By Karim Were
The Ugandan government is ramping up efforts to rally national unity and public participation ahead of the upcoming inauguration of President Yoweri Museveni, with a countrywide prayer campaign and an open-door policy for citizens to attend the ceremony.
Scheduled for May 12 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, the inauguration is being framed not just as a political event, but as a moment of collective reflection and solidarity. Authorities have introduced a three-day nationwide prayer programme spanning multiple faiths, underscoring Uganda’s religious diversity while aligning it with a message of stability.
According to officials, the prayers will begin in mosques on Friday, continue in Seventh-day Adventist congregations on Saturday, and conclude with church services on Sunday. Government representatives are expected to participate across the country, signaling an official endorsement of the initiative as part of broader national preparations.
Yunus Kakande, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, emphasized the symbolic importance of the programme, linking it to Uganda’s national motto and the need for continued peace. He framed the prayers as both a spiritual exercise and a response to global uncertainty, pointing to instability in other regions as a cautionary backdrop.
In a move aimed at maximizing public turnout, the government has also removed formal barriers to attending the inauguration. Citizens have been encouraged to show up freely, with assurances of adequate arrangements, including food and space, to accommodate large crowds.
Meanwhile, security and ceremonial preparations are already visible, with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces conducting rehearsals, including planned aerial displays. The event is expected to draw a wide mix of local attendees and dignitaries, marking a significant moment in Uganda’s political calendar.
