Yoweri Museveni, 81, has officially begun his seventh consecutive term as President of Uganda following a decisive electoral victory in January where he secured over 70% of the vote.
As he enters a term set to conclude in 2031, Museveni has signaled a shift toward economic growth, telling citizens it is time for 'no more sleep' and urging a focus on wealth creation and infrastructure development.
The inauguration, held at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, was attended by several African heads of state, underscoring Museveni’s enduring influence on the continent. Security in the capital was bolstered by armoured tanks, a move authorities described as a necessary precaution to maintain order.
The election results were vehemently rejected by Museveni’s primary challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu—known as Bobi Wine—who alleged widespread ballot-stuffing.
Wine, who fled the country post-election, has been a vocal critic of the administration, while the government has dismissed the claims of fraud and labeled opposition agitators as 'terrorists' attempting to incite violence.
The administration has also recently enacted a Sovereignty Bill aimed at curbing foreign influence, criminalizing actions that prioritize foreign interests over Uganda’s own.
While rights groups and international organizations continue to criticize the government’s security measures and the detention of opposition figures like Kizza Besigye, Museveni remains firmly in control. With his son, Gen.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, serving as military chief, the political landscape remains dominated by the Museveni family, marking a continuation of the stability and firm-handed governance that has defined Uganda since 1986.
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