Uganda's Yoweri Museveni sworn in for seventh term

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term on May 12, extending his 40-year rule after a contentious landslide victory in the January election.

The ceremony was held at Kololo Independence Square in the capital Kampala in front of thousands of supporters. According to Uganda's Electoral Commission, Museveni secured 71.65% of the vote. His main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine (born Robert Kyagulanyi), received 24.72% and alleged widespread ballot stuffing.

The January election took place amid a nationwide internet shutdown imposed by Uganda, alongside reports of threats and abductions targeting the opposition. Human Rights Watch accused the Ugandan government of "increased attacks" against Wine's National Unity Platform (NUP) party and its supporters after the election, documenting mass arrests and the disappearance of two senior party officials.

During the campaign, Wine's rallies were repeatedly blocked by security forces, his supporters were arrested, and at least one person was killed. Wine said he escaped a police and military raid on his home, while his wife and family members were placed under house arrest.

Several people were killed in an attack on the home of an opposition lawmaker in the town of Butambala. The opposition said 10 people were killed by police, while the government said seven died after machete-wielding attackers targeted a police station and a counting center.

Since taking power in 1986, Museveni has twice amended the constitution to remove term limits and the age cap. The former rebel leader once said Africa's problem is leaders staying too long. He is credited by Ugandans with driving rapid economic growth and ending the chaos that followed independence from Britain in 1962.

It remains unclear who will succeed him. His son, Army Chief of Staff Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is considered a potential candidate.