Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday officially began a new five-year term after taking the oath of allegiance and presidential oath before Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, extending his leadership of Uganda into a seventh elected term.
The nationally televised inauguration ceremony attracted thousands of Ugandans, regional leaders, diplomats, religious leaders, senior government officials, military commanders and invited guests from across Africa and beyond in one of Uganda’s most significant constitutional events.
Mr Museveni, 81, arrived at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds dressed in his trademark white shirt, dark trousers and his a grey hat, waving to cheering supporters as military forces and cultural troupes entertained guests ahead of the official oath-taking session.
He was received by Vice President Rt Maj Jessica Alupo and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also serves as Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations.
The ceremony followed a carefully choreographed state programme featuring military drills, cultural performances, inspection of guard of honour, arrival of foreign dignitaries and presidential processions before the President-elect was ushered to the main dais for the constitutional swearing-in.
Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, who assumed office earlier this year following the retirement of Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, administered the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath to Museveni.
Museveni first took the oath of allegiance, declaring: “I, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God that I shall be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Uganda and that I shall preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.”
He then took the presidential oath, stating: “I, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God that 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 that I shall promote the welfare of the people of Uganda. So help me God.”
Moments later, Museveni signed the oath instruments and received the six instruments of power, including the Constitution of Uganda, the National Flag and the National Coat of Arms, symbolising the formal transfer and continuity of state authority.
A 21-gun salute followed immediately after the swearing-in as the Uganda People’s Defence Forces conducted full military honours for the Commander-in-Chief.
The ceremony also showcased Uganda’s diplomatic reach, with delegations from neighbouring states, representatives of international organisations, members of the diplomatic corps and former heads of state attending the inauguration.
Tuesday’s event officially launches the 2026–2031 government, a term expected to focus on economic transformation, oil and gas production, industrialisation, digital governance, infrastructure expansion and implementation of the Parish Development Model.
The new term will also be closely watched over issues including youth unemployment, corruption, public service delivery, regional security, constitutional reforms and Uganda’s long-running transition debate.
Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, secured victory in the 2026 General Election with a commanding 71.65% vote count following a highly contested national campaign in which the ruling National Resistance Movement retained power.
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