Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh consecutive term on Tuesday after securing a dominant victory in January’s elections, extending his rule as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
The 81-year-old took the oath of office at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, under heavy security.
The event was attended by regional leaders, diplomats, senior officials and thousands of supporters who cheered as Museveni began another five-year term.
Among the leaders present were Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi, Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir and Tanzania’s President Samaia Suluhu Hassan.
No more sleep for Ugandans
In his address, Museveni said his record-breaking term would be a period of “no more sleep for all Ugandans,” stressing the need to focus on wealth creation, economic transformation and industrialisation.
Museveni pledged that his administration would prioritise strengthening Uganda’s economy, expanding regional co-operation and promoting stability and peace across East Africa.
“We must protect what has been achieved, correct what still needs improvement and move forward together as one country,” he said.
He also vowed that the government would continue improving infrastructure and creating employment opportunities during his new term.
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A widely expected victory
The swearing-in ceremony came after Museveni secured 71.65% of the vote in the controversial January elections, defeating singer-turned-politician and opposition leader Bobi Wine, who received 24.72%.
The result cemented Museveni’s position among Africa’s longest-serving leaders, alongside Cameroon’s Paul Biya, Congo-Brazzaville’s Denis Sassou Nguesso and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
While Museveni’s victory was widely expected, the United Nations said the January polls were marred by “widespread repression and intimidation,” including a crackdown on opposition rallies.
Human Rights Watch also criticised the government over alleged attacks on opposition supporters following the election.
“Uganda’s long-standing pattern of abuse against the opposition has risen to alarming levels. The Ugandan government needs to stop cracking down on dissent and ensure that people with opposing views are safe,” said HRW’s deputy Africa director Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz.
Opposition alleges poll rigging
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, claimed on social media on Election Day that “massive ballot stuffing” was taking place, an accusation denied by election officials.
The election also took place amid a nationwide internet blackout and reports of opposition abductions, further raising doubts over the credibility of the vote.
However, the government insisted the elections were free and fair, with Museveni accusing the opposition of attempting to overturn the results through violence.
“Some of the opposition are wrong and also terrorists. They are working with some foreigners and homosexual groups,” he said, as quoted by The Guardian.
“All traitors – this is free advice from me – stop everything, because we know what you are doing and you will not do it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Wine later fled Uganda, claiming he feared the regime would “eliminate” him after he allegedly escaped a police raid on his home, an accusation rejected by police.
Successor questions loom
Following Museveni’s re-election, questions have emerged over who could eventually succeed him, with analysts suggesting this may be his final term because of his age.
Although Museveni did not indicate when he will retire, many say that his 51-year-old son, Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is a strong candidate to replace his father in power.
Government sources said that Museveni has been increasingly relying on Kainerugaba on several matters, citing old age and his health.
“Many Ugandans close to power have learned this lesson – that the president is old and exhausted, both intellectually and physically,” Andrew Mwenda, a close ally of Kainerugaba wrote in The Independent newspaper.
Mixed reactions from Ugandans
Despite the disputed election and uncertainty over Uganda’s political future, some supporters celebrated Museveni’s victory.
“I’m really very happy to see he’s won. The victory comes because of his hardwork, dedication and commitment to the people of Uganda,” Isaac Kamba, a teacher, told Agence France-Presse.
Meanwhile, others brushed off the results, emphasising that the elections is just a formality and they already knew the outcome, signalling widespread public disengagement.
“People have lost trust in the system and the government. I am just a villager and we fear that the government will raise taxes and make life harder for us Ugandans,” James Odeka, a waiter, told Deutsche Welle.
Museveni seized power in 1986 as the leader of a guerrilla movement that promised to democratise Uganda after years of civil war.
Since then, he has been credited with maintaining stability and overseeing economic growth, while his ruling National Resistance Movement has dominated parliament for decades.
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