Museveni Sworn in for Seventh Term as Uganda Extends 40-Year Rule
News Updated: 12 May 2026 18:50 EAT
Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a seventh term in office, extending his long rule over the East African nation to 2031 following the January 2026 general election.
The inauguration ceremony took place at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, where Museveni took the oath of office before senior government officials, foreign diplomats, and invited regional leaders.
The event was marked by tight security deployment across the capital, with major roads sealed off and heightened police presence around key government installations and the ceremony venue.
Museveni was declared winner of the January 2026 presidential election with 71.7 per cent of the vote, according to Uganda’s Electoral Commission, securing another five-year mandate.
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, rejected the results, alleging irregularities, intimidation, and bias in the electoral process, claims the government has consistently denied.
The election period was characterised by reports of restricted opposition campaigns, heavy security operations, and temporary disruptions to communication services in parts of the country.
During his swearing-in address, Museveni pledged to prioritise economic transformation, job creation, infrastructure development, and regional integration within the East African Community.
He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to peace and stability, describing Uganda as “secure and progressing” under his leadership.
Museveni, now in power since 1986, is among Africa’s longest-serving leaders, having first taken office after a five-year guerrilla war that brought his National Resistance Movement to power.
His continued presidency follows constitutional amendments over the years that removed presidential term limits and later the age cap requirement, enabling him to remain eligible for re-election.
Supporters credit Museveni with maintaining stability and overseeing economic growth, particularly in infrastructure and security sectors, while critics argue his long rule has weakened democratic institutions.
The inauguration was attended by several African dignitaries and envoys who called for continued cooperation and regional stability in the Great Lakes region.
With the new term, Museveni is expected to continue focusing on economic development plans while facing sustained domestic and international scrutiny over governance and human rights issues.
The ceremony officially marks the beginning of his seventh term, extending his leadership of Uganda into a fifth decade.
Tags:
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD