Uganda's longtime leader, 81, takes oath of office for unprecedented seventh term

Yoweri Museveni has embarked on a seventh consecutive term as Uganda's president, thereby prolonging his nearly four-decade rule, which began when he seized power as a rebel commander in 1986.

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On Tuesday, the 81-year-old leader was sworn in at Kampala's Kololo Independence Grounds, an event marked by stringent security measures and a notable presence of armoured vehicles across the city.

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According to official election results, Museveni garnered more than 70 per cent of the votes cast, securing a new tenure that is expected to last until 2031.

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His main opponent, Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, disputed the outcome, citing widespread irregularities and ballot manipulation during the January elections.

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Wine described the election results as "fake" and accused the government of undermining democracy, before fleeing the country due to alleged fears for his life, stating "The regime wanted to eliminate me".

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Election officials, however, dismissed allegations of fraud, maintaining that the polls were conducted in a free and fair manner.

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Museveni now joins the ranks of Africa's longest-serving leaders, including Denis Sassou Nguesso, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Paul Biya, who have all remained in power for over four decades.

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A number of African leaders attended the inauguration ceremony, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, Félix Tshisekedi, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

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Uganda is notable for having one of the youngest populations globally, with many citizens having known no other president besides Museveni.

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Although Museveni has not publicly disclosed his plans for retirement, speculation exists among political analysts that his current tenure could be his final term in office.

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Attention is increasingly focused on his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is widely regarded as a potential successor, despite facing criticism for his controversial social media posts targeting opposition figures, including Wine.

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Meanwhile, rights groups continue to express concerns about Uganda's human rights record and the treatment of opposition politicians following the elections, with Amnesty International alleging that at least 16 unarmed individuals were killed by security forces between January 15 and 18.

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According to Amnesty International, the victims posed no immediate threat, prompting further criticism of the government's actions during the post-election unrest.

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Another opposition politician, Kizza Besigye, remains in detention after being arrested in late 2024 and charged in a military court over allegations relating to illegal weapons possession and attempts to procure arms abroad.

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Besigye has denied the accusations, while the Ugandan government faces criticism over a recently passed Sovereignty Bill, which criminalises activities deemed to promote "the interests of a foreigner against those of Uganda" and labels recipients of foreign funding as "agents of foreigners".