Here is a list of Uganda’s presidents from independence in 1962 to the present:
1. Sir Edward Mutesa II (1963–1966)
- First president after Uganda became a republic in 1963.
- Was also the Kabaka (King) of Buganda.
- Overthrown by Prime Minister Milton Obote in 1966.
2. Milton Obote (1966–1971)
- Suspended the 1962 constitution and declared himself executive president.
- Established a one-party state under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
- Overthrown in a military coup by Idi Amin in 1971.
3. Idi Amin (1971–1979)
- Ruled as a military dictator after overthrowing Obote.
- His regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses and economic collapse.
- Overthrown in 1979 by Ugandan exiles backed by Tanzania.
4. Yusuf Lule (1979, April–June)
- Led a transitional government after Amin’s ousting.
- Removed after just 68 days in office due to disagreements with the ruling commission.
5. Godfrey Binaisa (1979–1980)
- Another transitional president.
- Removed by the military after less than a year in power.
6. Paul Muwanga (1980, May–December)
- Served as acting president before organizing controversial elections.
7. Milton Obote (1980–1985) (Second Term)
- Returned to power through elections in 1980.
- His rule was marred by civil war and the brutal repression of opposition groups.
- Overthrown in a military coup in 1985.
8. Tito Okello (1985–1986)
- Military general who led the coup against Obote.
- Ruled for only six months before being ousted by Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA).
9. Yoweri Museveni (1986–Present)
- Took power in 1986 after a five-year bush war.
- Introduced economic reforms and relative stability.
- Has remained in power through constitutional changes and elections.
- Re-elected multiple times, with opposition accusing him of electoral fraud and repression.
Current President: Yoweri Museveni (1986–Present)
Museveni is one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa, having ruled Uganda for over 38 years.
