KAMPALA, May 12, 2026 — Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was on Tuesday sworn in for a seventh term in office during a heavily guarded state ceremony at the Kololo ceremonial grounds in Kampala marked by military pomp, a 21-gun salute and elaborate displays of state protocol, extending his nearly four-decade rule following the January presidential elections.
The ceremony unfolded with symbolism, protocol, and spectacle, underscoring both continuity and control as the long-serving leader renewed his oath of office.
The swearing-in proceedings began with the arrival of President-elect Museveni, who was received with full military honours. Dressed in his signature attire, he proceeded to inspect the guard of honour, accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The inspection, marked by rigid discipline and ceremonial display, set the tone for an event that blended constitutional formality with military tradition.
Moments later, the presidential standard flag was lowered, symbolically marking the end of Museveni’s previous term, which ran from 2021 to 2026. The act cleared the stage for the renewal of executive authority under a new mandate.
The swearing-in process was coordinated by a team of senior government officials, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Vincent Bagiire, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, who served as director of ceremonies.
Their roles ensured the seamless progression of the tightly scripted event, where every movement followed established state protocol.
Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama formally declared Museveni the winner of the presidential election, affirming his victory over seven challengers.
Among those he defeated was Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform, alongside Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party.
Other contenders included Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change, Mugisha Gregg Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation, Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga of the Common Man’s Party, and Frank Kabinga Bulira of the Revolutionary People’s Party.
According to official results, Museveni secured 7,946,772 votes, far ahead of Kyagulanyi, who garnered 2,741,238 votes. The remaining candidates trailed with significantly smaller tallies, reinforcing the incumbent’s dominant position in the race.
With the declaration made, Museveni stepped forward to take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of the President, administered by Chief Justice Flavian Nzeija.
In a solemn moment watched across the country, he pledged to uphold, protect, and defend the Constitution, formally sealing his continuation in office.
Following the oath-taking, Museveni received the key instruments of state authority. These included the Constitution of Uganda, the national flag, the presidential standard, the national coat of arms, and the public seal.
The Chief of Defence Forces then handed over the traditional symbols of power, the shield and the sword signifying the President’s role as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The ceremony reached its peak with the sounding of the national anthem, performed alongside a 21-gun salute that echoed across the venue, marking the official commencement of Museveni’s new term.
He then received a formal salute from the security forces before proceeding to inspect the parade, bringing the ceremony to a close with a display of state authority and military discipline.
As the ceremony concluded, Museveni stepped into yet another term in office, extending a presidency that has shaped Uganda’s political landscape for nearly four decades.
While the event reflected constitutional order and tradition, it also underscored the enduring dominance of a leader whose political longevity continues to define the country’s governance.
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