Mzee, taught me to fight and die for Uganda. Many of my comrades, are either dead or casualties. The most painful thing is to have people in government who only want to steal from my soldiers.
Officer Cadet Ruhamya Kainerugaba, son of Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, officially graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on Friday, completing the academy's prestigious Officer Commissioning Course. The CDF was present to witness the ceremony. Ahead of the parade, Gen. Kainerugaba was received by Major General Nick Cowley OBE, the Academy Commandant, who decorated him with a Sandhurst Alumni medal. The honor was particularly notable, as the tradition of issuing such badges was introduced after the General's own time at the academy. At the ceremony, the Sovereign's Parade, a formal ceremony marking the passing out and commissioning of officer cadets, was held at the academy's historic campus in Surrey. Ruhamya was commissioned alongside fellow Ugandan Officer Cadet Andrew Bakira, joining other international and British cadets who marched past Old College, the iconic main building, in a ceremony attended by family members, dignitaries, and military officials. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba himself attended Sandhurst for the same course decades prior, graduating in 2000. Leading up to the parade, the CDF shared updates on his son's progress, posting side-by-side photographs of himself during his own officer training alongside images of Ruhamya, reflecting on "father and son going through the same hardships, separated by 27 years."
The Sandhurst commissioning course runs for 44 weeks and is recognized as one of the world's most demanding military leadership programs. Cadets undergo intensive instruction in infantry tactics, weapons systems, fieldcraft, operational planning, ethics, and high-pressure command. Upon completion, newly commissioned officers return to their respective national forces, in this case, the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), where they are deployed accordingly. Addressing the newly commissioned officers at the parade, General Sir Roly Walker, the Chief of the General Staff, warned about the evolving military environment. "We had every confidence that it was a world in which we dominated militarily," he reflected, "and for reasons that are obvious to us all now, that world is fading fast." The spectre of general war, he warned, is not, with little assurance of perpetual military dominance. Yet this should not be a cause for despair, he insisted, as collective defence becomes a national effort. "There is an absolute clarity to your purpose, which is to be ready to fight and win your nation's battles."He underscored their responsibility as young military leaders. "Our nations will need their soldiers. Those soldiers will need to be led... They deserve the best leaders." He reminded them their first duty is to earn the trust of their soldiers. "That is the simplicity of the motto of this place: Serve to Lead. And we ask nothing more from you."General Sir Walker, however, expressed confidence in the new officers and declared that the future is in good hands.
Proud of you for making it through , congratulations on your commissioning from the Royal military Academy Sandhurst. We thank your father SPA-SO CDF @mkainerugaba and his family for the support they have shown you during the parade. Officer cadet . Afande Ruhamya Kainerugaba 💪🏽
Between you and me, let’s be honest: if I were the First Son, or if you were the First Son, would we really choose to join the army, undergo some of the toughest military training, serve on the battlefield, and put our lives at risk when our father is the President?
Gen. Muhoozi had every opportunity to choose a more comfortable life, but he chose the military path, sacrifice, rigorous training, and service to his country. His own son has followed the same path, choosing military service and the demanding life that comes with it.
Let’s be honest and stop pretending otherwise. When you have access to privilege and comfort, choosing a career that requires you to face danger and potentially put your life on the line is not an easy decision.
You may force yourself to disagree with Gen. Muhoozi , but you cannot ignore the fact that both father and son have chosen a life of military service and sacrifice. That deserves recognition and respect.
RESPECT 🫡
Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with Rob Owen OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Invictus Games Foundation, and senior organisational leaders during an official visit to the United Kingdom.
During the meeting, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba expressed appreciation for Uganda's recent admission into the Invictus Games community, noting that the milestone will significantly advance the rehabilitation of injured and sick UPDF soldiers. He reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to supporting wounded, injured, and sick service personnel through the power of adaptive sport. Gen. Kainerugaba also conveyed his gratitude to Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, the founder and Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, for his vision in establishing a movement that continues to transform the lives of service personnel worldwide.
Effective July 7, 2026, Uganda officially became the 26th nation to join the Invictus Community—making it the first East African country and second on the continent to join the global movement. Founded in 2014, the Invictus Games uses sport as a pathway to physical and psychological recovery for wounded service members and veterans. The movement now spans six continents, with Uganda set to make its competitive debut at the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.
In his remarks, Mr. Owen thanked the CDF for his visit and commended Uganda's strong leadership in prioritising veteran welfare. The Invictus Games Foundation previously visited personnel at the UPDF's Mubende Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre, where they donated specialised adaptive sports equipment. Pledging continued support, Mr. Owen expressed enthusiasm for Uganda's upcoming debut and affirmed that the Foundation stands ready to assist the UPDF in its preparation. Following the talks, Gen. Kainerugaba attended a dinner hosted in his honour. At the conclusion of the engagement, he and Mr. Owen exchanged commemorative gifts as a sign of friendship and comradeship.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Son Ruhamya Graduates from Sandhurst Military Academy
Officer Cadet Ruhamya Kainerugaba, son of Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, officially graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on Friday, completing the academy's prestigious Officer Commissioning Course. The CDF was present to witness the ceremony.
