KAMPALA, Uganda- Uganda’s capital Kampala lit up with a spectacular drone show on Monday night as President Yoweri Museveni prepared to begin yet another term in office after four decades in power.
Hundreds of drones illuminated the night sky with patriotic displays and messages celebrating Museveni’s leadership ahead of his swearing-in ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM), Museveni’s ruling party, organised the aerial display alongside fireworks as supporters gathered across Kampala to witness the rare spectacle.
Reports indicated the drones took off near Protea Hotel Kampala before forming different images and messages in the sky.
Tuesday’s inauguration marks the start of Museveni’s new five-year term following his victory in the January 2026 general election.
The 81-year-old leader has now been in power since 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents.
Regional leaders, diplomats and foreign delegations have arrived in Uganda for the high-profile ceremony, including former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ugandan authorities heightened security across Kampala ahead of the inauguration, with increased police patrols and deployments reported in several parts of the city.
Museveni’s continued rule has drawn both praise and criticism over the years. Supporters credit him with stabilising Uganda and driving economic growth, while critics accuse his administration of suppressing dissent and weakening democratic institutions.
His latest re-election came amid opposition protests and allegations of electoral irregularities, claims the Ugandan government has repeatedly dismissed.
