Kampala: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has officially started another term in office after taking the oath during a major inauguration ceremony in Kampala, extending his rule to more than 40 years and renewing debate about the future leadership of the East African nation.
The ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds on Tuesday brought together regional leaders, diplomats, military officials and thousands of supporters. Military parades, cultural performances and heavy security marked the event as Museveni addressed the nation and promised continued economic development, stability and regional cooperation.
At 81 years old, Museveni remains one of Africa’s longest serving leaders. He first came to power in 1986 after leading a guerrilla war that ended years of political instability in Uganda. In his speech, he defended his long stay in office, saying his government had transformed the country through improved security, infrastructure and economic reforms.
However, the inauguration also highlighted growing public attention on the political rise of his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who currently serves as Uganda’s army chief and is increasingly viewed as a possible successor to his father.
Kainerugaba played a visible role during preparations for the ceremony and remained close to the president throughout the day’s activities. His supporters within the ruling National Resistance Movement party have openly promoted him as a future leader, while critics warn that Uganda could be moving toward dynastic politics.
In recent years, Kainerugaba has built a strong following through public rallies and social media campaigns linked to what supporters call the MK movement. Several senior government figures have openly declared support for his future political ambitions. Political analysts say his growing influence inside the military and ruling party places him in a powerful position ahead of any future transition of power.
The inauguration comes at a tense political moment in Uganda following disputed elections earlier this year. Opposition leader Bobi Wine has continued to reject the election outcome, claiming the voting process was unfair and marked by intimidation, arrests and restrictions on opposition activities.
Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform party says many of its supporters were detained during and after the election period. Human rights organisations have also raised concerns about freedom of expression, political violence and the treatment of opposition activists in recent months.
Security remained tight across Kampala during the inauguration, with roads blocked around key government installations and large deployments of police and military personnel visible throughout the city. Authorities said the measures were necessary to guarantee safety during the event.
International observers are now closely watching how Uganda handles questions surrounding political succession. While Museveni has not officially named a successor, the increasing visibility of Kainerugaba has fuelled widespread speculation about whether leadership could eventually remain within the Museveni family.
Critics argue that constitutional changes over the years, including the removal of presidential age and term limits, have weakened democratic institutions and allowed Museveni to remain in power longer than originally expected. Supporters, however, credit him with maintaining stability in a region often affected by conflict and political unrest.
Uganda continues to play an important role in regional security and peacekeeping missions across East Africa. The country is also preparing for major economic changes linked to its developing oil sector, which government officials say could transform the national economy in the coming years.
For many Ugandans, the inauguration represented both continuity and uncertainty. While Museveni promised stability and progress, questions about political freedoms, succession and the country’s democratic future continue to shape national discussion as Uganda enters another chapter under his leadership.