KAMPALA, Uganda
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to deliver the State of the Nation Address today at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in an event marking the official opening of the first session of the new Parliament, with strict attendance restrictions imposed due to Ebola prevention measures.
The address, scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm, fulfills a constitutional requirement under Article 101(1), which mandates that the President addresses Parliament at the beginning of each parliamentary session on the state of the nation.
This year’s address will be the first State of the Nation Address of the current presidential and parliamentary term, making it a key political event expected to outline government priorities, economic direction, security issues, and legislative plans for the coming session.
Unlike previous years, attendance at the ceremony has been significantly restricted following public health guidelines introduced amid heightened Ebola preparedness efforts.
Parliament announced that only Members of Parliament, selected parliamentary staff, and a limited number of invited individuals would be physically present at Kololo.
The restrictions come as Uganda continues implementing preventive measures following concerns over the regional Ebola situation, particularly after outbreaks reported in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo heightened surveillance and preparedness efforts across the country.
Authorities say limiting large gatherings remains part of broader public health precautions.
Parliament officials have encouraged the public to follow proceedings through television, radio stations, and online platforms, where the address will be broadcast live nationwide. The move is intended to maintain public access while minimizing crowd-related health risks.
The State of the Nation Address remains one of the Country’s most significant constitutional events, traditionally used by the President to review national progress, highlight achievements, identify challenges, and set priorities for government programs and legislation.
Political analysts and citizens alike will be watching closely for announcements on key national issues including the economy, public health, infrastructure development, regional security, and government strategies for addressing emerging challenges.
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