AFTER 40 YEARS IN POWER, MUSEVENI BEGINS ANOTHER TERM WITH BOLD MESSAGE TO UGANDANS

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was officially sworn in yesterday for a record seventh consecutive term after winning the disputed January elections, extending his rule to nearly five decades and cementing his place among Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

The 81-year-old leader took the oath of office during a high-profile inauguration ceremony held at Kololo Independence Grounds, where thousands of supporters gathered waving Ugandan flags and chanting pro-government slogans as military parades and cultural performances marked the historic occasion.

Museveni, who first came to power in 1986 after leading a rebel war, was declared winner of the January elections with 71.65% of the vote. His new term is expected to run from 2026 to 2031 despite continued criticism from the opposition and international observers over the credibility of the elections.

During his swearing-in speech, Museveni urged Ugandans to embrace hard work, wealth creation, and national unity.

“No more sleep for all Ugandans,” Museveni declared.

He further challenged citizens to focus on economic growth and job creation while building on what he described as four decades of progress in peace, security, infrastructure, and regional stability.

“We must protect what we have achieved, correct what still needs improvement, and move forward together as one country,” he said.

Museveni also highlighted Uganda’s anticipated oil production projects, saying future revenues would help transform the economy, reduce poverty, and create employment opportunities for millions of young people.

However, his re-election remained heavily contested by opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. The 44-year-old politician rejected the results, insisting the election was not transparent and later fled the country, claiming:

“The regime wanted to eliminate me.”

The inauguration attracted several African leaders and dignitaries, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, Félix Tshisekedi, Salva Kiir, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Kenyan Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Uganda declared the inauguration day a public holiday, with tight security deployed across Kampala ahead of the ceremony.

With nearly 40 years in power, Museveni now joins a small group of African leaders who have ruled for decades, alongside Denis Sassou Nguesso, Teodoro Obiang, and Paul Biya.