Kampala, Uganda | URN | NRM’s Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni has been sworn in as Uganda’s President for the eighth time. The event, marked by the presence of over a dozen African heads of state, signaled the commencement of Museveni’s seventh term in office following his decisive victory in the January 15, 2026, general elections.
Before the administration of the oath, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Simon Byabakama, formally presented the president-elect to the nation. Justice Byabakama noted that the 2026 elections were held in strict adherence to Article 61 of the Constitution, which requires elections to be conducted within the final 122 days of the presidential term.
In a symbolic moment, the national flag was lowered to signify that the office of the President had technically become vacant upon the expiration of the previous term. However, Justice Byabakama quickly reassured the crowd, “Do not get alarmed or start developing strange ideas. Yes, we are going to fill that void in a few moments from now,” Byabakama stated, before confirming that Museveni had garnered 71.6% of the valid votes cast, surpassing the constitutional 50% threshold.
The Chairman lauded the “unflinching resolve” of the millions of Ugandans who cast their ballots at over 50,700 polling stations. He noted that despite “turbulent times,” the voters rejected instability and chose to exercise their sovereign power through the ballot box.
The ceremony opened with powerful invocations from the nation’s top religious leaders. Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa (representing Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu) and Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, led the prayers of dedication.
Bishop Mwesigwa highlighted the 2024 Census report, noting that Christians comprise 84% of the population, and prayed that the President would be guided to choose a cabinet of “conscientious, trustworthy, and corruption-free” leaders to transition Uganda into middle-income status.
Mufti Mubaje echoed these sentiments, reciting the Holy Quran to emphasize the importance of justice. “O Allah, inspire our leaders to judge with justice, protect the rights of the people, and uphold the trust placed upon them.”
The inauguration drew a massive delegation of regional and continental leaders, highlighting Museveni’s influence in the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU). The Presidents present are of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mozambique President Daniel Chapo, Togo President Faure Gnassingbé, South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Sahrawi Republic President Brahim Ghali, and DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi.
The other heads of state in attendance are Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema, Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, and Ethiopia President Taye Atske Selassie. Other delegations include the Deputy President of Kenya, Kithure Kindiki, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez of Venezuela, Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente of Rwanda, and the former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
The proceedings moved to the podium where Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, accompanied by the Chief Registrar and Head of Public Service Madam Lucy Nakyobe, administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of President, officially beginning the new five-year mandate for the 2026–2031 term.
