The 81-year-old Museveni won the January 15, 2026 presidential election with 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.6% of the total votes cast. He defeated eight candidates, including Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP), and Nathan Nandala Mafabi from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
The inauguration ceremony was attended by around 35 Heads of State and Government, as well as more than 40,000 citizens gathered at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Among the leaders present were President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan and President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi of Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwanda was represented by Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva.
Other dignitaries included President Samia Suluhu Hassan, President Évariste Ndayishimiye, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President Brice Oligui Nguema, and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
President Museveni thanked all the leaders and Ugandan citizens who attended the inauguration ceremony.
He particularly expressed gratitude to Tanzania, saying Uganda’s current achievements and the strength of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) were built on the foundation laid by former Tanzanian leader Julius Nyerere when Museveni came to power in 1986.
Museveni also thanked Mozambique in the presence of President Daniel Chapo, saying the country, together with Nyerere, helped support the development of Uganda’s military.
“The 28 people I recruited in Montepuez between 1976 and 1978 are the ones who built the army you see today,” Museveni said.
He also thanked Kenya’s Vice President Kithure Kindiki, noting that many Ugandans sought refuge in Kenya during difficult times.
“These are the countries I wanted you to know helped us,” he added.
Museveni further praised his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party for its strong performance in the elections, winning a majority of parliamentary and local government seats.
During the ceremony, videos highlighting major developments across Uganda were displayed, showcasing achievements made during Museveni’s leadership and emphasizing that the country’s progress was built by Ugandans themselves rather than foreigners.
“Yes, there are poor people in Uganda, but there are also wealthy people who understood the opportunities and took initiative,” Museveni said.
The videos also featured Uganda’s large industries, agricultural projects, and other developments reflecting the country’s economic growth.
He urged citizens to continue building the national economy and adding value to local resources through cooperation with other countries.
