Ugandan President sworn in for fourth term of office

May 12, 2011 (KAMPALA) – Ugandan President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, sworn in on Thursday for his fourth term of office in Kampala before several heads of African states including South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

President Museveni, whose 18 February 2011 election victory with 68.38% of the vote has been rejected by opposition parties, came to power in 1986 after staging a successful guerilla war with the National Resistance Movement/Army (NRM/A). Efforts by opposition parties to disrupt today’s swearing ceremony through street protests of what they called ‘walk-to-work’ which were suppressed by the police. Today’s celebrations at Kololo Independence Ground, where Museveni took his first oath of office 25 years ago, proceeded peacefully despite.

President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe, President of Nigeria Goodluck Janathan, Prime Minister of Ethiopia Melees Zanawe, President of DR. Congo Joseph Kabila, President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete and President of Kenya Mwai Kibaki also attended.

Introducing the head of states and governments, Museveni congratulated the President of the Government of South Sudan for achieving idependence. He was referring to the January plebiscite in which the South Sudanese voted overwhelmingly in favour of secession of the south from the north. South Sudan is due to celebrate independence in July 2011. The referendum was promised in the 2005 comprehensive peace agreement that ended decades of north-south conflicts.

Facing fierce protests from opposition parties for increasing fuel and food items prices, Museveni suggested that he will meet Kiir to discuss how Uganda may consider importing diesel from Sudan. Oppositions leaders and their supporters has fought running battles with police in recent weeks over Uganda government slow respond to rising cost of living.

Without mentioning opposition leaders by names, Museveni criticized their rejection of “free and fair elections” calling them “opportunists” racing against “patriotism” deeds of NRM. All opposition leaders but one, refused to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Museveni outlined the achievements his leadership attained in the last 25 years including the following: from one university to over 20 universities today, increases number of mobile telephone companies, freedom of media, improved provision of health facilities and the building of permanent school structures.

The said he aims to improve, amongst other things, electricity coverage; free advanced level education and loans for university students; infrastructure
constructions, modernisation of farming; and regional integration.

There are grave concerns about the human rights situation in Ugandan. Journalists and political opposition are targeted, protesters are attacked and there are suggestions that a homophobic bill may be passed by the government in the near future.

(ST)