Uganda's Museveni Sworn in for Seventh Term

President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh consecutive term on 12 May 2026 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. The inauguration took place after he was declared winner of the January 2026 presidential election with more than 70 percent of the vote. His new term is set to run until 2031.

Heavy security, including armoured vehicles, was deployed in the capital ahead of the ceremony. The government declared 12 May a public holiday. ” He called on citizens to focus on creating more wealth and jobs and to build on progress made over the last 40 years through peace and infrastructure development.

“We must protect what has been achieved, correct what still needs improvement and move forward together as one country,” Museveni said. He added that revenue from planned oil production would be used to grow the economy and alleviate poverty. The president inspected an armed forces parade accompanied by his son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, 51, the Chief of Defence Forces.

Regional leaders present included Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir, Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Janet Museveni was not present at the inauguration. According to AllAfrica reporting, she has had no publicly recorded appearance since 21 March 2026. Her last known public activity was a post on X about attending a fundraiser for a science block at Seeta College on that date.

Uganda’s government-owned Gulfstream G550 jet, registration 5X-UGF, flew to Savannah, Georgia — home of the aircraft’s manufacturer, Gulfstream Aerospace — after departing Uganda and transiting through Cape Verde.

National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine, rejected the election result. He stated that the poll was marred by “ballot-stuffing” and subsequently fled the country. Amnesty International reported that at least 16 people were likely killed between 15 and 18 January by the military and police.

Former opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been held in jail since late 2024 after being abducted in Kenya and brought to Uganda. Museveni has not indicated when he intends to retire.