UCAA Boss Fred K. Bamwesigye Assures Seamless Airport Operations During President Museveni Inauguration

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has assured the country and the international community of its full preparedness to manage the influx of foreign dignitaries expected for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s inauguration scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Friday, UCAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye said all operational and logistical arrangements at Entebbe International Airport had been finalized to ensure the smooth arrival and departure of Heads of State, diplomats and other distinguished guests expected for the high-profile event.

“The airport is fully prepared, and UCAA has been working in close coordination with all relevant government departments, agencies and other stakeholders to ensure smooth, seamless and dignified facilitation expected for the country and Uganda,” Bamwesigye said.

President Museveni will be sworn in for another term at the Kololo Independence Grounds, with government projecting attendance of between 30,000 and 40,000 guests. Officials have also confirmed that more than 35 Heads of State and Government, diplomats, and international delegations are expected to attend the ceremony, making it one of the largest state events Uganda has hosted in recent years.

Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, will be taking oath for a seventh term in office.

Bamwesigye revealed that UCAA had already developed and tested a comprehensive operational framework to handle the anticipated heavy air traffic associated with the inauguration.

According to him, the Authority conducted successful dry runs on April 24 and May 4, 2026, to assess readiness and coordination among all airport stakeholders.

“The plan provides detailed protocols for handling the different categories of delegates expected. The way ordinary passengers are handled is not the same way we handle official delegations,” he explained.

He noted that all critical airport service providers and operational teams had been placed on standby ahead of the inauguration. These include fuel suppliers, ground handling companies, security personnel, passenger and cargo service teams, as well as flight operations staff.

Bamwesigye further emphasized that despite the expected increase in diplomatic and VIP traffic, normal airport operations would continue without interruption.

“You do not disrupt traffic because you are hosting such an event. We sign agreements on both landings and overflights, and it is our responsibility to work extra hard to ensure both operations take place smoothly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force announced heightened security measures ahead of the inauguration.

Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said security agencies had intensified surveillance and deployment operations across Kampala and other strategic locations to guarantee safety during the event.

“We have conducted extensive threat assessments and are operating at a heightened state of readiness. Tactical response teams, rapid intervention units, and static security personnel will be deployed across Kampala and other key areas outside the city,” Rusoke said.

He reassured the public that the increased deployment should not cause panic.

“When you see heightened security deployment, there should be no cause for alarm,” he added.

Rusoke also confirmed that strict access control measures would be implemented at the inauguration venue.

“All attendees will be subjected to security screening and guided to their designated seating areas in accordance with the seating plan for the grounds,” he said.

The inauguration is expected to draw regional and international attention, with Uganda seeking to showcase its capacity to host major diplomatic and state functions while maintaining smooth public services and security operations.