RismadarVoice Reporters, May 12, 2026
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a seventh consecutive term, extending his nearly 40-year rule following victory in 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 and security personnel deployed across the Ugandan capital.
According to the country’s electoral commission, Museveni secured more than 70 per cent of the votes cast in the election, paving the way for another five-year term expected to run until 2031.
Museveni first came to power in 1986 after leading a successful armed rebellion and has since remained one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
However, the election outcome has continued to face strong opposition criticism. His main challenger, opposition politician Bobi Wine, rejected the results, alleging widespread irregularities and electoral manipulation.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, described the outcome as fraudulent and accused the government of suppressing democratic processes. The opposition figure later left Uganda, claiming concerns over his personal safety.
Ugandan election authorities have denied allegations of fraud, insisting that the polls were conducted freely and fairly.
Several African leaders attended the inauguration ceremony, including Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Museveni’s continued rule comes amid growing scrutiny of Uganda’s political environment and human rights record. International rights organisations have raised concerns over alleged crackdowns on opposition supporters and incidents of violence linked to the post-election period.
Amnesty International recently claimed that several civilians were killed during unrest following the election, allegations that have further intensified criticism of the Ugandan government.
Attention has also increasingly shifted toward Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is widely viewed by political observers as a possible successor, although no official succession plan has been announced.
With Uganda’s largely youthful population having known no other national leader for nearly four decades, Museveni’s latest inauguration marks another significant chapter in one of Africa’s longest-serving presidencies.
