President Yoweri Museveni, 81, has been sworn in for a record seventh consecutive term following his landslide victory in disputed elections in January, extending his tenure as one of Africa’s longest-serving rulers.

Heavy security, including armoured tanks, were deployed in the capital, Kampala, ahead of the inauguration in what police said were measures intended to maintain public order.

Museveni was declared the winner of the election with more than 70% of the vote, with his term expected to end in 2031.

His main rival, Bobi Wine 44, rejected the result, saying the poll was marred by “ballot-stuffing” an allegation denied by Election officials. The opposition leader, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, fled the country after the election, saying he feared that “the regime wanted to eliminate me”.

Museveni first came to power as a rebel leader in 1986 but since then has won seven elections, transitioning from a Military leader to civilian.

The government declared the day a public holiday and the president’s supporters thronged to the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for the swearing-in ceremony.

He is among the few African leaders in power for more than 40 years. Others include Congo-Brazzaville’s Denis Sassou Nguesso, Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang and Cameroon’s Paul Biya.

In attendance at the ceremony were 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.