Museveni Vows 'No More Sleep' as He Starts Seventh Presidential Term

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was officially sworn in for his seventh term as President of Uganda at the Kololo Independence Grounds on May 12, 2026. The ceremony, attended by several African Heads of State and dignitaries, centered on the theme “Protecting the Gains as we make a qualitative Leap into Higher Middle Income Status.”

Administered by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, President Museveni took the oaths of allegiance and presidency, pledging to uphold the Constitution and promote the welfare of the Ugandan people. He received the instruments of power, including the national flag and constitution, and instruments of national defence from the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

In his address, President Museveni thanked visiting leaders for their solidarity, specifically recognizing Tanzania, Mozambique, and Kenya for their historical support for Uganda. He also congratulated Ugandans for trusting him and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the recent elections, while acknowledging other parties that participated peacefully.

Looking ahead, President Museveni termed the new mandate “the term of no more sleep,” emphasizing its focus on wealth and job creation. He highlighted the NRM’s past contributions, including peace and infrastructure development, and stressed that wealth and job creation are now the primary responsibilities of citizens.

The President outlined practical examples of wealth creation through small-scale commercial agriculture, citing individuals who have achieved significant financial success and created employment. He pointed out that with Uganda’s arable land, substantial job creation is possible through focused efforts.

President Museveni also advocated for value addition to raw materials, arguing that exporting unprocessed goods represents a “strategic blunder” that forfeits significant economic benefits and job opportunities.

Further, he called for educational reforms to equip learners with practical skills, warned against the destruction of natural resources like wetlands and forests, and reiterated that the government’s upcoming development plan would prioritize agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and services.

He urged citizens to actively monitor government programs, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCOs, to ensure proper utilization of public funds.

Source: State House Uganda