By Our Reporter
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a seventh consecutive term, extending his nearly four decades in power after winning the country’s disputed January presidential election.
The 81-year-old leader took the oath of office on Tuesday at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala under heavy security, with armoured vehicles deployed across the Ugandan capital.
According to Uganda’s electoral authorities, Museveni secured more than 70 per cent of the votes cast, earning another five-year term expected to run until 2031.
His main challenger, Bobi Wine, rejected the outcome of the election, alleging widespread irregularities and ballot manipulation. The opposition figure, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, described the results as “fake” and accused the government of undermining democracy.
Wine later fled Uganda, claiming his life was under threat.
Election officials, however, denied allegations of fraud and insisted that the polls were credible and transparent.
Museveni, who first came to power in 1986 as a rebel leader, remains one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents, alongside leaders such as Denis Sassou Nguesso, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Paul Biya.
Several African leaders attended the inauguration ceremony, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, Félix Tshisekedi, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
With Uganda having one of the world’s youngest populations, many citizens have known no other president apart from Museveni.
Although Museveni has not publicly stated when he intends to retire, analysts believe the current tenure could be his final term. Attention has increasingly focused on his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is widely viewed as a possible successor.
Human rights organisations have continued to raise concerns over Uganda’s post-election climate and treatment of opposition figures.
Amnesty International recently alleged that at least 16 people were killed by security forces during unrest that followed the election between January 15 and 18.
Another opposition politician, Kizza Besigye, remains in detention after being arrested in late 2024 over allegations relating to illegal weapons possession and attempts to procure arms abroad — accusations he has denied.
The Ugandan government has also faced criticism over a recently enacted Sovereignty Bill, which criminalises activities deemed to promote foreign interests against Uganda and labels recipients of foreign funding as “agents of foreigners.”