Uganda’s Museveni Sworn In For Seventh Term

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has officially been sworn in for a seventh consecutive term, extending his almost four decades in power after winning the country’s controversial January elections.

The 81-year-old leader, who first assumed office in 1986 after leading a rebel movement, took the oath of office on Tuesday at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala under heavy security presence, with armoured vehicles deployed across parts of the capital, according to BBC reports.

Election authorities said Museveni secured over 70 per cent of the total votes cast, giving him another term expected to last until 2031.

Museveni’s main rival, Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, rejected the outcome of the election, alleging widespread irregularities and vote manipulation.

Wine described the results as “fake” and accused the government of weakening democratic processes in the country.

The 44-year-old opposition figure later left Uganda, saying he feared for his safety.

“The regime wanted to eliminate me,” he reportedly said after departing the country.

However, election officials denied allegations of electoral fraud, insisting that the election process was credible and transparent.

With the latest inauguration, Museveni remains one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents, alongside leaders such as Denis Sassou Nguesso, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Paul Biya.

Several African heads of state attended the ceremony, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, Félix Tshisekedi, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with millions of citizens having never experienced another president outside Museveni’s leadership.

Although the president has not publicly announced retirement plans, political discussions have increasingly focused on his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is widely seen as a possible successor.

Kainerugaba has, however, faced criticism over controversial social media comments directed at opposition politicians, including Bobi Wine.

Meanwhile, international rights groups continue to express concerns over Uganda’s human rights situation and the treatment of opposition figures after the elections.

Amnesty International recently alleged that at least 16 people were killed by security operatives between January 15 and 18 during post-election protests, claiming the victims were unarmed and posed no immediate danger.

Another opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, remains in detention after his arrest in late 2024 over allegations linked to illegal weapons possession and attempts to procure arms abroad accusations he has denied.

The Ugandan government has also drawn criticism over a recently passed Sovereignty Bill, which criminalises activities considered to support “the interests of a foreigner against those of Uganda” and labels individuals receiving foreign funding as “agents of foreigners.”