President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a record seventh term, extending his nearly four-decade rule following a disputed January election.
The 81-year-old leader took the oath at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala during a ceremony attended by African leaders and diplomats, which featured a massive military parade and aerial displays.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, was declared the winner of the January vote by the electoral commission. The polls took place under tight security but were contested by opposition candidates who alleged widespread irregularities and restrictions on campaigning.
During the inauguration, Museveni outlined economic ambitions centered on continental integration. “When all in the African economies, we must ensure both vertical and horizontal integration,” he said. “Africa’s GDP should at least be 60 trillion US dollars if not more.”
He added that “friends from outside of Africa should also help us to achieve” what he called a new challenge: “Everybody should wake up. No more sleeping. No sleeping on the job. No sleeping at home without trying to make money for yourself or to improve on your lifestyle.”
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine, has challenged the election results, citing extensive voter intimidation and the arrest of polling agents.
Museveni first took power by force in 1986 as the leader of a guerrilla force whose goal was to democratize Uganda after years of chaos and civil war. He is now one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.