Uganda has recorded a double achievement at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, with Officer Cadet Andrew Bakira Ruyondo winning the academy’s International Sword as two Ugandan cadets completed their officer training.
Bakira was recognised as the outstanding overseas cadet in his intake during the academy’s Sovereign’s Parade on Friday, emerging ahead of other international officer cadets after completing the rigorous commissioning course.
The International Sword, also known as the Overseas Sword, is awarded to the international cadet judged to have demonstrated the strongest overall performance in areas including leadership, military skills, physical and mental resilience, and attitude throughout the course.
Bakira, who hails from Burunga Sub-County in Kazo District, was among 247 cadets commissioned during the parade, according to the Daily Monitor.
Also graduating was Officer Cadet Ruhamya Kainerugaba, son of Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Ruhamya completed the Officer Commissioning Course alongside Bakira, marking his transition from cadet training to commissioned military service.
The graduation carried particular significance for the Kainerugaba family. Gen. Muhoozi attended the ceremony with his wife, Charlotte, and shared images from Sandhurst, including comparisons between his own training at the academy and that of his son.
Gen. Muhoozi trained at Sandhurst between 1999 and 2000, graduating and being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He had earlier described his son’s training as a continuation of a military journey separated by 27 years.
Ruhamya’s Sandhurst training followed his entry into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), which Gen. Muhoozi announced in July 2025. In May this year, the CDF said his son was performing “an excellent job” at the British military academy and appealed to Ugandans to pray for him.
Sandhurst’s Sovereign’s Parade marks the completion of the commissioning course and the passing out of officer cadets. The British Army describes it as the academy’s most prestigious day, attended by families, friends and senior guests. During the ceremony, awards including the Sword of Honour, Overseas Sword and Queen’s Medal are presented to the top-performing cadets.
The academy’s officer training programme runs for about 44 weeks and combines military skills with leadership, physical fitness, fieldcraft, decision-making and character development. Sandhurst also trains officers from militaries around the world.
For Uganda, Bakira’s award adds an international distinction to the graduation, while Ruhamya’s commissioning extends a family connection to one of the world’s most renowned military academies.
The two officers are expected to return to Uganda and continue their careers within the UPDF after completing their training.
