The Ugandan government has launched a countrywide prayer initiative for Yoweri Museveni as he gets ready to take oath for another term that will push his decades-long leadership closer to 45 years. Museveni is aged 81 and he will be 86 when he completes his upcoming term in 2031.
The spiritual programme, set for May 8 to May 10, is being positioned as a national moment of reflection and intercession ahead of the swearing-in ceremony slated for May 12 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Authorities say the effort is aimed at seeking divine direction for the country’s future under Museveni’s continued leadership.
Office of the President Permanent Secretary Haji Yunus Kakande said the prayers will cut across the entire country, bringing together Ugandans from all walks of life in mosques and churches.
“We are going to organise prayers across the entire country. As you have seen, on the 8th, which will be a Friday, we’ll be in all mosques in Uganda. On Saturday, we shall be in Adventist churches, and on Sunday, we shall be in all Christian churches,” Kakande said.
He noted that government officials will be assigned to various places of worship nationwide to participate alongside citizens, reinforcing the role of faith in governance.
“These prayers are important. When you say, ‘For God and My Country’, you must put it into action. Everything goes with prayer. Whatever you are going to do, first say a prayer,” he said.
Kakande emphasised that prayer is not only vital for national leadership but should also be a daily practice for individuals.
“Even if you are going to eat food, first say a prayer. Even if you are going to travel, first say a prayer. Prayer is very, very important,” he said.
He added that the central focus of the exercise will be to ask for the President’s well-being and the country’s continued peace in the years ahead.
“We have to pray for our President to give him life for the next five years and to give Uganda stability for the next five years,” Kakande noted.
Drawing comparisons with global conflicts, he warned that stability should never be taken for granted and called for unity among citizens.
“People in the Middle East are now suffering. They didn’t know that they were suffering this year. Last year they were okay. But now this year, many have died,” he said.
Meanwhile, preparations for the inauguration are nearing completion, with organisers expecting significant attendance from both Ugandans and international guests. Members of the public will not require invitation cards to witness the ceremony.
According to organizers, about 50 heads of state and government are anticipated to attend. Districts across the country have been allocated slots to ensure representation at the inauguration.
Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986 under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), secured victory in the 2026 presidential election. His closest rival, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, came second. Bobi Wine insists the election was rigged.
As the country prepares for another five years under Museveni, the nationwide prayers signal a symbolic appeal for longevity, stability and continuity in leadership.
It should be remembered that first daughter Patience Rwabwogo’s church had planned special prayers to thank God for ‘peaceful’ elections but the event was postponed. Patience is in a way the first family’s priestess, whom an American pastor predicted could get a big position in her father’s government. (See Details Here, There and Over There).
Meanwhile, in what appeared like the last supper for ministers, Museveni held his final meeting and luncheon with his cabinet before dissolving it. as he prepares to swear in and unveil a new cabinet amidst some calls and speculation that he could appoint his son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba as his vice president. (See Details Here, There and Over There).
