The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for a boycott of President-elect Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony, describing the event as a “charade” and questioning the legitimacy of the January 15 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 11,2026 from exile, ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde accused the Electoral Commission9(EC) of failing to publish polling station-level presidential results, declaration forms, and detailed vote tallies necessary for independent verification of the election outcome.
Ssemakadde said the alleged lack of transparency was among key findings in the Society’s February 5 Election Observation Report, and is also central to a case jointly filed with the East Africa Law Society before the East African Court of Justice.
“We contend that the non-disclosure of a detailed breakdown of the poll results undermines the transparency and accountability standards required by Ugandan law,” the statement reads.
The Law Society also criticised the heightened military deployment and security restrictions around Kololo Ceremonial Grounds ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, arguing that the measures reflect what it termed “illegitimate rule” and reliance on armed force.
According to the statement, road closures and increased security presence point to an environment that, in its view, limits civic participation and openness during the national event.
The lawyers’ umbrella body further alleged that the election period was marked by political detentions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, claims it says were documented in its observation report.
Ssemakadde also accused the Judiciary of preparing to “formally endorse” a flawed electoral process, and urged lawyers, law students, court officers, and lawmakers to refrain from participating in the ceremony.
“No lawyer, law student, court officer, or honest lawmaker should participate in this charade,” he said.
The statement also drew historical references to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, describing it as a symbol of state power and exclusion dating back to the colonial era.
President Museveni is expected to be sworn in at Kololo on Tuesday, in a ceremony anticipated to attract regional leaders, foreign dignitaries, and thousands of supporters, amid heightened security across Kampala.