Yoweri Museveni begins seventh term at 81, extending four-decade rule in Uganda

At 81, Yoweri Museveni officially began a seventh term in office, extending a rule that started four decades ago. In Kampala, before several African heads of state, the Ugandan president once again defended his political and security legacy during a ceremony that resembled a regional summit on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Under scorching heat, with military parades and ceremonial gun salutes setting the tone, Museveni praised the achievements of his 40 years in power. His message was aimed particularly at younger generations who did not experience the years of chaos and violence that preceded his rise to power in Uganda in 1986.

Wearing his trademark straw hat and a white shirt, Museveni emphasized what he described as the crucial role of the Ugandan army in maintaining the country’s current stability, while also paying tribute to Julius Nyerere and neighboring Tanzania.

“I want to speak to these grandchildren who do not really know the history… Today, we are gathered to celebrate Uganda’s development and the strength of our army, but the man who laid the foundations was Julius Nyerere, the former president of Tanzania,” the Ugandan leader declared. “That is why I welcome the presence today of Samia Suluhu Hassan. We must never forget Tanzania.”

Among the other leaders attending the ceremony were Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Évariste Ndayishimiye, as well as the presidents of Somalia, South Sudan, and Mozambique. The United States was also represented by a senior official from the U.S. State Department.

Yet behind the display of stability, a few signs of dissent remained visible. In central Kampala, the atmosphere stayed relatively calm despite the public holiday, with only limited crowds seen outside supporters dressed in yellow, the color of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The opposition chose to boycott the ceremony, insisting that January’s election results remain disputed. On social media, some Ugandans continued to voice their frustration, with posts reading: “I did not vote for Museveni.”