The Ugandan leader extends his decades-long rule as growing attention shifts to the rising political and military influence of his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
KAMPALA, Uganda (Horn post)— Yoweri Museveni was sworn in Tuesday for a seventh presidential term, extending his nearly four-decade rule over Uganda and reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Museveni, who first took power in 1986 after a guerrilla war, will now remain in office for close to 45 years if he completes the new term. The inauguration ceremony in Kampala was attended by regional leaders, government officials and supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The latest inauguration has renewed debate over political succession in Uganda, with increasing attention focused on Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a senior military commander widely viewed as a potential successor.
Muhoozi, who has gained growing political visibility in recent years through public rallies, social media influence and military leadership roles, is increasingly seen by analysts and opposition figures as a central figure in Uganda’s future power structure.
Opposition groups and human rights organizations have continued to raise concerns about democratic space, political freedoms and the concentration of power under Museveni’s long rule. Supporters of the president, however, credit his administration with maintaining stability and advancing infrastructure and regional security initiatives.
Museveni’s continued leadership comes at a time when several African nations are facing broader debates over presidential term limits, governance reforms and democratic transitions.
Who Is Yoweri Museveni?
Yoweri Museveni is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, having ruled Uganda since 1986 after leading a guerrilla movement that overthrew the government of Milton Obote and later Tito Okello.
Born in 1944 in southwestern Uganda, Museveni studied political science at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, where he became involved in revolutionary politics and liberation movements across East Africa.
During his early years in power, Museveni was widely praised by Western governments and international donors for restoring stability to Uganda after years of dictatorship and civil conflict under Idi Amin and subsequent regimes. His government implemented economic reforms, strengthened state institutions and positioned Uganda as a key regional security ally in East Africa.
Over time, however, critics accused Museveni of consolidating power, weakening democratic institutions and suppressing opposition movements. Constitutional amendments removing presidential term and age limits allowed him to extend his rule for decades.
Museveni has also played a major role in regional geopolitics, particularly in conflicts involving South Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Uganda has maintained strong military and strategic interests.
In recent years, political attention has increasingly shifted toward his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, fueling speculation about a possible dynastic succession in Uganda’s political future.
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Horn post staff
