Left to Right: The CDF, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Inspector of Police, Abas Byakagaba and Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija is the long-serving Commissioner General of the Uganda Prisons Service attending the swearing in ceremony today, 12 May 2026
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I President Yoweri Museveni commended Tanzania, Mozambique and Kenya for standing with Uganda during the times of struggle before the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government came to power in 1986.
Speaking shortly after being sworn in for his seventh term as President of Uganda at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, Museveni paid tribute to the three countries for their role in helping build Uganda’s army, support liberation efforts and shelter Ugandans fleeing instability.
“On this occasion, I want to thank the people of Tanzania because we are here celebrating how Uganda is developing now, how UPDF is strong and so on, but the one who gave us the foundation was Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and I’m glad H.E Samia Suluhu is here. So never forget Tanzania,” Museveni said.
The President praised the late Julius Nyerere for laying the foundation for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and supporting Ugandan liberation movements during periods of political turmoil.
Museveni acknowledged the presence of Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, at the ceremony, describing Tanzania as a historic ally that stood with Uganda during difficult times.
He also recognised Mozambique for its contribution to the training of fighters who later formed the backbone of Uganda’s national army.
“Then we have got our son from Mozambique, H.E Daniel Francisco Chapo. Mozambique working with Mwalimu are the ones who helped us to build this force which you see here. The 28 people who trained in Montepuez are the ones who trained the army which you see here,” Museveni said.
The President referred to the fighters who underwent military training in Montepuez, Mozambique, during the liberation struggle, saying they later became instrumental in establishing and strengthening Uganda’s armed forces.
The swearing in was witnessed by hundreds of individuals
Museveni also thanked Kenya for hosting Ugandans who fled political persecution and insecurity during previous regimes.
“Then there’s Kenya, when some Ugandans were running away from here, they went to Kenya. So, I particularly want to thank those three countries for helping us,” he said.
The remarks formed part of Museveni’s maiden address after taking the oath of office following his victory in the January 15, 2026 presidential election.
Museveni, who has now extended his leadership to a seventh term, was sworn in before thousands of guests, dignitaries and foreign leaders at a ceremony held under the theme: “Protecting the Gains as we make a qualitative Leap into Higher Middle Income Status.”
The event attracted several Heads of State, senior government officials, diplomats and regional leaders, underscoring Uganda’s continued role in regional politics and security affairs.
On behalf of the Independent Electoral Commission, Chairperson Simon Byabakama formally introduced Museveni as the president-elect chosen by Ugandans from among eight candidates in the presidential race.
The oath of allegiance and presidential oath were administered by Uganda’s Chief Justice, Flavian Zeija, in the presence of the Chief Registrar and the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet.
“I Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni swear in the name of the Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear allegiance to the Republic of Uganda and that I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution. So, help me God,” Museveni swore.
In the second oath, Museveni pledged to faithfully execute the duties of President and safeguard the welfare of Ugandans.
“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, observe, protect and defend the constitution and observe the laws of Uganda and that I shall promote the welfare of the people of Uganda, so help me God,” he added.
Following the oath-taking ceremony, Museveni received the instruments of power of the Republic of Uganda, including the national flag, the Constitution, the presidential standard, the national anthem, the coat of arms and the public seal.
He also received instruments of national defence from the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The ceremony was marked by a presidential salute, the playing of the national anthem and a 21-gun salute.
Museveni concluded by thanking the visiting Heads of State and foreign delegations for standing with Uganda during the inauguration.
“I thank all the Excellencies who have come here, the Vice Presidents and the Prime Ministers and the Ministers, they have shown solidarity with us,” he said.
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