Yoweri Museveni Sworn In for Seventh Term as Uganda Leader Extends Nearly 40-Year Rule

Yoweri Museveni has officially begun a seventh term as Uganda’s president, tightening his decades-long grip on power after a disputed election victory that further deepened divisions in the East African country.

Thousands of supporters gathered Tuesday at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala as the 81-year-old leader took the oath of office following January’s controversial presidential election.

According to Uganda’s Electoral Commission, Museveni secured 71.65 percent of the vote, comfortably defeating opposition figure Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.

Bobi Wine, who polled 24.72 percent, rejected the outcome and accused the government of widespread electoral fraud, ballot manipulation and voter suppression.

The election period was marked by serious tension, including reports of intimidation, arrests of opposition supporters and a nationwide internet shutdown that triggered international concern over the credibility of the process.

Museveni first came to power in 1986 after leading a successful armed rebellion and has remained Uganda’s dominant political figure ever since.

During his long rule, his administration pushed through constitutional amendments that removed presidential term limits and later scrapped the age cap for presidential candidates, effectively clearing the path for him to remain in office indefinitely.

Critics say those changes weakened democratic institutions and concentrated excessive power around the presidency, while supporters argue Museveni brought stability and economic recovery to Uganda after years of unrest following independence from Britain in 1962.

Ironically, Museveni once criticised African leaders who clung to power for decades, blaming them for many of the continent’s political problems — comments now frequently cited by his opponents.

Despite mounting criticism from rights groups and opposition movements, Museveni continues to maintain strong backing in parts of the country, particularly among supporters who credit him with improving security, infrastructure and economic development over the years.