President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was on Tuesday sworn in for a seventh elected term as Uganda’s head of state during a colourful ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds attended by African leaders, diplomats, and thousands of supporters.
The 81-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1986, took the oath of office before the Chief Justice as military jets flew overhead and cultural troupes entertained guests during the national celebrations.
Government officials said more than 30 African heads of state and delegations attended the inauguration, which was declared a public holiday across Uganda. Security was heavily deployed across Kampala ahead of the event, with several roads closed around Kololo and the surrounding areas.
Among the leaders who arrived in Uganda for the swearing-in ceremony were President Brahim Ghali of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, President Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia, and President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Also attending the ceremony were Zimbabwe’s Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga and the Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea, Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua.
The visiting dignitaries were received at Entebbe International Airport by senior Ugandan government officials, ministers, and high-ranking security officers ahead of the inauguration.
President Museveni secured re-election in the January 2026 presidential election with 71.65% of the vote, according to the Electoral Commission.
Supporters at the ceremony praised the President for maintaining stability, expanding infrastructure, and promoting regional peacekeeping efforts during his four decades in power. The inauguration theme focused on economic transformation and Uganda’s drive toward middle-income status.
The celebrations featured military parades, traditional dance performances, and displays highlighting government infrastructure projects and industrialisation programmes.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, rejected the election outcome earlier this year, alleging widespread irregularities and voter intimidation. He called for peaceful protests following the declaration of results.
Despite tensions surrounding the disputed election, no major disruptions were reported during Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony.
President Museveni, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, first took power in 1986 after a five-year guerrilla war and has since won multiple elections under Uganda’s multiparty political system.