Ugandan President-elect Yoweri Museveni was sworn in on Tuesday for another five-year term during a ceremony held in the capital, Kampala.
The event drew several African heads of state, former presidents, and foreign delegations from across the continent and beyond. It was marked by a strong display of national pride, including an air show and a military parade featuring a range of defense equipment.
In his inaugural speech, the 81-year-old leader said his government would continue rolling out wealth-creation programs aimed at helping more Ugandans rise out of poverty. He also stressed the importance of stronger regional cooperation, urging African countries to deepen trade and economic ties through blocs such as the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Museveni argued that Africa’s economy has remained underdeveloped for decades largely because many countries continue exporting raw materials instead of finished products. He called on African nations to focus more on value addition and industrial growth rather than relying on the export of unprocessed or semi-processed goods.
The new term marks Museveni’s seventh since Uganda reintroduced general elections in 1996. He was declared the winner of the January election after securing more than 70 percent of the vote.
During the ceremony, Museveni inspected a guard of honor before later delivering his inaugural address to guests and supporters gathered in Kampala.
