PICTORIAL: Suluhu, Tshisekedi, Selassie, From China To Venezuela, Global Leaders Storm Kololo, Turn Museveni Swearing-in Into Mini World Summit….ALL THEIR PHOTOS

It was a full-blown diplomatic parade at Kololo Independence Grounds on May 12 as powerful African leaders, former presidents and top government envoys flew into Kampala for President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony.

President Yoweri Museveni (L) and his Ethiopian counterpart Taye Atske Selassie, exchange pleasantries before the latter’s departure at Kololo

The high-profile guest list sent one loud message, Museveni still commands heavyweight influence across the continent.

President Yoweri Museveni engages Venezuela Vice President Gabriela Jiménez Ramírez

Among the sitting Heads of State who graced the event were Samia Suluhu Hassan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, Félix Tshisekedi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, Francisco Chapo and Taye Atske Selassie.

Mozambique’s President Fransisco Chapo reaches out to greet CDF General Muhoozi Kainerugaba (R) as President Museveni speaks to both

Zimbabwe sent its First Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, while Kenya was represented by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Rwanda’s Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva also attended.

CDF General Muhoozi Kainerugaba greets Rwandan PM Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva

Venezuela VP Gabriela Jiménez Ramírez was also present.

IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu (R) chats with a guest

Also drawing attention was Brahim Ghali, whose appearance underscored Uganda’s long-standing Pan-African and liberation movement ties. More than 30 foreign delegations gathered in Kololo.

DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo

The ceremony further attracted respected elder statesmen including former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Somalia’s Sheikh Hassan also attended.

Former Ethiopia PM Hailemariam Desalegn (L) speaks to Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s former President at the function

The packed VVIP section turned Kololo into Africa’s political capital for the day, with leaders exchanging greetings, handshakes and quiet diplomatic chats as thousands cheered on.

The president of Burundi is Évariste Ndayishimiye at Kololo during President Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration

For Museveni, the turnout was more than ceremony — it was a powerful display of regional backing, liberation history and enduring political networks stretching from East to Southern Africa.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir (with hat) arriving at Kololo

Mozambique President Daniel Franciso Chapo was ushered in by Hon Jim Muhwezi and Henry Okello Oryem

Former Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta received wild cheers every time his name was mentioned

Hon Okello Oryem (L) sees off Kenya Deputy President Kindiki Kithure who represented President William Ruto

Mr Azouz Nasri, (2nd L) the Speaker of the Council of the Nation (the upper house of the Algerian Parliament). Behind himis Algerian Ambassador to Uganda Maroud Amokrane

The President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) is Brahim Ghali

President Salva Kiir wasaccompanied by his daughter, Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit (L) who also doubles as Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programs

Mozambique President Daniel Chapo speaks with Jakaya Kikweta and Zimbabwe Vice President Constantino Chiwenga

Ms Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit (C) arriving at Kololo

Venezuelan Vice President Gabriela Jiménez Ramírez