KAMPALA’S SKYLINE ILLUMINATED BY A DRONE SHOW AHEAD OF PRESIDENT MUSEVENI’S SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni celebrated the eve of his swearing-in ceremony with a rare technological spectacle, a drone show illuminating Kampala’s night sky as he prepares to begin a new five-year term.

Reports indicate that more than 350 drones were deployed for the event, which was aimed at appreciating Ugandans ahead of the inauguration. Glowing messages displayed across the skyline included: “Thank you for trusting us,” “To protect the gains,” and “Welcome to Kololo.”

The 81-year-old head of state is set to be sworn in for his seventh term after securing 71.6 percent of the vote in the recent election. His closest competitor, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, received 24.7 percent. Museveni’s inauguration has drawn regional attendance, with Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki travelling to Kampala for the ceremony.

Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, ranks fourth among Africa’s longest-serving presidents. The continent’s longest-serving leader is Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, who has been in power since 1979 over 46 years. He is followed closely by Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who has led since 1982. Other long-term leaders include Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo.

Most of these leaders have maintained power for decades through constitutional changes and successive re-elections. The drone display, described as a rare sight in Kampala, marked a modern twist to traditional inauguration festivities as Museveni prepares to extend his decades-long rule.