Yoweri Museveni was sworn in Tuesday for a seventh consecutive term as president of Uganda, extending his nearly 40-year rule after a disputed January election.
The 81-year-old leader took the oath of office at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala under heavy security, with armored vehicles deployed across the capital ahead of the inauguration.
Museveni won more than 70% of the vote in the January election, according to electoral officials. His new term will run until 2031.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine rejected the outcome, alleging ballot stuffing and widespread irregularities. Election authorities denied the claims and described the poll as free and fair.
“The results were fake,” Wine said after the election, urging Ugandans to defend democracy.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, later fled the country, claiming security forces targeted him and his family. Police denied the allegation.
Museveni, who first took power as a rebel leader in 1986, remains one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents. Uganda’s largely youthful population has known no other leader for most of their lives.
Several African leaders attended the ceremony, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, Félix Tshisekedi, Salva Kiir Mayardit and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Attention has increasingly shifted to Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is widely seen as a possible successor.
Rights groups have continued to criticize Museveni’s government over its crackdown on opposition figures and protesters following the election.
Amnesty International said at least 16 people were likely killed by security forces during post-election unrest in January. The group also criticized the continued detention of opposition politician Kizza Besigye on weapons-related charges he denies.
Last week, Uganda passed a controversial Sovereignty Bill targeting foreign influence and foreign-funded groups, a move critics say could further restrict political freedoms.
