Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni Sworn In for Historic Seventh Term Amid Tight Security and Renewed Promises of Economic Growth
Uganda’s long-serving leader, Yoweri Museveni, has officially been sworn in for a historic seventh consecutive term, further cementing his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents after securing victory in the country’s highly contested January elections.
The 81-year-old leader took the oath of office during a heavily guarded inauguration ceremony held at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, where thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate the continuation of his leadership. Security across the capital was significantly intensified ahead of the event, with armoured military vehicles and police personnel deployed throughout key parts of the city in what authorities described as efforts to maintain law and order.
Museveni, who first came to power in 1986 after leading a successful armed rebellion, addressed the nation with a message focused on economic transformation, wealth creation and national unity. Declaring that it was “time for no more sleep for all Ugandans,” the veteran leader urged citizens to embrace productivity and support efforts aimed at expanding jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening the country’s economy.
The Ugandan president emphasized that his administration intends to use revenues from the country’s planned oil production projects to accelerate economic development and reduce poverty levels nationwide.
“We must protect what has been achieved, correct what still needs improvement and move forward together as one country,” Museveni told cheering supporters during the ceremony.
Museveni was declared winner of the January elections with more than 70 percent of the vote, extending his rule potentially until 2031. However, the election outcome has remained controversial, with opposition figures alleging widespread irregularities and voter manipulation.
His main challenger, opposition leader and musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, rejected the election results and accused authorities of ballot-stuffing and electoral fraud. Uganda’s electoral commission denied the allegations and maintained that the elections were free and fair.
Wine later fled the country, claiming his life was in danger and accusing state security agencies of targeting him and his supporters. Ugandan authorities denied the accusations, insisting that security forces acted lawfully and only provided protection during the electoral process.
The inauguration ceremony also attracted several prominent African leaders, highlighting Uganda’s continued regional influence. Dignitaries in attendance included Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Félix Tshisekedi of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia.
Uganda remains one of the youngest nations in the world demographically, with a majority of citizens having known no other president throughout their lives. Despite growing speculation about succession planning, Museveni has not publicly indicated when he intends to retire from politics.
Attention has increasingly turned toward his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the country’s military chief, who has frequently been mentioned as a possible future successor. However, Kainerugaba has drawn criticism both locally and internationally over controversial social media posts targeting opposition figures, including Bobi Wine.
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Meanwhile, rights groups continue to raise concerns over Uganda’s political climate and alleged security force abuses following the disputed election period. Amnesty International recently accused Ugandan security forces of involvement in killings and violent crackdowns against civilians during post-election unrest, claims authorities have consistently denied.
Another prominent opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, also remains at the center of political tensions after being detained since late 2024 over weapons-related accusations, which he strongly denies.
In a further controversial move, Uganda’s government recently passed a new Sovereignty Bill aimed at criminalising activities considered to promote foreign interests against the state, while also tightening scrutiny over foreign-funded individuals and organizations.
Despite ongoing criticism from opposition groups and international observers, Museveni’s supporters argue that his administration has delivered decades of relative stability, infrastructure expansion and economic progress, positioning Uganda as a key player in East Africa’s development trajectory.
