KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was on Tuesday sworn in for a new term during a colourful state ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds attended by regional leaders, diplomats, senior government officials and thousands of supporters.
However, the absence of First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni quickly became one of the most talked-about aspects of the inauguration.
The ceremony, held under tight security in Kampala, marked the beginning of President Museveni’s new term following his victory in the recent general election. Military parades, cultural performances and ceremonial gun salutes characterised the day as guests filled the Kololo grounds from early morning.
President Museveni arrived at the venue shortly before midday in a heavily guarded motorcade before inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
He later took the Oath of Allegiance and Presidential Oath before Chief Justice Flavian Zeija and other senior judicial officials in accordance with the Constitution.
In his inaugural address, President Museveni focused on economic transformation, industrialization, infrastructure development and wealth creation, while urging Ugandans to embrace patriotism and productivity.
“We must continue building an economy that creates jobs, strengthens local industries and protects Uganda from external shocks,” President Museveni said.
The ceremony attracted several African leaders and foreign delegations, underlining Uganda’s regional influence and President Museveni’s long-standing role in continental affairs.
Yet despite the significance of the event, public attention increasingly shifted to the absence of Janet Museveni, who has traditionally accompanied the President during major state functions, including previous inaugurations, national celebrations and diplomatic events.
Her absence was immediately noticed by attendees at Kololo and viewers following the live broadcasts on television and online platforms.
By Tuesday evening, neither State House nor the Office of the First Lady had issued an official explanation regarding her absence.
The development sparked widespread speculation on social media, with some users suggesting possible scheduling commitments, health concerns or political reasons. However, none of the claims circulating online had been independently verified.
Political analysts noted that after nearly four decades of President Museveni’s leadership, appearances by members of the First Family carry significant symbolic weight.
“In long-serving administrations, public appearances themselves become politically significant,” said Kampala-based governance analyst Richard Ssemanda.
“People are used to seeing the President and First Lady together during national ceremonies of this magnitude, so naturally questions arise when that changes,” he added.
Other observers cautioned against drawing conclusions without official communication, noting that senior government officials sometimes miss public functions because of personal commitments or official duties elsewhere.
Still, some guests at Kololo privately admitted that Janet Museveni’s absence became a major topic of discussion during the ceremony.
“It was noticeable almost immediately,” one senior official said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
“People expected to see the First Lady because she has consistently attended events like this over the years,” the official added.
The inauguration proceeded under heightened security, with several roads around Kampala temporarily restricted to facilitate movements of visiting dignitaries and foreign delegations.
Large crowds of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters dressed in party colours gathered around the venue waving flags and singing patriotic songs as military bands entertained guests.
Several opposition leaders stayed away from the event, with some opposition parties previously criticizing the electoral process and describing the inauguration as politically contested.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, President Museveni greeted foreign dignitaries and senior officials before attending a closed-door reception with invited guests.
By late evening, official communication from government largely focused on the President’s speech, the attendance of African leaders and Uganda’s economic agenda, while questions surrounding the First Lady’s absence remained unanswered.
