Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has officially begun his seventh term in office after taking the oath of office during a state ceremony held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala on Tuesday.
The inauguration, attended by thousands of guests and regional leaders, marked another chapter in Museveni’s nearly four decades in power, reinforcing his position among Africa’s longest-serving heads of state.
The ceremony opened with Sukhoi fighter jets flying over Kampala as more than 40,000 invited guests gathered under tight security at the Kololo Independence Grounds.
At least 15 heads of state attended the event alongside senior government officials and diplomats from across the region. Kenya was represented by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Uganda’s Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo administered both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office before Museveni formally assumed office for another term.
The event also featured the presentation of national symbols, including Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, the national flag, the presidential standard, the coat of arms and the public seal.
Supporters at the ceremony described the occasion as a reflection of stability and continuity in Uganda’s leadership, while critics continued to raise concerns over Museveni’s prolonged stay in power.
“I Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God that I will faithfully exercise the functions of the President of Uganda,” Museveni declared during the oath-taking ceremony.
In his address, the 81-year-old leader revisited Uganda’s past political instability and praised Kenya for supporting Ugandans during difficult periods in the 1970s and 1980s.
“When Ugandans were running away from Uganda, they were running to Kenya. They really helped us. I want you to know about them; they are our brothers and sisters who stood by us when the house was on fire,” he said.
Museveni said his government will focus on improving Uganda’s economy by moving more citizens from subsistence living into commercial economic activities.
According to the president, his administration plans to help the remaining 38 per cent of Ugandans still outside the money economy transition towards higher income-generating activities as the country works towards achieving high middle-income status.
Despite the celebrations, debate over Uganda’s political future remains active, with speculation continuing over whether General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son, could eventually succeed him and extend the family’s political influence in the country.
