The first leader to arrive was South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who landed in Uganda on Sunday ahead of the high-profile event.

Other leaders who have already arrived include Brahim Ghali of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi.

Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé also arrived in Uganda on Monday evening, joining other regional leaders already in the country for the ceremony.

Among the dignitaries attending are Zimbabwe Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Equatorial Guinea Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua.

At Entebbe International Airport, the visiting leaders were welcomed by Ugandan ministers, diplomats and senior security officials.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to attract at least 35 heads of state and government representatives from across Africa and beyond, according to the organising committee.

While several presidents chose to attend in person, some countries have sent official representatives to witness the ceremony.

The event is expected to draw thousands of guests, supporters and diplomats as Uganda prepares for one of the country’s biggest state occasions.