“Army Gives You a Good Foundation” – Museveni Hails Grandson Ruhamya, Colleague Bakira After Sandhurst Graduation

KAMPALA — Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has congratulated his grandson, Ruhamya Kainerugaba, and his colleague, Andrew Bakira, upon graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom and joining the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).

In a message addressed to Ugandans, President Museveni thanked God for protecting Uganda and enabling the country to address what he described as its numerous challenges.

He also credited God for blessing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its precursors over more than six decades.

“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,” Museveni said.

Officer Cadet Ruhamya Kainerugaba, is the son of Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The CDF was present to witness the ceremony of his graduation.

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba himself attended Sandhurst for the same course decades prior, graduating in 2000.

CDF General Muhoozi Kainerugaba (C) poses for a photo with Cadet Officers Ruhamya Kainerugaba (2nd L) and Andrew Bakira (2nd R) during their graduation ceremony at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.

He congratulated the two young officers on completing their military training and commended their parents for supporting them through their journey.

Museveni said army service provides young Ugandans with a strong foundation, particularly in building discipline, leadership and a sense of duty to the country.

“Congratulations Ruhamya, congratulations Bakyira. Young Ugandans, Army service gives you good foundation,” the President said.

Museveni also extended his congratulations to the parents of the two officers, as Ruhamya begins his career in the UPDF.

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.