Electoral Commission Clarifies Constitutional Role in Presidential Swearing-In Ceremony
In a statement issued on Monday, 11th May 2026, the Electoral Commission Spokesperson, Julius Mucunguzi, explained that the Commission’s role during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony on 12th May 2026 is guided by Article 61(2) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has outlined its constitutional role in the swearing-in and inauguration of a newly elected President, emphasizing that its mandate is to formally present to the nation the candidate duly elected by Ugandans during the General Elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, 11th May 2026, the Electoral Commission Spokesperson, Julius Mucunguzi, explained that the Commission’s role during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony on 12th May 2026 is guided by Article 61(2) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda.
According to Mucunguzi, the Electoral Commission is responsible for presenting to Ugandans the President-Elect chosen during the 15th January 2026 General Elections.
“During the swearing in and inauguration of a newly elected President, the role of the Electoral Commission is to present to Ugandans the person they duly elected, in accordance with Article 61(2) of the 1995 Constitution, as their President-Elect during the 15th January 2026 General Elections,” Mucunguzi stated.
The EC spokesperson further revealed the order of proceedings expected during the inauguration ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Under the official programme, the Director of Ceremonies will invite the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, accompanied by the other Commissioners, to the podium.
Justice Byabakama is expected to make brief remarks before formally inviting the President-Elect to take his place at the podium ahead of the administration of the oath of office.
Thereafter, the EC Chairperson will invite the Chief Justice, accompanied by the Chief Registrar as well as the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, to take their positions for the official swearing-in exercise.
The Chief Justice will then administer the presidential oaths to the President-Elect, officially ushering him into another constitutional term of office.
The clarification by the Electoral Commission comes ahead of the highly anticipated inauguration ceremony expected to attract several Heads of State, diplomats, government officials, religious leaders, and thousands of Ugandans.
The swearing-in ceremony marks one of the most significant constitutional events in Uganda’s governance framework, symbolizing the peaceful transfer and continuation of executive authority through democratic and constitutional processes.
The Electoral Commission has in recent days reiterated its commitment to conducting its constitutional duties professionally and transparently, noting that its role at the inauguration is strictly ceremonial and constitutional in nature.
President Museveni was declared winner of the January 2026 presidential election after securing victory in the nationwide polls organized and supervised by the Electoral Commission.
