President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned his grandson, Second Lieutenant Ruhamya Kainerugaba, into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), completing another milestone in the military career of the son of Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Ruhamya was among approximately 280 officer cadets commissioned by President Museveni at the Uganda Military Academy in Kabamba, Mubende District, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The ceremony brought together cadets from Professional Intake 09/26 and the Bachelor of Defence Studies Intake 05/23–26.
Ruhamya had previously completed officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, graduating alongside fellow Ugandan officer Andrew Bakira Ruyondo in August 2026.
His commissioning at Kabamba formally places him among the UPDF’s commissioned officers, following in the footsteps of his father, Gen. Muhoozi, who graduated from Sandhurst in 2000 before rising through the military ranks to become Chief of Defence Forces.
Ruhamya celebrated the milestone in a post on X, writing: “Earned through sacrifice, worn with pride. The journey continues.”
President Museveni congratulated the newly commissioned officers and thanked their families and the UPDF leadership for guiding them through their training.
“To the new officers, remain disciplined, stay close to the people and serve Uganda with honour,” the President said in a message posted on X.
He also highlighted the importance of economic development, military training and investment in science and technology to national defence.
“A strong defence requires a strong economy, well trained soldiers, investment in science and technology,” President Museveni said.
The President also commended the Chief of Defence Forces and other military commanders for efforts to combat corruption within the army, saying the practice directly affects the welfare of service personnel.
“I am following the improvements in barracks and pay, but the fight against corruption is especially important because it directly affects the welfare of our men and women in uniform,” he said.
Ruhamya’s commissioning follows his graduation from Sandhurst, where he undertook the institution’s officer commissioning course. His father attended the British military academy more than two decades earlier.
The Uganda Military Academy at Kabamba trains officers for the UPDF, including cadets enrolled in professional military programmes and degree courses.
Ruhamya’s entry into the commissioned ranks marks another chapter in the military careers of three generations of the President’s immediate family, with Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi having also served in the military.
