Drone show and fireworks lights up Kampala skyline ahead of Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony

A portrait of Uganda's President-elect, Yoweri Museveni, illuminated on Kampala's skyline ahead of the inauguration. /SCREENGRAB

A fleet of drones lit up the night sky over Kampala on the eve of the presidential swearing-in ceremony, delivering a coordinated aerial display that showcased key achievements of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.

The synchronised drone formations illuminated the city’s skyline at an altitude of about 250 feet, creating vivid visual patterns that depicted milestones in health, transport, the economy, ICT and other development sectors.

The display formed part of pre-ceremony activities ahead of the swearing-in of Museveni, drawing attention from residents and visitors gathered across the capital.

The show was a symbolic presentation of Uganda’s development journey under the NRM administration, using modern technology to project achievements in a visually engaging format.

The illuminated formations transformed Kampala’s night skyline into a dynamic canvas, with the drones moving in precise, choreographed sequences that highlighted infrastructure growth and national progress narratives.

The aerial spectacle added a technological and celebratory dimension to the inauguration festivities, which are expected to attract regional leaders, government officials and international guests.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will join regional leaders, government officials and dignitaries for the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony of Museveni scheduled for Tuesday, May 12.

President Museveni was re-elected during Uganda’s General Elections held on January 15, extending his long tenure in office that began in 1986. The inauguration ceremony will formally mark the start of his new term, with Uganda hosting a number of African leaders for the high-level event.

The ceremony is expected to bring together heads of state, senior government officials and international guests, reflecting Uganda’s continued engagement in regional diplomacy and cooperation.

Museveni’s leadership has seen him retain office through successive electoral cycles, including multiple re-elections under Uganda’s multi-party system. His most recent victory reaffirmed his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

Ahead of the inauguration, preparations in Kampala have been underway to host delegations from across the region, with security and protocol arrangements made for visiting dignitaries.

The event is expected to highlight Uganda’s political continuity as well as ongoing regional partnerships within East Africa and the wider continent.

On Monday evening, Uhuru attended a State Dinner hosted by President Museveni at the Speke Resort Convention Centre.

The dinner brought together heads of state, government representatives, regional leaders and distinguished guests who are in Kampala for the inauguration event.

The State Dinner was held in a formal setting at the convention centre, with dignitaries treated to an evening of hospitality and cultural celebration as Uganda welcomed visiting delegations.