Museveni Marks 40 Years in Power with 8th Inauguration

KAMPALA, Uganda -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni marked 40 years in power on Tuesday with his eighth inauguration ceremony, securing a new five-year term at age 81 amid growing indications that his son, army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is positioning himself as the next leader.

The event featured a military parade rehearsed over several days under Kainerugaba's supervision, complete with Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets flying over the ceremonial grounds in the capital. Museveni won re-election in January, extending his rule that began in 1986 when he seized power through a guerrilla insurgency following years of civil war and instability.

Analysts and political observers note that Museveni's presidency, the only one known to millions of Ugandans, appears to be winding down, though the terms of any transition remain unclear. Kainerugaba, 52, has publicly stated his intention to succeed his father, describing the effort as an "unstoppable" mission. His rise has fueled speculation of a so-called "Muhoozi Project," a term critics use for what they see as grooming for hereditary rule, despite past denials from both father and son.

Parliamentary Speaker Anita Among voiced...