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 Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala amid loud cheers from thousands of attendees.
The 81-year-old leader, 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 Museveni’s main challenger, alleged “massive” ballot stuffing. However, the country’s electoral commission denied the allegations.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, later fled Uganda, saying he feared that “the regime wanted to eliminate me.”
Ahead of Museveni’s inauguration, heavy security, including armoured tanks, was deployed across Kampala. Police said the measures were intended to maintain public order.
Addressing the crowd, Museveni said his new term should mark a period of “no more sleep for all Ugandans.”
He added that citizens should focus on creating more wealth and jobs while building on the progress made over the past 40 years through peace and infrastructure development.
Since taking office four decades ago, Museveni has twice amended the constitution to remove presidential term and age limits.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s 51-year-old son and the country’s military chief, has been widely tipped as a possible successor.
