Politics

Shs6bn for Swearing In President in 2026

Published

2 months ago

April 4, 2025

Admin

The Office of the President has earmarked Shs6 billion in the 2025/26 financial year for the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect for the 2026-2031 term.

Incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed his intention to contest again, alongside a number of opposition candidates, including Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Jimmy Akena of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Mandala Mafabi from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and Norbert Mao from the Democratic Party.

While appearing before the Presidential Election Affairs Committee, Hajj Yunus Kakande, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, defended the state house budget.

Kakande said part of the Shs6 billion will go towards catering for the over 10 presidents who will attend the swearing-in ceremony, ensuring their security, accommodation, and overall comfort.

Additional allocations will cater to advertisements, refreshments, and decoration at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, the traditional venue for such events.

In 2021, the government spent Shs7 billion on presidential swearing in events.

Politics

“I Was Star-Struck,” MUK Guild President Churchill Ssentamu Breaks Silence on Museveni Moment

Published

3 days ago

June 4, 2025

Admin

"I Was Star-Struck," MUK Guild President Churchill Ssentamu Breaks Silence on Museveni Moment

Makerere University Guild President Churchill James Ssentamu has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his now-viral interaction with President Yoweri Museveni — a moment that sparked heavy backlash from National Unity Platform (NUP) loyalists.

Earlier this year, photos and videos surfaced showing Churchill standing beside the President during a university exhibition. Critics from within the NUP branded him a “sellout,” accusing him of cozying up to a man long opposed by their political movement. The situation escalated when his father, Nyanzi Fred Ssentamu, publicly criticized him and even called for his resignation.

But Churchill isn’t backing down.

In an interview with Mr. Henrie on Galaxy TV, he admitted he was genuinely in awe when he met Museveni.

“I’ve studied him in school, read The Mustard Seed— so seeing him in person was surreal,” Churchill explained. “Despite my frustrations over my father’s past arrest, the moment carried weight. Leadership teaches you to engage beyond emotion.”

MUK Guild President Churchill Ssentamu

He emphasized that his position as guild president requires him to serve all students, regardless of political background.

Interestingly, Churchill revealed that President Museveni recognized him, reportedly saying, “So this is the kid,”— a nod to his family’s political ties.

Though his speech at the event was skipped due to time constraints, Churchill believes his presence was symbolic enough.

Looking ahead, Churchill confirmed that he’s eyeing a parliamentary seat in the 2026 elections. While he hasn’t declared a constituency yet, he ruled out Kawempe South, where his father plans to contest.

“I want my path to be different,” he said. “I believe I have something unique to offer this country.”