Museveni sworn in for seventh term as Uganda’s president

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a record seventh consecutive term, extending his tenure as one of Africa’s longest-serving rulers.

Museveni took the oath of office on Tuesday at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, amid loud cheers from thousands of attendees.

The 81-year-old, who has been in power since 1986, was re-elected in January after a landslide victory in a disputed election.

Bobi Wine, a pop star and his main challenger, had alleged “massive” ballot stuffing. The country’s electoral commission denied the allegations.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, later fled Uganda after the election, saying he feared that “the regime wanted to eliminate me.”

Ahead of Museveni’s inauguration, heavy security, including armoured tanks, was deployed in Kampala. Police said the measures were intended to maintain public order.

Addressing the crowd, Museveni said his new term should be regarded as a time for “no more sleep for all Ugandans.”

He added that people should focus on creating more wealth and jobs – and build on the progress made over the last 40 years through the achievement of peace and the development of infrastructure.

Since taking office 40 years ago, Museveni has twice changed the constitution to remove term and age limits.

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s 51-year-old son who is also the country’s military chief, has been widely tipped as a potential successor.