President Yoweri Museveni has officially been sworn in for a seventh term as Uganda’s head of state, extending his leadership to nearly 40 years since first taking power in 1986.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala and attended by regional leaders, foreign dignitaries, senior government officials and thousands of supporters. The event featured military parades, cultural performances and heightened security across the Ugandan capital.
Museveni, 81, took the oath of office before the Chief Justice, pledging to continue steering Uganda’s economic transformation, regional stability and infrastructure development. In his speech, the longtime leader called on Ugandans to prioritize wealth creation, unity and patriotism.
The swearing-in follows Museveni’s victory in the January 2026 presidential election, where official results declared him the winner with over 70 percent of the vote. Opposition leaders, however, disputed the outcome, citing alleged irregularities and intimidation during the electoral process.
Several African leaders and representatives from regional blocs attended the ceremony, underscoring Uganda’s strategic role in East African politics and security matters.
Attention during the inauguration also turned to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and Uganda’s military chief, whose growing political visibility continues to fuel public debate about the country’s future leadership.
Museveni remains one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents. Supporters credit his administration with maintaining stability and driving economic reforms, while critics accuse his government of suppressing opposition voices and weakening democratic institutions over the years.