Kampala: Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, aged 81, has been inaugurated for a seventh consecutive term following his victory in January's contested elections. This extends his position as one of Africa's longest-serving leaders.
According to Ghana News Agency, the inauguration was marked by heightened security measures in the capital, Kampala, with armored tanks and police presence aimed at maintaining public order. Museveni secured over 70% of the vote in the election, a result that has been challenged by his main opponent, Bobi Wine. Wine, a pop star turned politician, alleged election malpractice and subsequently left the country citing safety concerns.
Museveni's tenure began in 1986 when he rose to power as a rebel leader. He joins a small group of African leaders who have held power for over 40 years, including leaders from Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Kololo Independence Grounds and was marked as a public holiday by the government.