President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has been officially sworn in for another term as Uganda’s Head of State, marking the continuation of his leadership following his emphatic victory in the January 15, 2026 general elections.
The ceremony, held in the capital and attended by more than a dozen African heads of state and high-level delegations from across the continent and beyond, marked the formal commencement of Museveni’s new mandate.
Before the oath of office was administered, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama formally presented the president-elect to the nation. He confirmed that the polls were conducted in line with Article 61 of the Constitution, which requires presidential elections to be held within the final 122 days of the incumbent term.
In a symbolic gesture, the national flag was lowered, signifying the temporary vacancy of the presidency at the end of the previous term. However, Byabakama quickly reassured the public, urging calm as the constitutional transition unfolded.
“Do not get alarmed or start developing strange ideas. The office will be filled shortly,” he said, before announcing that Museveni had secured 71.6% of the valid vote, comfortably surpassing the required 50% threshold.
He praised Ugandans for what he described as their “resolute participation” in the electoral process, noting that millions turned out across more than 50,000 polling stations nationwide despite challenging conditions.
The inauguration ceremony opened with prayers and blessings from religious leaders. Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa, representing Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, and Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, led interfaith supplications calling for wisdom, justice, and integrity in leadership.
Bishop Mwesigwa highlighted national demographic data, noting that the majority of Ugandans are Christian, and urged the president to appoint a competent and corruption-free cabinet capable of advancing the country toward middle-income status.
Sheikh Mubaje, quoting the Holy Quran, emphasized fairness in governance and prayed for leaders who would protect citizens’ rights and uphold justice.
The event attracted an extensive list of dignitaries, underscoring Uganda’s diplomatic ties within the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU). Attending heads of state included Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo, Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Sahrawi Republic’s Brahim Ghali, and DR Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi.
Others present were Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema, Burundi’s Évariste Ndayishimiye, Ethiopia’s Taye Atske Selassie, Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Rwanda’s Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The oath of allegiance and presidential oath were subsequently administered by Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, assisted by Chief Registrar and Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe, officially ushering in the 2026–2031 presidential term.
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