Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni extends nearly 40-year rule after disputed poll

Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a seventh consecutive term as Uganda’s president, further extending his nearly 40-year rule after emerging victorious in the country’s disputed January elections.

The 81-year-old leader, who has governed Uganda since seizing power in 1986 as a rebel commander, took the oath of office on Tuesday at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala under heavy security presence, with armoured vehicles deployed across parts of the capital.

Uganda’s electoral commission declared Museveni winner of the presidential poll with more than 70 per cent of the votes cast, securing a fresh mandate expected to last until 2031.

However, the election outcome has been strongly contested by opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. Wine alleged widespread electoral malpractice and described the results as fraudulent.

The opposition figure, 44, later fled Uganda, saying he feared for his safety.

“The regime wanted to eliminate me,” he was quoted as saying after departing the country.

Election authorities rejected claims of vote manipulation, insisting the process was conducted fairly and transparently.

Museveni remains one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, alongside figures such as Denis Sassou Nguesso, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and Paul Biya, all of whom have spent decades in office.

The inauguration ceremony drew several African heads of state, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, Félix Tshisekedi, Salva Kiir Mayardit and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Uganda’s youthful population means many citizens have lived their entire lives under Museveni’s leadership. Although the president has not indicated plans to step aside, speculation has continued over a possible succession arrangement involving his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Kainerugaba, who serves as Uganda’s military chief, has attracted criticism over controversial social media comments directed at opposition politicians, including Wine.

Meanwhile, international rights organisations have continued to express concern over Uganda’s human rights situation and the treatment of opposition members following the elections.

Amnesty International recently alleged that at least 16 people were killed by security forces during unrest between January 15 and 18, claiming the victims were unarmed and posed no immediate threat.

Another opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, remains in detention after his arrest in late 2024. Besigye faces charges before a military court over alleged illegal possession of weapons and attempts to source arms abroad, allegations he has denied.

The Ugandan government has also come under criticism over a recently enacted Sovereignty Bill, which criminalises activities deemed to advance foreign interests against Uganda and classifies recipients of foreign funding as “agents of foreigners.”