Museveni celebrates grandson Ruhamya, Bakyira after Sandhurst graduation

President Museveni has congratulated his grandson, Ruhamya Kainerugaba, and fellow Ugandan officer cadet Andrew Bakyira Ruyondo following their commissioning from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom early this month.

In a message addressed to Ugandans, Museveni on Sunday thanked God for protecting Uganda and for what he described as the achievements of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its precursors over the past 60 years.

“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.

“Congratulations Ruhamya, congratulations Bakyira,” he added.

The Ugandan leader also encouraged young Ugandans to consider military service, saying it provides a strong foundation.

“Young Ugandans, Army service gives you good foundation,” he said, while congratulating the parents of the two newly commissioned officers.

The message comes days after Bakyira was named the best international cadet at Sandhurst, winning the prestigious International Sword during the academy’s Sovereign’s Parade on August 7.

Bakyira, who hails from Burunga Sub-County in Kazo District, was among 247 cadets commissioned at the ceremony.

The International Sword, also known as the Overseas Sword, is awarded to the overseas cadet judged to have demonstrated the strongest overall performance in leadership, physical and mental resilience, attitude and military skills during the academy’s rigorous 44-week course.

Bakyira was sponsored by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) alongside Ruhamya to undertake the officer-training programme at the British military academy.

The two Ugandan cadets trained together through the Junior, Intermediate and Senior terms, participating in field exercises, military skills training and leadership assessments.

Ruhamya is the eldest son of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and himself a Sandhurst graduate.

He joined the UPDF as a private in June 2025 before being selected for officer training at Sandhurst.

Gen Muhoozi attended the commissioning ceremony and celebrated his son’s graduation alongside the Ruyondo family.