Uganda: Yoweri Museveni sworn in for a seventh consecutive term

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 81, was sworn in on May 12, 2026, for a seventh consecutive term, extending his rule into a fifth decade at the helm of Uganda. Reuters reports that he was declared the winner of the January election with 72% of the vote .

The inauguration ceremony took place in Kampala amidst a climate of high political tension. Authorities deployed a significant security presence in the capital prior to the swearing-in, as the opposition continues to contest the election results.

The main opposition candidate, Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, rejected the results, denouncing an election marred by fraud and violence. Reuters reports that he is now in exile in the United States after fleeing a military raid on his home following the vote.

A former rebel leader who came to power in 1986, Museveni is among the longest-serving African leaders still in office. His new term is theoretically set to run until 2031, which would further solidify his position among the continent\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s most enduring heads of state.

In his inaugural address, he defended his economic record, at a time when his government is counting in particular on the arrival of oil production to support growth. But this inauguration also reignites questions about succession, as many observers believe that his son, the military leader Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is assuming an increasingly central role in the power structure.

Mwandishi: Mecamedia Africa
Soma zaidi: www.Mecamediaafrica.com