Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has taken the oath to officially begin a sixth term in office.
He won re-election in a disputed poll in January.
Security has been increased in the capital, Kampala, ahead of his inauguration.
Several African heads of state were in attendance including Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu, Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa, Somalia’s Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir, Namibia’s Hage Geingob, Ghana’s Nana Akufo Addo, DRC Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi, Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), and Alpha Conde (Guinea).
Museveni arrived at the Kololo Independence Grounds shortly after 11am, accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni.
He proceeded to inspect the guard of honour before taking the presidential oath of office, amid chants from Ugandans.
“I, Kaguta Yoweri Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God that I will pay allegiance to the Constitution of Uganda. That I shall faithfully exercise the function of the presidency of Uganda and that I shall promote the welfare of the people of Uganda. So help me, God.”
He then received the instruments of power from Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, in the ceremony attended by over 4,000 guests in lieu of Covid-19 protocols.
On Monday, the police said more than 40 people had been arrested for planning to disrupt the ceremony.
