Museveni took the oath of office on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during a colourful ceremony held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
The event attracted thousands of Ugandans, senior government officials, foreign diplomats, and leaders from across the African continent.
The swearing-in ceremony officially confirmed Museveni’s continuation in office after he was declared winner of the January 2026 general elections. It also signalled the beginning of another five-year term for the veteran politician who first took power in 1986.
While taking the oath, Museveni pledged to protect and defend Uganda’s Constitution and to serve the nation faithfully. Speaking before the crowd, he promised to promote the welfare of Ugandans and uphold the laws of the land.
“I shall faithfully exercise the functions of the President of Uganda and shall uphold, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and observe the laws of Uganda and promote the welfare of the people of Uganda,” Museveni said.
The ceremony featured military parades, cultural performances, and celebrations as supporters praised Museveni’s leadership record. Many of those in attendance waved national flags and cheered as the president arrived at the venue accompanied by security officers and top officials.
Regional unity was also highlighted during the event, with several leaders and delegations from neighbouring countries attending. Kenya was represented by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who attended on behalf of President William Ruto. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was also among the dignitaries present, underlining Kenya’s continued diplomatic ties with Uganda.
Other representatives from Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and other African nations were present, signalling Uganda’s role in regional cooperation, trade, and security.
Museveni’s government has often been credited for major infrastructure development projects, efforts to improve regional integration, and maintaining security in parts of the country.
The swearing-in ceremony officially confirmed Museveni’s continuation in office after he was declared winner of the January 2026 general elections. It also signalled the beginning of another five-year term for the veteran politician who first took power in 1986.
While taking the oath, Museveni pledged to protect and defend Uganda’s Constitution and to serve the nation faithfully. Speaking before the crowd, he promised to promote the welfare of Ugandans and uphold the laws of the land.
“I shall faithfully exercise the functions of the President of Uganda and shall uphold, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and observe the laws of Uganda and promote the welfare of the people of Uganda,” Museveni said.
The ceremony featured military parades, cultural performances, and celebrations as supporters praised Museveni’s leadership record. Many of those in attendance waved national flags and cheered as the president arrived at the venue accompanied by security officers and top officials.
Regional unity was also highlighted during the event, with several leaders and delegations from neighbouring countries attending. Kenya was represented by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who attended on behalf of President William Ruto. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was also among the dignitaries present, underlining Kenya’s continued diplomatic ties with Uganda.
Other representatives from Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and other African nations were present, signalling Uganda’s role in regional cooperation, trade, and security.
Museveni’s government has often been credited for major infrastructure development projects, efforts to improve regional integration, and maintaining security in parts of the country.
However, his long rule has also faced criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups who argue that Uganda’s democratic space has shrunk over the years.
Critics have repeatedly raised concerns over governance, human rights, and constitutional changes that have allowed him to stay in power.
Museveni first rose to leadership in January 1986 after leading the National Resistance Army to overthrow the government following years of political instability and violence. Since then, he has remained Uganda’s dominant political figure for nearly four decades.
If he completes his seventh term, Museveni will have ruled Uganda for 45 consecutive years by 2031, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents.
Museveni first rose to leadership in January 1986 after leading the National Resistance Army to overthrow the government following years of political instability and violence. Since then, he has remained Uganda’s dominant political figure for nearly four decades.
If he completes his seventh term, Museveni will have ruled Uganda for 45 consecutive years by 2031, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents.
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