President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 81, was sworn in on Tuesday for a record seventh term as president of Uganda following his victory in disputed January elections, extending his nearly four-decade rule as one of Africa's longest-serving leaders. Heavy security, including armored tanks and police units, was deployed across the capital, Kampala, ahead of the inauguration ceremony, which authorities said was intended to maintain public order. Museveni was declared winner of the election with more than 70% of the vote, securing another term expected to run until 2031. The election was widely conte

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 81, was sworn in on Tuesday for a record seventh term as president of Uganda following his victory in disputed January elections, extending his nearly four-decade rule as one of Africa's longest-serving leaders.

Heavy security, including armored tanks and police units, was deployed across the capital, Kampala, ahead of the inauguration ceremony, which authorities said was intended to maintain public order.

Museveni was declared winner of the election with more than 70% of the vote, securing another term expected to run until 2031. The election was widely contested by opposition groups, who alleged irregularities, including ballot-stuffing claims that election officials denied.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, rejected the results, describing the poll as flawed. Government and electoral authorities dismissed the allegations.

In his inauguration address, Museveni framed the new term around economic mobilization, declaring it a kisanja  (the Luganda word for term) of "we are entering Kisanja no more sleep for all Ugandans," and calling on citizens to pursue wealth creation and job generation. He said his government had provided the necessary foundations through peace, infrastructure and development programs, and that Ugandans must now do their part.

"It is a shame to see Ugandans going abroad to look for jobs; yet, as you can see, the jobs are easily available here, if you listen to our advice," he said.

Museveni also used the ceremony to address fellow African leaders, arguing that the continent's economic underdevelopment was partly rooted in the continued export of unprocessed raw materials.

He said Africa's GDP, currently around USD 3.6 trillion, should be at least USD 60 trillion, and called for greater value addition across all sectors. "That is one of the reasons Africa's economy has remained stunted 70 years after the African Countries started regaining their freedom," he said.

Museveni first came to power in 1986 as a rebel leader and has since won seven presidential elections. His continued rule places him among Africa's longest-serving leaders alongside figures such as Denis Sassou Nguesso, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and Paul Biya.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Kololo Independence Grounds, with the government declaring the day a public holiday. Regional leaders in attendance included Samia Suluhu Hassan, Félix Tshisekedi, Salva Kiir Mayardit and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, according to officials.

Uganda has one of the world's youngest populations, with most citizens having known no other president. Museveni has not publicly indicated when he plans to step down, though analysts say the new term could be his last.

Attention has increasingly turned to his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the country's military chief, who is widely viewed as a potential successor.

Opposition politician Kizza Besigye remains in custody, according to legal sources, after being detained in late 2024 following his return from Kenya. He faces charges related to weapons possession, which he denies.

The Ugandan government has defended its handling of the elections and security operations, insisting the vote was free and fair while accusing opposition figures of attempting to destabilize the country.

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