Kololo Tightens Under Heavy Security as Kampala Braces for Museveni’s Seventh Swearing-In

UgandaToday: Kololo Tightens Under Heavy Security as Kampala Braces for Museveni’s Seventh Swearing-In

By Uganda Today Reporter

A security advisory circulating ahead of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s seventh swearing-in has laid bare the tense atmosphere building around Kololo, with warnings of road closures, troop movements, security checks and possible confrontations in the heart of Kampala.

The advisory, dated 8–12 May 2026, indicates that security in Kololo has been intensified ahead of the Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony scheduled for 12 May 2026, following the 15 January 2026 General Elections in which Museveni was declared winner.

For residents, businesses and travellers, the notice projects a capital city preparing for a highly securitised national event — one marked not only by ceremony but also by palpable caution.The hovering of army helicopter with roaring and deafening sound around the environs of Kampala is another nightmare that Kampala residents have put up with for a week running.

Full lockdown around Kololo

According to the advisory, 11 and 12 May will see a full lockdown of Kololo and surrounding roads, with the area placed under heavy military deployment to facilitate final security rehearsals.

Among the roads and approaches listed as affected are:

• Upper and Lower Kololo roads
• John Babiiha Avenue
• Wampewo Avenue, particularly the stretch around Hotel Africana
• Old Kira Road
• Parliament Avenue
• Nile Avenue
• Approaches through Kamwokya

The scope of the restrictions suggests that the swearing-in preparations will stretch well beyond the ceremonial grounds, affecting traffic and movement across central Kampala.

Advisory reveals deep security anxiety

Beyond traffic restrictions, the wording of the advisory points to a deeper undercurrent of concern.

It warns of heavy military activity, including troop movements, roadblocks, convoy activity, security rehearsals and possible arrests.

Most strikingly, the document explicitly mentions the possibility of “opposition clashes with security over a purported illegal swearing-in by the incumbent president.”

That language captures the political tension surrounding the forthcoming inauguration. Rather than presenting only a logistical travel notice, the advisory reads as a cautionary signal that authorities are preparing for potential political contestation and public disorder.

NIRA services temporarily relocated

The advisory further notes that offices of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) have been temporarily relocated to Kitante Primary School until 13 May 2026.

The relocation underlines how state institutions within the Kololo security zone are already adjusting operations in anticipation of the high-security event.

Public urged to avoid central Kampala

Members of the public have been advised to avoid Kololo and surrounding areas unless officially cleared.

The advisory warns that those entering the restricted zone may face:

• Delays and prolonged security checks
• Denied access or rerouting
• Possible confrontation with security personnel

Citizens have also been encouraged to work remotely where possible, avoid non-essential travel into central Kampala, and use alternative routes such as the Entebbe Expressway.

Security officials further advised members of the public to carry valid identification documents, including passports, work permits or organisational identification cards.

Kampala enters a week of elevated alert

The key dates outlined in the notice paint a picture of a capital city gradually moving into heightened alert.

• 8–10 May: nationwide prayer activities
• 11 May: full security lockdown and military rehearsals
• 12 May: presidential swearing-in ceremony and public holiday
• 13 May: gradual return to normal operations

The advisory concludes that security levels in Kampala will remain elevated through 12 May, citing inauguration activities and the arrival of international delegations.

A city preparing for ceremony — and uncertainty

The language contained in the advisory reflects more than ordinary ceremonial planning. It speaks to a city preparing for a major constitutional event under the shadow of political contestation.

As Kampala approaches Museveni’s seventh inauguration, the visible signs — road closures, troop deployments, institutional relocation and explicit warnings of possible confrontations — suggest that the coming days will test not only logistical coordination but also the country’s political temperature.

For residents of Kampala, the message is unmistakable: exercise caution, expect disruption, and prepare for a heavily guarded capital. 

Particular circulation — KOICA Uganda Office

This notice is circulated to all organisations, offices and institutions operating within and around Kololo in view of heightened security measures ahead of the Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony scheduled for 12 May 2026.

Security agencies have intensified deployment in the area and final rehearsals are underway. Staff are therefore advised to plan movement carefully and strictly observe all security directives issued during this period.

Security lockdown

A full security lockdown will be in effect on 11 and 12 May 2026.

During this period, Kololo and adjoining roads will be placed under high military deployment to facilitate final security rehearsals and access control.

Areas expected to be affected

• Kololo Upper and Lower roads
• John Babiiha Avenue
• Wampewo Avenue (Hotel Africana stretch)
• Old Kira Road
• Parliament Avenue
• Nile Avenue
• Kamwokya approach

Anticipated operational impact

The following disruptions are expected during the advisory period:

• Temporary relocation of NIRA offices to Kitante Primary School until 13 May 2026
• Heavy troop movements and convoy activity
• Security checkpoints and roadblocks
• Restricted access to certain roads and office premises
• Significant traffic disruption across central Kampala
• Possible confrontations between security personnel and members of the public in restricted areas

Staff guidance

All staff are advised to:

• Avoid Kololo and surrounding areas unless travel is essential and officially cleared
• Work remotely where operationally possible
• Avoid non-essential movement within central Kampala
• Use alternative routes, including the Entebbe Expressway
• Carry valid identification documents at all times, including passport, work permit or institutional identification

Risks to note

Staff should be aware that movement within the affected areas may result in:

• Delays and prolonged security checks
• Denied access or rerouting
• Restricted entry into office premises
• Possible confrontation with security personnel where access instructions are not observed

Key dates

Moses Akol Okurut
Security Coordinator — KOICA Uganda Office
0782 570437 / 0708 797718

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