Heads of state and representatives from various countries have arrived in Uganda for the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Yoweri Museveni. This event marks Museveni’s seventh term, following his victory in the January 15 presidential election, where he secured 7,946,772 votes, approximately 71.6% of the total votes. His main opponent, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, garnered 2,741,238 votes.
Museveni’s Long Tenure and Upcoming Ceremony
Yoweri Museveni has led Uganda since capturing power in 1986. By 2031, he will have ruled for 45 years, positioning him among Africa’s longest-serving leaders. He joins notable figures such as Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea and Paul Biya of Cameroon.
Notable Arrivals
- Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan
- Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia
- Azouz Nasri, President of the Council of the Nation, Algeria
- Taye Atske Selassie, President of Ethiopia
- Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda
Several foreign dignitaries, including a U.S. delegation led by Nicholas Checker, are also attending. Museveni met Checker to discuss economic cooperation and the necessity of processing raw materials to enhance Africa’s GDP. Additionally, Uganda maintains strong ties with South Sudan, underscored by Kiir’s presence at the ceremony.
Anticipated Attendance
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has extended invitations to various political entities, both local and international. Richard Todwong, NRM’s Secretary General, confirmed that the party invited numerous entities, including:
- South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC)
- Mozambique’s FRELIMO
- Tanzania’s CCM
- Rwanda’s RPF-Inkotanyi
- Burundi’s CNDD-FDD
- Kenya’s UDA
- South Sudan’s SPLM
- China’s Communist Party
Reports suggest that around 35 heads of state and government leaders are expected, with attendance estimates ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 attendees. Local invitations have gone out to government officials, civil servants, ambassadors, and various Ugandan citizens.
Opposition Reactions
Despite the extensive invitations, certain opposition leaders, including Eng Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Alice Alaso, have chosen to boycott the ceremony. Concerns regarding electoral integrity and voter treatment were cited as reasons for their absence.
However, the NRM remains open to collaborating with any willing participants in this significant national event. The swearing-in ceremony is set to be a landmark occasion for Uganda and its diplomatic relations.
