By Buwule Joseph Mary
Uganda has warmly welcomed former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo upon his arrival in Kampala ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni scheduled for May 12, 2026.
Obasanjo’s arrival adds to the growing list of distinguished African leaders and statesmen attending the historic inauguration ceremony, which will usher President Museveni into his seventh elected term in office.
The former Nigerian leader, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential elder statesmen, has maintained close ties with Uganda and has over the years played a significant role in continental diplomacy, peace-building efforts, democratic transition, and mediation initiatives across Africa.
This is not the first time Obasanjo has attended President Museveni’s swearing-in ceremonies in Uganda. Historical records indicate that he attended Museveni’s 2001 inauguration while serving as Nigeria’s President. He was also represented or associated with subsequent regional diplomatic engagements surrounding later inaugurations, making this at least his second known attendance at a Museveni swearing-in event in Kampala.
Obasanjo served as President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and remains active in African affairs through mediation missions under the African Union and other continental organizations. Over the years, he has been involved in peace initiatives in countries including Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and several West African states.
Ugandan officials described his presence at the ceremony as a reflection of the longstanding diplomatic relations between Uganda and Nigeria, as well as the respect he commands across the African continent.
President Museveni’s inauguration is expected to attract more than 35 heads of state, senior government officials, diplomats, and regional leaders from across Africa and beyond. According to reports, the ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds is set to become one of the largest diplomatic gatherings in Uganda in recent years.
The swearing-in ceremony comes as Uganda marks another major political milestone in President Museveni’s four-decade leadership journey since first taking power in 1986.