Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of the presidential poll by the Electoral Commission in January, securing a seventh term in office. Official results showed that he obtained about 72 percent of the vote, while his closest challenger, Bobi Wine, garnered around 25 percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tuesday\u2019s swearing-in ceremony unfolded under heavy security and strict protocol, bringing together regional heads of state, senior government officials, diplomats, and dignitaries from across Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Security was visibly heightened across Kampala ahead of the event, with security agencies deploying personnel to manage crowds, secure key routes, and ensure a smooth and orderly inauguration process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grand ceremonial display at Kololo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The ceremony featured elaborate military and constitutional rituals at Kololo Independence Grounds. President Museveni arrived under heavy security escort, with supporters lining the venue to witness the occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He received the final salute of his outgoing term as Commander-in-Chief, followed by the national anthem, marking the formal commencement of the inauguration proceedings. Museveni later inspected a ceremonial parade and briefly interacted with visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The presidential standard was later lowered, symbolically marking the end of his previous term and temporarily rendering the presidency vacant in line with constitutional procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prayer, electoral declaration, and oath of office<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Religious leaders led national prayers, with Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu offering blessings for wisdom, justice, and good health for the President and First Lady Janet Museveni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vice President Jessica Alupo presided over the constitutional segment of the ceremony before Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama officially declared Museveni the winner of the election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrom the declared results, Museveni emerged winner after satisfying the legal requirement that a candidate must obtain more than 50 percent of valid votes cast,\u201d Byabakama said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Museveni then took the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath before Flavian Zeija, accompanied by his daughter Natasha Karugire. Military honours were rendered as he stepped forward, drawing applause from attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BREAKING: President Museveni sworn in as President of Uganda.#M7SwearsIn2026<\/a> | #UBCUpdates<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/mxiYwSO03I<\/a><\/p>— UBC UGANDA (@ubctvuganda) May 12, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>