To strengthen the regional response, Museveni proposed establishing Ebola treatment centres inside eastern DRC in partnership with the Congolese government.

“We have lost many who have never been seen like Kibalama, many of our comrades have been arrested and tortured and have spent six years in prison and many continue to be detained like Alex Waiswa, Olivia Lutaaya, Doreen Kaija and others. I want to request you to reject the diversions and divisions and there is no turning back we have to sail on and victory is in sight and we are closer to victory, don't give up,” Kyagulanyi added.

The Miss Tourism Ankole Queens participated in the experience as ambassadors of cultural tourism, helping to promote the traditions and heritage of the Ankole region while encouraging greater appreciation of Uganda's diverse cultural attractions.

Akena criticized the government for prioritizing other matters over child welfare and called for a holistic approach to development that includes safety, skills, and greater exposure for school-going children.

Muntu described the country's human rights situation as increasingly worrying, pointing to the continued detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye beyond the constitutional 180-day limit for automatic bail, the banning of lawyer Martha Karua, and the recent abduction of Muwanga Kivumbi following his release on bail.

SFC enters this year's competition seeking to build on its strong performance in the inaugural edition, where it won two trophies and emerged the best in the Mastery (Showmanship) Drill category. The Internal Security Organisation (ISO) claimed the overall title.

"He was a freedom fighter, a patriot and a peacemaker. When we engaged, he understood that Uganda needed unity rather than endless conflict," Museveni said.