List of heads of state of Uganda facts for kids

Uganda became an independent country in 1962. Since then, it has had different leaders in charge. This article will tell you about the people who have been the heads of state of Uganda from its independence until today.

When Uganda first became independent in 1962, Elizabeth II, the Queen of England, was also the Queen of Uganda. She was the head of state. A special person called a Governor-General represented her in Uganda.

In 1963, Uganda changed its rules. The Queen was no longer the head of state. Instead, Uganda chose its own President. This first President was a ceremonial leader, chosen by the parliament from among Uganda's traditional kings. Later, in 1966, Uganda became a full republic. This meant the President became the main leader with executive power, not just a ceremonial one.

Early Years: Queen and Governor-General

When Uganda first became independent, it was part of the Commonwealth realm. This meant that Queen Elizabeth II was still the head of state, just like in the United Kingdom. The rules for who would become Queen were the same as for the British throne.

No.	Picture	Name (Born–Died)	Time in Office			Royal Family	Prime Minister(s)
			Started	Ended	How long
1		Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022)	9 October 1962	9 October 1963	1 year	Windsor	Obote

The Governor-General's Role

The Governor-General was a special person who represented the Queen in Uganda. They carried out most of the Queen's duties in the country. The Governor-General was chosen by the Queen, but only after the Ugandan government suggested who it should be.

No.	Picture	Name (Born–Died)	Time in Office			Monarch	Prime Minister(s)
			Started	Ended	How long
1		Walter Coutts (1912–1988)	9 October 1962	9 October 1963	1 year	Elizabeth II	Obote

Uganda's First President: An Elective King

Under the 1963 Constitution, Uganda changed its system again. The British Queen was no longer the head of state. Instead, Uganda chose its own President. This President was a ceremonial leader, chosen by the parliament. The President was elected for a five-year term from among the kings of Uganda's traditional kingdoms. If the President's position became empty, the Vice President would step in as acting President.

No.	Picture	Name (Born–Died)	Time in Office			Royal Family	Prime Minister(s)
			Started	Ended	How long
1		Edward Mutesa II (1924–1969)	9 October 1963	2 March 1966 (Leadership changed suddenly)	2 years, 144 days	Abalasangeye	Obote

The Republic of Uganda: A New Era

From 1966 onwards, Uganda became a full republic. This meant the President was no longer just a ceremonial figure. Instead, the President became the main leader with executive power, similar to how presidents lead many countries today.

Political Parties

     Uganda People's Congress (UPC)      National Resistance Movement (NRM)

Other Groups

     Military      Independent

Special Note

     This color means the person was an acting president.

First Republic: Executive Power

In 1966, Uganda adopted a new set of rules that made it a republic. The President and Vice-President were chosen by the National Assembly. The President's powers grew, making them the head of the government. If the President's position became empty, the same rules applied for someone to step in temporarily.

No.	Picture	Name (Born–Died)	Elected	Time in Office			Political Party		Prime Minister(s)
				Started	Ended	How long
–		Milton Obote (1925–2005)	—	2 March 1966	15 April 1966	44 days		UPC	Himself
2				15 April 1966	25 January 1971 (Leadership changed suddenly)	4 years, 285 days			Position abolished

Second Republic: A Change in Leadership

In 1971, General Idi Amin became President after a sudden change in government. He took over from President Obote.

No.	Picture	Name (Born–Died)	Time in Office			Military		Prime Minister(s)
			Started	Ended	How long
3		Field Marshal Idi Amin (1928–2003)	25 January 1971	11 April 1979 (Left office after a conflict with a neighboring country)	8 years, 76 days		Uganda Army	Position abolished

Third Republic: Many Changes

After the Second Republic, Uganda went through a period with several changes in leadership.

No.	Picture	Name (Born–Died)	Elected	Time in Office			Political Party		Prime Minister(s)
				Started	Ended	How long
4		Yusuf Lule (1912–1985)	—	13 April 1979	20 June 1979 (Removed from power)	68 days		Independent (UNLF)	Position abolished
5		Godfrey Binaisa (1920–2010)	—	20 June 1979	12 May 1980 (Removed from power)	327 days		UPC (UNLF)
6		Paulo Muwanga (1924–1991)	—	12 May 1980	22 May 1980 (Resigned)	10 days		UPC (UNLF)
—		Presidential Commission	—	22 May 1980	15 December 1980	207 days		—
(2)		Milton Obote (1925–2005)	1980	17 December 1980	27 July 1985 (Removed from power)	4 years, 222 days		UPC	Allimadi

Military Leadership

In 1985, General Bazilio Olara-Okello became President after a change in government. He took over from President Obote.

No.	Picture	Name (Born–Died)	Time in Office			Military		Prime Minister(s)
			Started	Ended	How long
7		General Bazilio Olara-Okello (1929–1990)	27 July 1985	29 July 1985 (Resigned)	2 days		UNLF	Position vacant
8		General Tito Okello (1914–1996)	29 July 1985	26 January 1986 (Left office after a period of internal conflict)	181 days		UNLF	Muwanga Waligo

Fourth Republic: Today's Leaders

Since 1986, Uganda has been in its Fourth Republic. Under the current rules, the President is the main leader of the country. People vote for the President in elections, and they serve for five years. If the President's position becomes empty, the Vice President steps in as acting President.

No.	Picture	Name (Born–Died)	Elected	Time in Office			Political Party		Prime Minister(s)
				Started	Ended	How long
9		Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (born 1944)	1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 2021	26 January 1986	Still in office	39 years, 159 days		NRM	Kisekka Adyebo Musoke Nsibambi Mbabazi Rugunda Nabbanja

A Look at Uganda's Leaders Over Time

This timeline shows when each leader was in charge of Uganda since 1963.

See also

In Spanish: Presidente de Uganda para niños