Outrage After Short-Lived Museveni Drone Show Allegedly Swallows Shs2Bn In 10 Minutes

What had initially been promoted as a groundbreaking aerial spectacle ahead of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony has instead triggered a storm of criticism, with sections of the public questioning the value, transparency, and alleged cost of a drone display that lasted only a few minutes despite reports that nearly UGX 2 billion had been allocated to the event.

The highly publicized drone showcase, organized under the banner of the National Resistance Movement Secretariat and branded as the “Monday Plot,” had been advertised for days across television stations, radio broadcasts, and social media platforms as a historic technological display intended to appreciate Ugandans ahead of the inauguration ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

According to official promotional messages circulated online, Kampala residents were promised a “breathtaking aerial display” that would light up the night sky with synchronized drones carrying special patriotic messages from the NRM National Chairman.

However, the event has since become the subject of heated debate after many residents claimed the display failed to match the massive anticipation and publicity surrounding it.

Adding fuel to the controversy are allegations from sources linked to the ruling party suggesting that the reported UGX 2 billion budget may not have fully reached the actual technology suppliers behind the drone operation.

A source from the NRM Kyadondo offices alleged that a significant portion of the funds was instead diverted within party structures.

“2B myee in 10 minutes. It was eaten by Ambassador Nekesa and her team at NRM Secretariat,” the source claimed while speaking to our Spy.

The allegations directly reference Barbara Nekesa Oundo, although by press time, efforts to obtain a response from her had not yielded success. Calls and WhatsApp messages sent seeking clarification reportedly went unanswered.

The drone event itself also left many Kampala residents disappointed after delays and what observers described as a surprisingly brief performance.

Although the display had been scheduled to begin at exactly 8:00 PM, thousands of residents across Kampala Metropolitan areas reportedly spent more than 30 minutes staring into dark skies before the drones finally appeared at around 8:30 PM above parts of Ntinda.

For a short moment, synchronized drones formed illuminated shapes and political messages in the sky. Among the images reportedly displayed was a portrait resembling President Museveni wearing his trademark hat, alongside slogans including “Thank You For Trusting Us,” “Protecting the Gains,” and “Welcome To Kololo.”

Within minutes, however, the spectacle ended, leaving many residents stunned by how quickly the event concluded despite the alleged multi-billion-shilling expenditure attached to it.

Residents from areas including Kisalosalo, Kyebando, Kamwokya, Ntinda, Kawempe, and surrounding suburbs expressed frustration, with some saying they had waited nearly an hour without clearly seeing the display.

“We were told drones would deliver a message. We waited and only saw darkness and stars,” said Rogers Asiimwe, a resident of Kyebando, describing the experience as underwhelming and poorly coordinated.

Others openly questioned whether the event justified the alleged spending at a time when many Ugandans continue to struggle with high commodity prices, unemployment, poor public infrastructure, and increasing economic pressure.

“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 allocating billions of shillings to a short ceremonial display reflected the country’s current economic realities and public priorities.

On social media, criticism intensified throughout the night as users blasted the drone show as an expensive public relations stunt that delivered little value to ordinary taxpayers.

Several commentators argued that the funds allegedly spent on the aerial showcase could instead have been directed toward hospitals, road rehabilitation, youth employment initiatives, or improving service delivery in vulnerable communities.

Political analysts say the backlash reflects growing public frustration and heightened scrutiny over government expenditure on ceremonial and image-building events, especially during periods of economic hardship.

While the NRM Secretariat has defended the drone show as a historic and symbolic moment intended to unite Ugandans ahead of the inauguration, the public reaction has exposed widening divisions over accountability, national priorities, and the management of public resources.