Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni presided over the commissioning of his 22 year old grandson, Ruhamya Kainerugaba, as a Second Lieutenant in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, marking the entry of a third generation of the family into the country’s military.
The ceremony was held at the Uganda Military Academy in Kabamba, Mubende District, following Ruhamya’s completion of officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
Ruhamya is the son of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, who graduated from Sandhurst in 2000. His commissioning further strengthens the Museveni family’s longstanding ties to Uganda’s armed forces.
From Private to Commissioned Officer
Ruhamya began his military career in June 2025 when he joined the UPDF as a Private. He briefly served within the elite Special Forces Command before travelling to the United Kingdom for advanced military training.
In August 2026, he completed a 44 week Officer Commissioning Course at Sandhurst, one of the world’s best known military training institutions.
He attended the academy alongside fellow Ugandan cadet Andrew Bakira Ruyondo, who received the International Sword award for the best overseas cadet, a distinction highlighting Uganda’s representation at the institution.
Museveni Calls for Discipline and Accountability
During the commissioning ceremony, Museveni praised military leaders for efforts to improve soldiers’ welfare and tackle corruption within the armed forces.
In a message shared on X following the event, the president commended General Muhoozi and his commanders for addressing corruption and improving conditions for military personnel, including developments involving barracks and pay.
Museveni also urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold discipline, maintain strong relationships with civilians and serve their country with honour.
The ceremony comes amid continued public attention on the political and military influence of the Museveni family, which has played a central role in Uganda’s leadership since Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986.
With Ruhamya’s commissioning, the family’s military lineage now spans three generations, from President Museveni to General Muhoozi and the newly commissioned Second Lieutenant.
The development highlights the family’s continuing presence within Uganda’s military establishment, an institution that remains central to the country’s security and political landscape.
