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By Spy Uganda
What had been heavily marketed as a historic and breathtaking aerial spectacle ahead of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony has instead sparked public criticism and tough questions over alleged wasteful expenditure after a short-lived drone show lasting barely 10 to 14 minutes reportedly consumed nearly UGX 2 billion.
The highly publicized event, dubbed the “Monday Plot” by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat, was promoted for days across television, radio, and social media platforms as a grand technological celebration meant to thank Ugandans ahead of Tuesday’s inauguration at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
According to the official communication, Kampala skies were expected to “come alive with a breathtaking aerial display” carrying a special appreciation message from the NRM National Chairman.
However, what followed left many residents disappointed, frustrated, and questioning the value of the entire exercise.
Despite the scheduled 8:00 PM launch, thousands of residents across Kampala Metropolitan areas reportedly waited for over 30 minutes while staring into dark skies before the drones finally appeared at around 8:30 PM over Ntinda hills.
Residents in areas such as Kisalosalo, Kyebando, Kamwokya, and parts of Ntinda briefly witnessed synchronized drones displaying illuminated images, including a portrait resembling President Museveni in his trademark hat, alongside political slogans such as “Thank You For Trusting Us,” “Protecting the Gains,” and “Welcome To Kololo.”
Moments later, the display ended almost as quickly as it had begun.
For many Ugandans, especially those who spent long hours waiting in anticipation, the event failed to match the hype and massive publicity surrounding it.
In Kawempe and surrounding suburbs, some residents said they waited for nearly an hour without seeing anything meaningful in the sky.
“We were told drones would deliver a message. We waited and only saw darkness and stars,” said Rogers Asiimwe, a resident of Kyebando, who described the event as underwhelming.
Others questioned the rationale behind reportedly spending billions of shillings on an event that lasted only a few minutes and delivered little public impact.
“If public money was spent on this project, Ugandans deserve accountability. Some of us did not even see the drones properly,” said Zayitun Namulondo, a resident of Kawempe.
Similar concerns were raised by Jamil Kasekende from Kasangati, who questioned whether the expenditure reflected the country’s current economic realities and public priorities.
Critics on social media also blasted the event, describing it as an expensive public relations stunt with minimal value to ordinary taxpayers struggling with rising living costs, unemployment, poor road infrastructure, and service delivery challenges.
Several commentators argued that the funds allegedly spent on the aerial display could have been directed toward hospitals, youth employment programs, road repairs, or supporting vulnerable communities.
Political analysts say the backlash highlights growing public sensitivity toward government expenditure on ceremonial events, especially at a time when many Ugandans continue to face economic hardship.
While the NRM Secretariat defended the drone show as a “historic moment” intended to unite Ugandans ahead of the inauguration, the public reaction has largely exposed deep divisions over priorities, accountability, and public spending.
, https://www.spyuganda.com/uganda-loses-ugx-2b-in-10-minutes-in-presidential-swearing-in-aerial-drone-swaga/
