By Spy Uganda
President Yoweri Museveni has congratulated his grandson, Ruhamya Kainerugaba, and fellow Ugandan officer cadet Bakyira Ruyondo upon their graduation from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
Museveni welcomed the two young officers into the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), describing military service as an important foundation for young people.
In a message shared on Sunday, August 16, 2026, Museveni congratulated Ruhamya, the son of UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and Ruyondo on completing their officer training.
“God has blessed me with one of my grandchildren, Ruhamya, joining my big family of UPDF, having graduated, with his colleague, Bakyira, from Sandhurst recently. Congratulations Ruhamya, congratulations Bakyira,” Museveni said.
The President, who is also Uganda’s Commander-in-Chief, encouraged more young Ugandans to consider careers in the military, saying the experience provides a strong foundation.
“Young Ugandans, Army service gives you good foundation. I congratulate the parents of the two young officers,” he said.
Ruhamya’s graduation adds another chapter to the military tradition within Museveni’s immediate family, with his entry into the UPDF following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father.
Museveni was a senior commander in the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the armed struggle that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to power in 1986.
His son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, later joined the UPDF and also underwent training at Sandhurst before rising through the military ranks to become Chief of Defence Forces.
Ruhamya joined the UPDF as a private in June 2025 before proceeding for officer training at Sandhurst.
Earlier this year, Gen. Muhoozi shared photographs of his son undergoing training at the prestigious British military academy and reflected on his own experience at Sandhurst.
Ruhamya graduated alongside Ruyondo, who earned distinction during the course after winning the International Sword, an award presented to an outstanding international officer cadet.
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is the British Army’s officer training institution and also trains military personnel from countries around the world.
The academy held the Commandant’s Parade for Commissioning Course 253 on August 5, 2026, marking the completion of the officers’ training.
Museveni also used the occasion to reflect on Uganda’s political history and the National Resistance Movement, thanking God for what he described as the protection and progress of the country over the years.
“I want to use this occasion to thank God that has protected and enabled Uganda to address its numerous problems. I thank God for blessing the NRM for the last 60 years plus, starting with its precursors,” he said.
Ruhamya’s commissioning marks the latest development in a military journey that has attracted public attention because of his family background, while his graduation alongside Ruyondo highlights the participation of Ugandan officer cadets in international military training.
