On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a record seventh consecutive term after winning January’s disputed presidential election, extending his four-decade rule.
The 81-year-old leader, who first came to power in 1986 as a rebel commander, secured more than 70% of the vote in the January polls, though Opposition figures rejected the results, alleging electoral irregularities.
Heavy security, including armoured tanks, was deployed across Kampala ahead of the inauguration ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds, where thousands of supporters gathered after the government declared a public holiday.
In his address, Museveni urged Ugandans to focus on wealth creation, job generation and national development, while promising to use future oil revenues to strengthen the economy and reduce poverty.
His main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, dismissed the election outcome as fraudulent and accused the government of intimidation and repression. Wine later fled the country, claiming his life was under threat.
The inauguration was attended by several African leaders, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, Félix Tshisekedi, Salva Kiir, Faure Gnassingbe and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Museveni’s son and Army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has increasingly been viewed as a possible successor, although he has drawn criticism for controversial & regular social media posts targeting Opposition figures.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have accused Ugandan security forces of abuses following the election, alleging that several unarmed civilians were killed during post-election operations. The government has denied wrongdoing and maintains that the elections were free and fair.