Uganda prepares for grand swearing in ceremony

“A firm foundation built for Uganda’s steady progress” will be the theme of the day when President Yoweri Museveni is sworn in on Thursday at Kololo, Kampala.

Minister for The Presidency Frank Tumwebaze said the theme depicts the steadily maintained rate of sustainable economic growth in terms of GDP as well as establishment of peace, security, development of the energy sector, development of economic, physical and technological infrastructure.

“Inflation has been kept at single digits from a record high double digit of 30% in 2011/2012. Also total tax collections projected at 13.884trillion 2016/2017 up from shs. 11.333 trillion in 2015/2016. The tax to GDP ratio expected to grow from 13.7% to 14.9%,” Tumwebaze said.

Tumwebaze remarked that economic management is one of the fundamentals for assessing the stability of a country.

@Natabaalo #PublicHoliday for Thursday, wait for official announcement please @UgandaMediaCent @Jadwong

— Ofwono Opondo P’Odel (@OfwonoOpondo) May 9, 2016

According to the inauguration ceremony programme, events at Kololo Ceremonial grounds start 7am.”

“This is the 5^th presidential election held in Uganda starting from 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016. The swearing in ceremony is a statement and a confirmation of people’s will and a final destination of a journey that was launched in November 2015 as the Electoral Commission of Uganda nominated different candidates vying for presidency,” Tumwebaze added.

Government has invited 17 Heads of States  from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Lesotho, South Sudan, Tanzania, Mali, Chad, Togo, Swaziland, China Nigeria, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea and the Russian Federation. Besides some countries will send representatives from East African Community, Japan, Germany, India and Rwanda.

Museveni won the elections in February by 60.62%, edging Dr Kizza Besigye who came second with 35.61%. Besigye challenged the election in court, but the Supreme Court ruled last month Museveni was validly elected.

Jets flying over Kampala part of the swearing in parade due on Thursday

— Paddy Ankunda (@defenceuganda) May 9, 2016

 Swearing in Ceremony

The swearing in ceremony will begin with the Chairman Electoral Commission, Badru Kiggundu reading a proclamation to invite and introduce the President Elect to the public. Thereafter the Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe will administer the oath of allegiance and oath of President to the President Elect.

The president will receive the instruments of power that include the constitution, National Court of Arms, the seal, National Flag and the presidential Standard flag upon signing the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of President. Finally the President will take a Presidential salute, inspect a Guard of Honour before introducing the visiting delegations and addressing the public.

The President will host visiting delegations to a state Luncheon at Commonwealth Speke Resort, Munyonyo.  Tumwebaze said all Ugandans are invited to the event and will be served with drinks and lunch.