President Yoweri Museveni has congratulated his grandson Ruhamya Kainerugaba and fellow Ugandan officer Bakyira Ruyondo after completing their military training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.

Museveni welcomed the two young officers into the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) ranks, saying their achievement demonstrated the importance of discipline, training and commitment among young people.

The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of Uganda’s armed forces, described military service as a strong foundation for young Ugandans who want to serve their country.

Ruhamya Kainerugaba, the son of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, graduated from Sandhurst alongside Bakyira Ruyondo after successfully completing officer training.

In his congratulatory message, Museveni said he was grateful that one of his grandchildren had joined the military institution that has played a significant role in Uganda’s history.

“Now, 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 also congratulated the parents of the two young officers and encouraged more young Ugandans to consider joining the army.

“Young Ugandans, Army service gives you good foundation. I congratulate the parents of the two young officers,” he said.

Ruhamya’s entry into the UPDF officer ranks marks another chapter in a military tradition within Museveni’s immediate family that has stretched across three generations.

Museveni himself led the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the guerrilla struggle that brought him to power in 1986 before later becoming President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

His son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, followed a military path, joining the UPDF and rising through the ranks before becoming Chief of Defence Forces.

Gen Muhoozi also trained at Sandhurst during his military career, and earlier this year shared photographs of Ruhamya undergoing training at the same academy.

He reflected on the similarities between his own experience and that of his son as Ruhamya prepared to become an officer.

Ruhamya joined the UPDF as a private soldier in June 2025 before later proceeding for officer training at Sandhurst.

His graduation now places him among a new generation of officers expected to take on responsibilities within Uganda’s armed forces.

His colleague Bakyira Ruyondo also emerged from the training course with special recognition after winning the International Sword award.

The award is presented to an outstanding international officer cadet who demonstrates exceptional performance during the course.

Sandhurst, officially known as the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, is one of the world’s most respected military training institutions and prepares officers from the British Army as well as partner countries.

The academy conducted the Commandant’s Parade for Commissioning Course 253 on August 5, 2026, where the two Ugandan cadets completed their commissioning training.

Museveni used the occasion to reflect on Uganda’s political history and the journey of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

He thanked God for what he described as protection and guidance that had enabled Uganda to overcome different challenges over the years.

“I want to use this occasion to thank God that has protected and enabled Uganda to address its numerous problems,” Museveni said.

He also praised the NRM and organisations that preceded it, saying they had contributed to Uganda’s political journey for more than six decades.

The President’s message combined congratulations for the two new officers with a broader call for young Ugandans to embrace discipline, service and patriotism.

Ruhamya’s graduation represents the continuation of a family military legacy while Bakyira Ruyondo’s achievement highlights the success of Uganda’s young officers receiving international military training.