Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a record seventh consecutive term following his disputed election victory in January, extending his nearly four-decade rule over the East African nation.
Heavy security, including armoured vehicles and tanks, was deployed in the capital, Kampala, ahead of the inauguration ceremony, which authorities said was intended to maintain public order.
Museveni, 81, told the gathering that his new term should be seen as a period of intensified productivity, urging citizens to embrace hard work and economic transformation.
He described the coming years as a time for “no more sleep for all Ugandans,” calling for increased focus on wealth creation, job generation, and national development built on decades of relative peace and infrastructure expansion.
The electoral commission declared Museveni the winner of the January elections with more than 70% of the vote, a result that would extend his rule until 2031. However, the opposition rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities.
His main challenger, musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu), described the election as flawed, citing claims of ballot stuffing—allegations the electoral authorities have denied.
Following the polls, Bobi Wine said he fled the country, alleging fears for his safety, claiming the government intended to harm him.
Museveni first came to power in 1986 as a rebel leader and has since won multiple elections, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
His continued rule places him among a small group of long-serving African presidents, including leaders of Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, was declared a public holiday, with thousands of supporters attending the event.
In his address, Museveni said his government would prioritise oil revenue to drive economic growth and reduce poverty, while urging unity and national development.
He also emphasised the need to “protect what has been achieved, correct what still needs improvement and move forward together as one country.”
Several African leaders attended the ceremony, including Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir, and Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
