Lira, Uganda | The Uganda Police Force has announced extensive traffic and access guidelines ahead of the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, with several roads around the venue set to face restrictions for the general public.
The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, will mark the beginning of Museveni’s seventh presidential term covering the 2026–2031 period following the January 15 General Election.
The national event will be held under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
According to Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, invited guests will access the venue through John Babiha Road (Acacia Avenue) via Elgon Terrace, commonly known as the Heroes Corner Gate, as indicated on their invitation cards and accreditation passes.
Police said special access arrangements for VIPs, VVIPs and other accredited guests would be communicated through official invitation and accreditation channels.
The ceremony is expected to run from 8:00am to 2:00pm and attract approximately 40,000 guests, including more than 30 Heads of State and international delegations.
In preparation for the high-profile function, Government has declared Tuesday, May 12, 2026, a public holiday to enable Ugandans to observe the inauguration ceremony.
Security agencies, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the Uganda Police Force, have intensified deployments and rehearsals around Kololo and major access routes to ensure safety and smooth coordination during the event.
Under the new traffic guidelines, several roads leading to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds will only be accessible to vehicles displaying valid accreditation stickers or special clearance. The affected routes include Ssezibwa Road, the Golf Course traffic lights area and sections of John Babiha Road leading to the venue.
Traffic Police also outlined designated routes for guests arriving from different directions. Motorists travelling from Entebbe International Airport will use the Entebbe Express Highway, Northern Bypass and Yusuf Lule Road before connecting to Kololo. Those from Munyonyo Spur will similarly access the venue through the Northern Bypass and Yusuf Lule Road.
Police further announced restrictions at several key junctions around Kololo. At Wampewo Roundabout, motorists will not be allowed to join Wampewo Avenue and will instead be diverted to Jinja Road towards Uganda Management Institute parking and Phaneroo Grounds.
At the Golf Course and Fairway Hotel traffic lights, only VVIP vehicles bearing red stickers will access Acacia Avenue, while at Katikati Junction, members of the general public will be redirected towards Lugogo traffic lights on Jinja Road.
Vehicles approaching from Old Kira Road and Mawanda Road through City Oil on Acacia Road will also be diverted towards Mulago traffic lights.
Police said parking at the venue would strictly be limited to accredited persons. VVIP guests will park at Heroes Corner within Kololo Ceremonial Grounds through Elgon Terrace access.
The general public has been directed to use designated parking areas at City High School, Phaneroo Grounds, Uganda Management Institute and Millennium Grounds.
Members of Parliament will park at Parliament, while members of the NRM Secretariat will use parking space at the NRM Kyadondo offices.
Despite the restrictions, Police clarified that the Entebbe Express Highway and Northern Bypass would remain open to the general public, although temporary diversions may be introduced at selected junctions including Mpala, Kisubi, Kajjansi Flyover, Serena-Kigo, Mutungo-Kitiko, Busabala traffic lights and Munyonyo Roundabout.
Police appealed to motorists and other road users to cooperate with traffic officers deployed along the major routes, junctions and access roads to ensure smooth movement and public safety during the event.