Will seventh term be the charm?

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was yesterday sworn in for a seventh elective term of office, extending his years in power to 45.

In a colourful ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds witnessed by several heads of state and dignitaries, Museveni, 81, cemented the National Resistance Movement’s more than four decades in power, putting him is an exclusive league of Africa’s longest serving presidents.

Since the reintroduction of electoral processes in 1996, Museveni has seen off strong opposition contestants including Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere (RIP), then president of the Democratic Party (DP), former bush war ally Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye, and in recent years, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

THE SWEARING-IN

At the Kololo swearing-in ceremony, Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, reaffirmed Museveni as the winner of the January 15 election, having secured 71.65 per cent of the votes.

“Let me declare to you the President- elect, Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni. My Lord the Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, I invite you to the podium to preside over the swearing-in of the President-elect,” Byabakama announced, as the sea of yellow cheered.

“Having fulfilled all the requirements as directed by the Constitution and the Presidential Elections Act, you may now proceed to administer the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of the President, so that the people of Uganda can have the leader they have chosen. Long live the people of Uganda, and long live the people of East Africa.”

President Museveni was subsequently sworn in, marking the start of a new term in office. In a departure from previous swearing- in ceremonies, First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni was notably absent. Instead, the President was accompanied by his daughter, Natasha Karugire.

Taking the Oath of Allegiance, Museveni said: “I, Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Uganda, and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. So help me God.”

He then took the Oath of the President: “I, Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God that I shall faithfully exercise the functions of the President of Uganda and shall uphold, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, observe the laws of Uganda, and promote the welfare of the people of Uganda. So help me God.”

INSTRUMENTS OF POWER HANDED OVER

Following the oath-taking, Museveni was handed key national symbols and instruments of power – again – including the Constitution of Uganda, the national flag, the presidential standard, and the public seal.

He also received the national coat of arms and the national anthem as part of the ceremonial handover. The Chief of Defence Forces, also Museveni’s son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, then presented the traditional instruments of authority, the shield and sword, symbolising the President’s role as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

As the new seventh term began with unusual flair and glamour – including an aerial drone show the night before – Ugandans are already reflecting on what could be new about this term.

Since 1996, the NRM has been releasing manifestos ahead of the presidential campaigns, and over the terms of Museveni’s presidency, there have been many hits but also many misses.

IN CASE MUSEVENI NEEDS REMINDING, WHAT WERE THIS TERM’S PROMISES?

Museveni unveiled an extensive list of campaign promises targeting key development challenges across Uganda, with a strong focus on infrastructure, health services, agriculture, and social welfare.

His pledges, delivered during campaign engagements in various regions, outline a broad vision aimed at improving livelihoods, boosting economic activity, and addressing long standing grievances among communities.

EASTERN REGION AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS:

While campaigning in Luuka District, Museveni committed to resolving the long standing issue of gratuity and compensation for victims of the Lakwena insurgency, a matter that has remained a source of concern for affected communities for decades.

He also pledged significant improvements in the health sector. Several Health Centre IIs, including Busalamu, Bulaga, Kalyowa, Kampul, Nkone, Namungodi, Tiira, Lumino, Amukol, and Chepterech, will be upgraded to Health Centre III status.

In addition, new Health Centre IIIs will be constructed in Gumpi, Buyanja, Nabweyo, Bugobi, Masafu, Komuge, Aligoi, and Kowena. Further upgrades will see Malaba, Lyolwa, and Paaya Health Centre IIIs elevated to Health Centre IV status, alongside Wera Health Centre III.

These developments are expected to bring improved healthcare services closer to communities. On infrastructure, Museveni promised to tarmac several key roads to ease transport and spur economic growth.

Museveni further committed to extending electricity to all sub county headquarters and providing clean water from Lake Victoria to Bugiri. The Kyoga to Gweri to Teso Water Scheme will channel water from Lake Kyoga to surrounding communities, alongside the completion of water supply projects in Serere Town Council and Ochapa Town.

Addressing governance concerns, Museveni promised to resolve district boundary disputes in Tororo and finalize the legal process for creating Mukuju, Mulanda, and Kisoko districts. Surveyors will also be deployed to settle disputes between Mount Elgon national park and neighbouring communities.

Communities affected by landslides in the Elgon region are set to benefit from resettlement packages that include two acres of land, Shs 10 million, and compensation for lost crops and property.

In Sebei and Bulambuli, he pledged to establish an industrial park, construct a public university for the Sebei sub-region, compensate families evicted from forest reserves, and expand water access beyond the current 21 per cent coverage.

