Ask Onix
Museveni sworn in for record seventh term
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, 81, took the oath of office on Tuesday for a seventh consecutive term, extending his 38-year rule following a contested January election. The ceremony in Kampala drew heavy security, including armored vehicles, as authorities cited public order concerns.
Election controversy and opposition backlash
Museveni secured over 70% of the vote in the January poll, but his main rival, opposition leader Bobi Wine, rejected the results as fraudulent. Wine, a former pop star whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, fled Uganda after the election, alleging threats to his life. Election officials denied allegations of ballot-stuffing.
Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform, called the election results "fake" and urged Ugandans to resist what he described as an assault on democracy. The government dismissed his claims, accusing the opposition of plotting violence and labeling them "terrorists."
Security crackdown and rights concerns
Museveni's government has faced criticism from human rights groups over a post-election crackdown. Amnesty International reported that at least 16 people were killed by security forces between January 15 and 18, alleging the victims were unarmed. Police denied targeting civilians, insisting their actions were lawful.
Another opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, remains jailed since late 2024 after being forcibly returned from Kenya. He faces charges of illegal weapon possession, which he denies. Last week, Uganda's parliament passed a law criminalizing actions deemed to undermine national sovereignty, including receiving foreign funding.
Museveni's vision for Uganda's future
In his inauguration speech, Museveni called for national unity and economic growth, urging Ugandans to "work without rest" to build on four decades of stability and infrastructure development. He pledged to use revenue from planned oil production to reduce poverty and boost the economy.
"We must protect what has been achieved, correct what still needs improvement, and move forward together as one country,"
President Yoweri Museveni
Succession speculation and regional attendance
Analysts suggest this may be Museveni's final term, though he has not indicated plans to retire. His son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, 51, has been floated as a potential successor but faces criticism for social media threats against the opposition, including Wine.
African leaders attending the ceremony included Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan, DRC's Félix Tshisekedi, South Sudan's Salva Kiir, and Somalia's Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Uganda's population is among the world's youngest, with most citizens having known no other leader.
