Presidents of Uganda from independence to 2026
1. Sir Edward Muteesa II (1963–1966)
Uganda’s first post-independence president. He was also the Kabaka of Buganda. At independence in 1962, Milton Obote was Prime Minister, and Muteesa became President in 1963
2. Apollo Milton Obote (1966–1971; 1980–1985)
He was Uganda’s first Prime Minister at independence and later became president. He served two presidential periods, separated by Idi Amin’s rule and the political changes of 1979–1980.
3. Idi Amin Dada (1971–1979)
He took power in a military coup in 1971. His rule was marked by severe human-rights abuses, political repression and economic disruption. He was removed from power in 1979.
4. Yusuf Kironde Lule (April–June 1979)
He became president after Amin’s government fell but served for only about two months.
5. Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa (1979–1980)
He succeeded Lule and served until he was removed from office in May 1980.
6. Paul Muwanga (1980)
He led the governing Military Commission and exercised presidential authority during the transition before the December 1980 elections. His period is sometimes omitted from simplified lists of presidents.
7. Tito Okello Lutwa (1985–1986)
A military officer who took power after Obote was overthrown in July 1985. His government was removed when Museveni’s forces captured Kampala in January 1986
8. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (1986–present)
Museveni took power in January 1986 and has remained president. He won the January 2026 presidential election and was sworn in for another five-year term in May 2026.