Ahead of the parade, Gen. Kainerugaba was received by Major General Nick Cowley OBE, the Academy Commandant, who decorated him with a Sandhurst Alumni medal. The honor was particularly notable, as the tradition of issuing such badges was introduced after the General's own time at the academy.
At the ceremony, the Sovereign's Parade, a formal ceremony marking the passing out and commissioning of officer cadets, was held at the academy's historic campus in Surrey. Ruhamya was commissioned alongside fellow Ugandan Officer Cadet Andrew Bakira, joining other international and British cadets who marched past Old College, the iconic main building, in a ceremony attended by family members, dignitaries, and military officials.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba himself attended Sandhurst for the same course decades prior, graduating in 2000. Leading up to the parade, the CDF shared updates on his son's progress, posting side-by-side photographs of himself during his own officer training alongside images of Ruhamya, reflecting on "father and son going through the same hardships, separated by 27 years."
The Sandhurst commissioning course runs for 44 weeks and is recognized as one of the world's most demanding military leadership programs. Cadets undergo intensive instruction in infantry tactics, weapons systems, fieldcraft, operational planning, ethics, and high-pressure command. Upon completion, newly commissioned officers return to their respective national forces, in this case, the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), where they are deployed accordingly.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers at the parade, General Sir Roly Walker, the Chief of the General Staff, warned about the evolving military environment. "We had every confidence that it was a world in which we dominated militarily," he reflected, "and for reasons that are obvious to us all now, that world is fading fast." The spectre of general war, he warned, is not, with little assurance of perpetual military dominance.
Yet this should not be a cause for despair, he insisted, as collective defence becomes a national effort. "There is an absolute clarity to your purpose, which is to be ready to fight and win your nation's battles."
He underscored their responsibility as young military leaders. "Our nations will need their soldiers. Those soldiers will need to be led... They deserve the best leaders." He reminded them their first duty is to earn the trust of their soldiers.
"That is the simplicity of the motto of this place: Serve to Lead. And we ask nothing more from you."
General Sir Walker, however, expressed confidence in the new officers and declared that the future is in good hands.
@SharonKyomugis2@mkainerugaba@KagutaMuseveni Wow, the Sovereign’s Platoon! 🇺🇬👏
Congratulations, 2Lt Ruhamya, on this outstanding achievement. You have really represented Uganda with distinction and demonstrated the unmatched UPDF spirit of resilience, discipline, leadership, and soldiering excellence.
Serve to Lead. 🇺🇬🎖️
Ruhamya Kainerugaba, son of Uganda’s military chief Gen @mkainerugaba and grandson of President @KagutaMuseveni ,has completed the 44-week Officer Commissioning Course at Sandhurst.
His place at the academy came through Uganda’s defence establishment, which, like other countries sending officers to Sandhurst, selects its candidates for the course.
Fellow Ugandan Andrew Bakira graduated alongside him.
Video; President Museveni’s smile was visible when his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, graduated from the military cadet course at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.🫡
Recent paratrooper training between our Special Forces and our brothers in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). This training is regular and constant. Israel is one the closest allies of Uganda! 🇺🇬 🇮🇱 💪
ENGLAND: Mr&Mrs Ruyondo of Burunga Sub County, Kazo District attending their sons graduation at @RMASandhurst , England.
Afande Bakira Ruyondo and Afande Ruhamya Kainerugaba recently graduated together from Sandhurst.
"Labor in the Lord is not in vain" 1 Corinthians 15:58.
One of the GREATEST moments Ruyondo family has ever had was yesterday.
Congratulations Afande Bakira Andrew and Afande Ruhamya.
Afande Bakira was among the best students at BMTS Kaweweta intake 17, he was awarded.
Hearty congratulations to Afande Ruhamya Kainerugaba and Afande Bakira Ruyondo for successfully graduating from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Congratulations to Afande Ruhamya Kainerugaba on this remarkable achievement! 🇺🇬 From Sandhurst Military Academy to raising Uganda’s flag high, your discipline, courage and excellence are truly commendable. Keep making Uganda proud! ASIYE KIFANI! ⚔️🇺🇬
Prime Minister Netanyahu made a statement on his Facebook account praising Uganda for the statue to Yoni Netanyahu unveiled by the CDF & SPA/SO General Muhoozi Kainerugaba yesterday in Entebbe.
Uganda and Israel continue to enjoy strong relations. We look forward to lasting and meaningful relations between Uganda and Israel. 🇺🇬 🇮🇱