This is a list of the heads of state of Uganda, from the independence of Uganda in 1962 to the present day.
Contents
- Map of Uganda
- Monarch 19621963
- Governor general
- First Republic 19631971
- Military rule 19711979
- Military rule 19851986
- Third Republic 1986present
- References
Map of Uganda
From 1962 to 1963, the head of state under the Uganda Independence Act 1962 was the Queen of Uganda, Elizabeth II, who was also the monarch of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms. The Queen was represented in Uganda by a governor-general. Uganda became a republic under the Constitution of 1963, when the monarch and governor-general were replaced by an executive president.
Monarch (1962–1963)
The succession to the throne was the same as the succession to the British throne.
Governor-general
The governor-general was the representative of the monarch in Uganda and exercised most of the powers of the monarch. The governor-general was appointed for an indefinite term, serving at the pleasure of the monarch. After the passage of the Statute of Westminster 1931, the governor-general was appointed solely on the advice of the Cabinet of Uganda without the involvement of the British government. In the event of a vacancy, the chief justice served as officer administering the government.
First Republic (1963–1971)
Under the 1963 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the president replaced the monarch as ceremonial head of state. The president was elected by the Parliament for a 4-year term. In the event of a vacancy the prime minister served as acting president.
In 1966, the powers of the president were increased, with the establishment of the executive presidency, but the same rules applied concerning the vacancy of the president. It also applied to the 1967 and 1995 Constitutions.
Military rule (1971–1979)
General Idi Amin led a 1971 coup d'état that overthrew President Obote and his government and installed Amin as president.
Military rule (1985–1986)
General Bazilio Olara-Okello led a coup d'état that overthrew President Obote and his government. Following the coup, Okello proclaimed himself president.
Third Republic (1986–present)
Under the constitution of Uganda, the president is the executive head of state. The president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term. In the event of a vacancy, the vice president served as acting president.