President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in on Tuesday for his seventh term as Uganda’s leader.

The 81-year-old took the oath of office at a ceremony held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in the capital, Kampala.

Security was tight across Kampala in the lead-up to the ceremony. Armored vehicles and heavy police deployment were visible on the streets, with officials saying the measures were vital in maintaining public order and preventing disruptions.

The event was attended by thousands of Ugandans, senior government officials, and a host of regional leaders, including presidents from Burundi, Togo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Somalia, Gabon, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

In his inaugural address, President Museveni reflected on what he described as the transformation Uganda has undergone under his long stewardship.

He highlighted seven key achievements, including peace and stability, the growth of local manufacturing such as bus production, and major strides in infrastructure development, from new and improved roads to expanded airports and railways.

The inauguration came weeks after Museveni was declared the winner of the January presidential election with over 70% of the vote.

His main rival, the National Unity Platform, led by Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, strongly contested the results, accusing the ruling party of violence and electoral irregularities.

Museveni’s new five-year term is expected to run until 2031.