Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a record seventh elective term on early Tuesday morning, during a high-profile ceremony at the
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a record seventh elective term on early Tuesday morning, during a high-profile ceremony at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala.
The 81-year-old leader secured his new five-year mandate after winning the January 2026 general election with 71.65% of the vote, defeating his primary challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who received roughly 24%.
The event was attended by dozens of foreign dignitaries, including 35 heads of state and various regional diplomats.
This inauguration extends Museveni’s nearly four-decade rule, which began in 1986 after he led a successful guerrilla war.
His path to a seventh term was facilitated by significant constitutional changes, including the removal of presidential term limits in 2005 and age restrictions in 2017.
While supporters credit him with bringing long-term stability and economic growth, opposition groups and international observers have frequently raised concerns over electoral fairness, citing reports of intimidation and state repression during the polling period.
During his inaugural address, Museveni pledged to prioritise regional cooperation, infrastructure development, and the transformation of Uganda’s economy into middle-income status by 2031.
The government declared the inauguration day a public holiday, preceded by several days of nationwide interfaith prayers for the country’s leadership.
As he begins this new mandate, Museveni remains one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents, with his current term set to extend his total time in power to 45 years.
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