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Uganda’s President Museveni sworn in for seventh term

By Thomson Reuters May 12, 2026 | 7:59 AM

NAIROBI, May 12 (Reuters) – Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in on Tuesday for a ​seventh term, extending his rule ‌in the east African country into a fifth decade.

• The 81-year-old former guerrilla leader was declared the winner ‌of ​a January election with ⁠72% of the ⁠vote after a contest marred by violent incidents and allegations of fraud.

• In his inaugural speech, ​Museveni touted his economic record since coming to power in ⁠1986. The economy ⁠is on course for ​double-digit growth in the upcoming fiscal ​year as crude oil production begins.

• ‌Speculation has been mounting about Museveni’s succession plans. He is widely believed to favour his son, ⁠military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as his successor, although he has denied grooming Kainerugaba ⁠for ‌the role.

• Pop star ⁠Bobi Wine, who finished runner-up ​to ‌Museveni in the last ​two elections, ⁠is in exile in the United States after fleeing a military raid on his home after the vote.

(Editing by Aaron Ross and ​Alison Williams)