81-year-old Yoweri Museveni sworn in for seventh term as Uganda president

Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a seventh term as Uganda’s president, extending his stay in power to four decades following his victory in the country’s January election. The 81-year-old leader took the oath of office on Tuesday at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, before thousands of supporters and several African leaders. According to Uganda’s Electoral Commission, Museveni secured 71.65 per cent of the votes cast in the election, while opposition candidate Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, polled 24.72 per cent. Wine rejected the outcome, alleging widespread electoral malpractice and ballot stuffing. The election was held amid reports of intimidation, abductions of opposition supporters, and a nationwide internet blackout. Museveni first came to power in 1986 as a rebel leader and has since remained one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents. During his years in office, he oversaw constitutional changes that removed presidential term and age limits. Despite criticism from opponents, many Ugandans credit him for restoring stability and driving economic growth after years of political unrest following independence from British colonial rule in 1962. In his inauguration speech, Museveni said his administration would rely on revenue from planned oil production to strengthen the economy and reduce poverty. Several African leaders attended the ceremony, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, Félix Tshisekedi, Salva Kiir, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with many citizens having known no other president apart from Museveni. Analysts believe the new term could likely be his last in office.