KAMPALA — As the national anthem echoed across Kololo Ceremonial Grounds and the Presidential Standard was raised once again, Uganda’s long political continuity found fresh expression on Tuesday, May 12, as NRM’s Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni was sworn in for yet another term of office following his victory in the January 15, 2026 general elections.
The ceremony, attended by more than a dozen African heads of state and senior government delegations from across the continent and beyond, marked the beginning of Museveni’s new five-year mandate after he secured 71.6 percent of the valid vote, comfortably crossing the constitutional threshold.
Before the oath-taking, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Simon Byabakama, formally presented the President-elect to the nation in a carefully choreographed constitutional handover.
Justice Byabakama reminded the gathering that the elections had been conducted in accordance with Article 61 of the Constitution, which requires that presidential elections be held within 122 days before the end of the sitting term.
In a symbolic constitutional moment, the national flag was lowered, signifying that the office of the President had technically fallen vacant upon the expiry of the previous term.
But quickly, Byabakama moved to calm any anxiety in the hall.
“Do not get alarmed or start developing strange ideas. Yes, we are going to fill that void in a few moments from now,” he said, drawing a light reaction from the audience before confirming Museveni’s electoral victory.
He announced that the President had obtained 71.6 percent of the valid votes cast, describing the outcome as a reflection of the “sovereign will” of Ugandans who turned out in large numbers across more than 50,700 polling stations nationwide.
He praised voters for what he termed their “unflinching resolve” to participate in the democratic process despite what he called “turbulent times”, saying they had chosen stability and continuity through the ballot.
The ceremony began with solemn prayers led by the country’s top religious leaders.
Archbishop Sheldon Mwesigwa, representing Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, and Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, jointly led the invocation prayers seeking guidance, wisdom and integrity for the incoming administration.
Archbishop Mwesigwa referenced national demographic data, noting that Christians constitute about 84 percent of Uganda’s population, and prayed for a leadership guided by accountability.
He urged the President to appoint a cabinet composed of “conscientious, trustworthy and corruption-free” officials capable of driving Uganda towards middle-income status.
On his part, Mufti Mubaje recited verses from the Holy Quran, emphasising justice and responsibility in leadership.
“O Allah, inspire our leaders to judge with justice, protect the rights of the people and uphold the trust placed upon them,” he prayed.
The inauguration attracted a wide array of regional and international leaders, underlining Museveni’s longstanding political and diplomatic influence within the East African Community and the African Union.
Among those present were Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic President Brahim Ghali, and DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi.
Others included Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema, Burundi’s Évariste Ndayishimiye, Ethiopia’s Taye Atske Selassie, Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Rwanda’s Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Their presence underscored Uganda’s continued diplomatic footprint across Africa and beyond.
The formal swearing-in was administered by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, assisted by the Chief Registrar and Head of Public Service, Ms Lucy Nakyobe, who witnessed the administration of the Oath of Allegiance and the Presidential Oath.
With that, Museveni officially commenced his new five-year mandate covering the 2026–2031 term, extending a presidency that has shaped Uganda’s political landscape for decades.
The ceremony blended constitutional ritual, military pageantry and political symbolism, reinforcing continuity in leadership while signalling the start of another term under one of Africa’s longest-serving heads of state.
As the President took his oath, the message from State House was one of stability, experience and continuity—while the presence of regional leaders reflected a broader continental interest in Uganda’s political trajectory.
Yet beyond the ceremony’s grandeur, the moment also marked another chapter in a presidency that continues to define and dominate Uganda’s modern political history.
