President Museveni sworn in for new term at Kololo ceremonial grounds

12 May 2026, 4:01 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (as amended), under Article 61 clause (3), states that except where impracticable, the Electoral Commission of Uganda shall conduct Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Council elections on the same day.

It is against this background that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, today at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds officially presented President-elect Yoweri Museveni before the Chief Justice for inauguration following the successful electoral process.

“Let us first thank God for the fresh air we breathe. To God be the glory forever. I now take the opportunity to invite the President-elect, Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, together with your entourage, to come to the podium. The lowering of the Presidential flag means that the office is vacant, but we are going to fill that gap in a few minutes,” Byabakama said.

The Electoral Commission Chairperson also introduced fellow commissioners and officials including Deputy Chairperson Hajat Aisha Lubega, Commissioner Steven Tashobya, Dr. Simba Ssali, and Commission Secretary Richard Baabo, among others. He thanked them together with other stakeholders for their contribution towards the January elections.

The Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, later administered the presidential oaths.

“I, Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Uganda, and that I will preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, so help me God. I, Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God that I shall faithfully exercise the functions of the President of Uganda, and shall uphold, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, and observe the laws of Uganda, so help me God,” Museveni swore.

Uganda attained independence from British colonial rule in 1962 and has since had several leaders including Milton Obote, Idi Amin, Yusufu Kironde Lule, Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa, Paulo Muwanga, and Tito Okello Lutwa before Museveni took power in January 1986.

In his inaugural address, President Museveni congratulated Ugandans upon successfully going through the electoral process and declared that the slogan for the new term would be “No More Sleep for Ugandans.”

“We are now entering the Kisanja of no more sleep,” Museveni said as he focused his remarks on wealth creation, security, fighting corruption, and African unity.

“We are entering the Kisanja of no more corruption. We cannot have many jobs without wealth creation. Stop lying to yourselves. We must unite Africa to widen the market for our products,” he added.

The ceremony attracted both local and international dignitaries who congratulated the President and the country upon the successful transition.

“One behalf of the people of Burundi, I wish to congratulate the people of Uganda for the confidence they have entrusted in President Museveni,” one visiting dignitary said.

President Museveni, who was accompanied by one of his daughters, Natasha Karugire, is expected to lead Uganda until 2031.