President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially been sworn in as President of the Republic of Uganda for a new five-year term running from 2026 to 2031 during a state ceremony held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026.
Museveni took the presidential oath before Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, who later handed him the instruments of power of the Republic of Uganda, formally marking the beginning of the new presidential term.
This was after Justice Simon Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, read the results that declared President-elect Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni as the winner of the 2026 general election after gaining 71.65% of the votes cast.
The ceremony attracted thousands of Ugandans, foreign dignitaries, senior government officials, diplomats, religious leaders, and representatives from across the East African region and the world at large.
Security remained tight around Kampala as military and police maintained heavy deployment throughout the inauguration ceremony. Major roads leading to Kololo were temporarily closed as supporters gathered from early morning hours to witness the swearing-in.
The event featured military parades, cultural performances, gun salutes, and fly-pasts by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Air Force.
One of the defining moments of the ceremony came when Chief Justice Flavian Zeija handed over the instruments of power to Museveni before a cheering crowd at Kololo, symbolizing the constitutional authority of the presidency.
Tuesday’s inauguration extends Museveni’s leadership into another term after first taking power in 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
