President Salva Kiir Mayardit Travels to Uganda Ahead of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Inauguration Ceremony

(Photo Credit: South Sudan Presidential Press Unit)

By: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja

KAMPALA,  — President Salva Kiir Mayardit arrived in Kampala on Saturday ahead of Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is set to begin his seventh term in office.

Kiir travelled to Uganda after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Ismaïl Omar Guelleh in Djibouti on Saturday, where the Djiboutian leader commenced his sixth consecutive term.

According to a statement from Kiir’s office, the South Sudanese leader is expected to hold bilateral talks with Museveni focusing on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between South Sudan and Uganda, as well as discussing regional security and political developments.

Museveni, considered one of Kiir’s key regional allies, secured victory in Uganda’s Jan. 15 presidential election with 71.6 percent of the vote, according to the Electoral Commission. His main challenger, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, garnered about 24.7 percent.

Ugandan authorities said at least 35 heads of state and government have confirmed attendance at the May 12 inauguration ceremony, which will be held at Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds.

Uganda’s Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, said Museveni had invited leaders from across Africa alongside representatives of various political parties and liberation movements.

“These ceremonies will mark the formal commencement of President Museveni’s seventh elective term of office,” Babalanda told journalists in Kampala.

Officials also confirmed that delegations from several ruling political parties across Africa are expected to attend, including African National Congress, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, Rwandan Patriotic Front, and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.

The inauguration comes amid criticism from some Ugandan opposition figures who questioned the credibility of the election, citing allegations of voter intimidation and heavy security deployment during the polls.

Organisers estimate that between 30,000 and 40,000 guests, including foreign dignitaries, will attend the ceremony.