President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has officially been sworn in for a seventh term in office, extending his rule until 2031.

The ceremony was held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala on Tuesday.

Mr Museveni, said, “ I, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God that I shall faithfully exercise the functions of the President of Uganda and shall uphold, defend, protect and defend our Constitution.”

The Ugandan president, who won the January election, secured 71.65 per cent of the total votes, defeating his main challenger and opposition leader, Bobi Wine, who polled 24.72 per cent.

The 81-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1986, is now set to govern the East African nation until 2031.

Several African leaders such as Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir and Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the inauguration.

The swearing in followed an earlier announcement by the director of Uganda Media Centre, Alan Kasujja, on Friday that Mr Museveni would retain office for another five-year term.