 10 visiting presidents attending the event. This includes their security, lodging, and general comfort during the ceremony.
The budget also includes funds for advertisements, refreshments, and decorations at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, the customary location for such occasions.
For comparison, the government allocated Shs7 billion for presidential swearing-in activities in 2021.
