Yoweri Museveni was sworn in on Tuesday for a seventh presidential term in office after winning the general election held last January.
The 81-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1986 after leading a guerrilla movement to victory, was officially declared the winner of the election with 72% of the vote. The polls were, however, overshadowed by reports of violence and allegations of electoral fraud from opposition groups.
During his inauguration speech, Museveni defended his administration’s economic performance, saying Uganda’s economy is expected to record double-digit growth in the next fiscal year as the country prepares to begin crude oil production.
Attention has also turned to questions surrounding Museveni’s succession plans. Political observers have widely speculated that the president favors his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, currently Uganda’s military chief, as a possible successor. Museveni has repeatedly denied claims that he is grooming him for the presidency.
Opposition leader and musician Bobi Wine, who finished second to Museveni in the last two elections, is currently living in exile in the United States. He reportedly fled the country following a military raid on his residence after the election.
