H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Sworn In for Seventh Term as President of Uganda

His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today been sworn in as the President of the Republic of Uganda, marking his seventh term in office following his victory in the January 15, 2026 Presidential Elections.

The ceremony, held at Kololo Independence Grounds, attracted several Heads of State, heads of delegations, and other distinguished guests. It was conducted under the theme: “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into Higher Middle Income Status.”

On behalf of the Independent Electoral Commission, the Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, introduced the President-elect as H.E. Museveni, who, among eight candidates, was overwhelmingly preferred by the people of Uganda to lead the country for the next five years (2026–2031).

The Oath of Allegiance and the Presidential Oath were administered by the Chief Justice of Uganda, His Lordship Flavian Zeija, in the presence of the Chief Registrar and the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet.

“I, Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear allegiance to the Republic of Uganda and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. So help me God,” the President swore.

He further pledged: “I, Yoweri Tibuhaburwa 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, observe, protect and defend the Constitution and the laws of Uganda, and that I shall promote the welfare of the people of Uganda. So help me God.”

During the ceremony, President Museveni received the instruments of power of the Republic of Uganda, including the National Flag, the Constitution, the Presidential Standard, the National Anthem, the National Coat of Arms, and the Public Seal.

He also received the instruments of national defence from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The ceremony featured a Presidential salute, the playing of the National Anthem, and a 21-gun salute.

In his maiden address as President, H.E. Museveni thanked the visiting Heads of State and delegations for demonstrating solidarity with Uganda.

“I thank all the Excellencies who have come here, the Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Ministers. They have shown solidarity with us,” he said.

The President particularly commended Tanzania, Mozambique, and Kenya for their historical support to Uganda during the liberation struggle prior to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) coming to power in 1986.

He expressed gratitude to Tanzania, acknowledging the role of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in supporting the foundation of Uganda’s current armed forces. He also thanked H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued support.

He further recognized Mozambique’s contribution, noting the training support provided in Montepuez, and thanked Kenya for offering refuge to Ugandans during difficult periods.

President Museveni congratulated the NRM for its performance in the recent general elections and thanked Ugandans for their support.

He also acknowledged other political parties that participated peacefully in the elections and emphasized the need for adherence to agreed electoral guidelines under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Uganda.

Describing the new term as the “term of no more sleep,” the President emphasized wealth creation and economic transformation.

He outlined what he described as the NRM’s key contributions over the years, including peace, infrastructure development, service delivery, and market access through regional and international integration. He urged citizens to focus on wealth and job creation as their contribution to national development.

Highlighting opportunities in small-scale commercial agriculture, President Museveni cited examples of individuals who have generated substantial income through poultry and dairy farming, noting that such enterprises can create employment and wealth.

He reiterated the importance of value addition, arguing that exporting unprocessed raw materials limits national benefits in terms of revenue and employment. Using gold as an example, he explained the significant value difference between exporting raw and refined minerals.

The President emphasized that Uganda’s policy on mineral processing aims to promote industrialization, local value addition, and job creation.

He further called for stronger regional integration, increased intra-African trade, and industrial growth to unlock Africa’s economic potential.

On education, the President advocated reforms focused on practical skills development to enhance employability and economic transformation.

Regarding environmental conservation, he warned against the destruction of wetlands and forests, highlighting their importance in irrigation, rainfall formation, water catchment protection, and sustainability.

Under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), the government will continue prioritizing agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and services as drivers of socio-economic transformation.

The President also encouraged citizens to actively monitor government programs, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCOs, to ensure proper utilization of public funds.

Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo congratulated President Museveni on his victory and inauguration, noting that his electoral performance reflected strong public support.

She commended Ugandans who participated peacefully in the elections and reaffirmed commitment to continued development.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) showcased military displays from the Land Forces, Air Force, Special Forces Command (SFC), and Reserve Forces, adding color to the ceremony.

The event was attended by several Heads of State, including H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, H.E. Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique, H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, H.E. Brahim Ghali of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, H.E. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E. Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, and H.E. Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia, among other dignitaries and representatives.