By Spy Uganda
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has been awarded the Kabalega Star Medal during the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations held at Kabale National Teachers’ College in Kabale District.
President Museveni decorated Gen Muhoozi in recognition of gallantry and distinguished service. The Kabalega Star is Uganda’s second-highest military decoration and is awarded for exceptional bravery that does not merit the Order of Katonga. It is named after Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro, who resisted British colonial rule.
This year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations were held under the theme “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifice of the Freedom Fighters.”
Gen Muhoozi joins senior officers previously decorated with the Kabalega Star, including Gen Caleb Akandwanaho, also known as Salim Saleh, Gen Ivan Koreta and Brig Gen Bosco Omure.
A career officer of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi has undergone extensive local and international military training, including advanced command and strategic studies at the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth.
He previously commanded the Special Forces Command, where he oversaw counter-terrorism operations, protection of strategic installations and high-value national assets. During his tenure, the unit underwent increased professionalisation, with emphasis placed on training, discipline and operational readiness against both conventional and asymmetric threats.
Gen Muhoozi also played a role in Uganda’s regional security engagements, particularly in Somalia under African Union missions, where UPDF forces were involved in stabilisation operations and counter-extremism efforts. He later served as Commander of the UPDF Land Forces before his appointment as Chief of Defence Forces, where he oversees the strategic direction and modernisation of the army.
At the same ceremony, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga was awarded the Rwenzori Star Medal. He joined the army in 1985 and has commanded UPDF troops under African Union missions in Somalia. He also led forces during Operation Shujaa against the Allied Democratic Forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He currently serves as Commander of the UPDF Land Forces.
Lt Gen Charles Okidi, the Commander of the UPDF Air Forces, also received the Rwenzori Star Medal in recognition of his service as an aviator. He provides air support to both internal and external operations and executes VVIP missions.
Former NRA soldier Col Samson Mande, who recently returned from self-exile after reconciling with the NRM, was also decorated for his role in the liberation struggle.