Bulambuli will also benefit from the national cattle restocking program, alongside additional road development projects linking key districts.

WESTERN UGANDA:

In Western Uganda, Museveni outlined plans to improve road networks, boost agriculture, and enhance tourism infrastructure.

Key roads earmarked for construction or upgrade include Kabale to Kisoro to Mgahinga National Park, Kisoro to Muko to Rukiri to Katoojo, Kisoro to Nkuringo to Buguri to Buko, Kabale to Bunyonyi to Kisoro to Mgahinga, and Hamurwa to Kerere to Kanungu to Kanyantorogo to Butogota to Buhoma and Ifasha to Ikumba, among others.

Museveni also pledged to improve health infrastructure by constructing new Health Centre IIIs in Kabingo, Kagarama, and Akayanja Sub County. He further committed to engaging the Chinese government on taxes affecting Ugandan tea exports and allocating Shs 360 billion to support large scale farmers through access to seeds, fertilizers, and revival of struggling tea factories. Among the major infrastructure pledges is the construction of an international airport at Nyakisharara in Mbarara City and another airport in Kasese.

He also promised to erect an electric fence around Queen Elizabeth National Park to protect farmers from wildlife. Additional commitments include establishing a Standard Gauge Railway line, renovating existing railway infrastructure, extending electricity to underserved sub counties such as Kicheche, Bukurungo Town Council, Kakasi, and Ruhunga, and setting up a coffee processing plant to add value to agricultural produce.

He further committed to upgrading the Mityana to Mubende to Fort Portal road and deploying a battalion near Kibale National Park in Kamwenge District to enhance security.

BUNYORO SUB REGION:

In Bunyoro, Museveni focused on land, agriculture, and service delivery. He pledged to resolve persistent land conflicts and support mechanized agriculture through the provision of tractors.

To improve connectivity, a new ferry will be introduced on Lake Albert to facilitate trade. Electricity will be extended to Katugo I, Bukooba II, and Katikara sub counties.

Health services will also be improved through the elevation of Bulima, Alimugonza, Labongo, and Nyabyeya Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs, as well as the construction of new Health Centre IIIs in Kabango Town Council, Kigulya, and Kijunjubwa.

Other commitments include evicting pastoralists from Buliisa, creating a new constituency to enhance representation, completing the fencing of Murchison National Park, and establishing a second agro processing industrial park in Hoima.

Museveni also pledged to upgrade Kigorobya Health Centre IV to a general hospital and elevate another Health Centre IV to district hospital status. Major road projects will include the construction of Kazo to Burunga to Mpara to Hapuuyo to Karuguuza and Kisiita to Nkooko to Masode to Ntwetwe to Kiboga.

CENTRAL REGION:

In the Central Region, Museveni pledged to establish a public university targeting older districts created during the colonial era. He also promised to increase annual road funding to districts from Shs 1 billion to Shs 3 billion.

Health infrastructure improvements will include upgrading Navutongwa Health Centre II in Kalungu to Health Centre III status. He also committed to implementing a micro irrigation program aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and household incomes.

Other pledges include restoring night ferry operations to and from the Ssese Islands, strengthening security in Kalangala District, and upgrading key roads to Kalangala.

Museveni also promised to purchase land for bibanja holders in Nakaseke, address challenges in the livestock sector including veterinary services, and establish a permanent Presidential Skilling Hub in Butambala to equip youth with practical skills.

KAYUNGA AND ISLAND DISTRICTS:

In Kayunga and surrounding island districts, Museveni pledged to identify land for an industrial park and establish a second parliamentary constituency in Buvuma Island.

He also promised to set up a palm oil processing mill, compensate bibanja holders who have offered land for cultivation, and construct fish ponds to promote alternative livelihoods.

To address energy challenges, Buvuma Island will be connected to the national electricity grid through a marine cable from Kalangala, complemented by solar mini grids for faster access.

Health services will be strengthened through the upgrading of health centres to district hospitals, while at least two boarding schools will be established to support children from fishing communities. Additional funding for wealth creation initiatives will allocate 30 per cent to youth and 30 per cent to women, targeting inclusive economic empowerment.

NORTHERN UGANDA:

In Northern Uganda, Museveni pledged to support communities with fish farming equipment as a means of boosting household incomes after the elections.

He also committed to resuming the cattle restocking program in Lango sub region, with each household expected to receive between three and five cows to help rebuild livelihoods disrupted by past conflicts.

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