The government of Uganda has officially declared Tuesday, May 12, 2026, a nationwide public holiday to mark the swearing-in ceremony of President Yoweri Museveni, who secured a historic seventh term in the January elections. The announcement was made by Richard Todwong, secretary of the ruling National Resistance Movement, as reported by NTV Uganda and Nile Post.
Details of the Public Holiday
According to the announcement, all public offices, commercial banks, and major retail centers will be closed for the day. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, with an estimated 40,000 guests expected, including 35 heads of state, 30 diplomats, and delegates from various liberation movements. Museveni won the election with 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 percent of valid votes cast.
Nationwide Prayers Called For
Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda has called for nationwide prayers ahead of the inauguration, to be held in mosques, Seventh-day Adventist, Anglican, and Catholic churches. Babalanda stated that the prayers are intended to unite the country and seek divine guidance as the nation enters a new political term. Preparations for the inauguration are in advanced stages, with security, logistics, and protocol arrangements underway to accommodate hundreds of local and international guests.
Economic Concerns Raised
Critics have expressed concern that the declaration of a national holiday for Museveni's swearing-in will negatively impact Uganda's fragile economy, particularly the informal sector. The closure of commercial banks and major retail centers in notable cities may stall an estimated 15 percent of the weekly national commercial output. Some public commentators have argued that the current administration places too much emphasis on optics, especially at a time of rising regional inflation, economic hardship, and youth unemployment.
Upcoming Eid al-Adha Holiday
In addition to the inauguration holiday, Uganda is expected to declare a public holiday for Eid al-Adha 2026, which is projected to fall on May 27, subject to moon sighting. The Minister of Public Service officially gazettes this day as a national public holiday, observed throughout the country to mark the Festival of Sacrifice. Traditionally, Muslims dress in new clothes, attend special congregational Eid prayers, sacrifice an animal, and share food with family and the needy.
This article was written by Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng with over nine years of experience covering national and regional news from Lagos, with a strong focus on Nigeria, Africa, and broader international affairs.
