Museveni’s Swearing-In Ceremonies Through the Years

Since taking power in 1986, Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has gone through several swearing-in ceremonies, each marking a significant moment in the country’s political history. Over the decades, different Chief Justices have administered the presidential oath as required by Uganda’s Constitution and the Oaths Act.

Museveni was first sworn in on January 29, 1986, after the National Resistance Army (NRA) captured power from the military government of Gen Tito Okello Lutwa. The historic ceremony took place on the steps of Parliament in Kampala and was presided over by then Chief Justice Sir Peter Allen. During that ceremony, Museveni delivered his famous speech declaring that Uganda was experiencing “not a mere change of guards, but a fundamental change.”

In 1996, Uganda held its first direct presidential election under Museveni’s leadership. After winning the polls, he was sworn in by Chief Justice Samuel Wako Wambuzi. The ceremony symbolized Uganda’s transition into a new electoral era after years of political instability.

Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki later became the judicial officer most associated with Museveni’s inaugurations. Odoki presided over three separate swearing-in ceremonies in 2001, 2006, and 2011, making him the only Chief Justice to administer the oath to Museveni three times. During those ceremonies, he was assisted by different Chief Registrars, including Stephen Musota, Lawrence Gidudu, and Henry Peter Adonyo.

In 2016, the swearing-in ceremony was overseen by Chief Justice Bart Katureebe at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The event attracted several African leaders and foreign dignitaries from across the continent.

Five years later, in 2021, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo administered the oath as Museveni began his sixth elected term in office. The ceremony was held under strict security and health measures following the Covid-19 pandemic period.

Today, Museveni is being sworn in once again for another term, with Chief Justice Flavian Zeija presiding over the ceremony at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. According to reports, this is Justice Zeija’s first presidential inauguration since his appointment as Chief Justice earlier this year.

Over the years, Uganda’s presidential swearing-in ceremonies have evolved from the simple Parliament steps event of 1986 into major state occasions attended by regional leaders, diplomats, religious leaders, and thousands of Ugandans. Yet one tradition has remained constant — the Chief Justice administering the presidential oath in accordance with the Constitution of Uganda.