Over 20 Heads of State to Grace Museveni’s Swearing-in
BY AMBROSE GAHENE
A total of 21 heads of state have confirmed attendance of President Yoweri Museveni’s 6th swearing-in ceremony, slated for 12th May at Kololo Independence Grounds. President Museveni had extended invitations to 42 Heads of State.
Ms Esther Mbayo, the Minister of the Presidency, made the revelation while addressing a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Tuesday.
Ms Mbayo said the ceremony will observe standard operating procedures (S0Ps) to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Although all political gatherings are restricted to only 200 people, Ms Mbayo said since the swearing- is a special occasion that occurs only once every five years, they sought a waiver from the Ministry of Health and the Attorney General to have more people.
She said they will still observe other SOPs such as social distancing and hand-washing.
Ms Mbayo added that all those who will attend the function will be required to take a COVID-19 test before they access the grounds.
Asked whether leaders from other countries will be tested before they are allowed in the country, Ms Mbayo said only their entourage will be tested.
Other invited guests include all former presidential candidates, ministers and ministers of state, all MPs-elect, members of the Central Executive Committee, some religious and cultural leaders, 17 delegates from each district, members of the East African Legislative Assembly and some members of the business community.
The Electoral Commission declared President Museveni the winner of the January 14 election after garnering 58 per cent of all valid votes cast.
