President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s grandson, Ruhamya, has joined the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) after successfully graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, marking a significant step in his military career.
Ruhamya graduated alongside his colleague, Bakyira, following their military training at one of the world’s best-known military academies. The two young officers are now expected to begin their professional military service, bringing with them the training and leadership skills acquired during their time at Sandhurst.
President Museveni announced and celebrated the development in a message addressed to Ugandans, particularly the younger generation whom he refers to as the “Bazzukulu.” He congratulated Ruhamya and Bakyira and welcomed his grandson into what he described as his “big family of UPDF.”
“Congratulations Ruhamya, congratulations Bakyira,” Museveni said.
The President also congratulated the parents of the two young officers, recognising their role in supporting their children through the demanding journey that has culminated in their graduation and entry into military service.
Museveni used the occasion to encourage young Ugandans to consider military service as a career that can provide discipline, training and a strong foundation for leadership and public service.
“Young Ugandans, Army service gives you good foundation,” the President said.
Ruhamya’s graduation from Sandhurst adds a new chapter to the Museveni family’s long association with Uganda’s military establishment. President Museveni himself has a longstanding military background, having played a central role in Uganda’s armed struggle in the 1970s and 1980s before becoming President in 1986.
The UPDF, which evolved from the National Resistance Army (NRA), has since grown into Uganda’s national armed forces, with responsibilities including defending Uganda’s territorial integrity, maintaining national security and participating in regional and international peace-support operations.
For Ruhamya, completing training at Sandhurst represents a rigorous professional milestone. The academy has trained military officers from Britain and numerous countries around the world, with its programmes emphasising military leadership, discipline, decision-making and service.
In his message, Museveni also reflected on Uganda’s journey, thanking God for protecting the country and enabling it to confront what he described as its numerous challenges.
He further thanked God for blessing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its precursors for more than 60 years, linking the occasion to the broader historical journey of the movement.
The President’s message comes as the country continues to emphasise professional military training and leadership development within the UPDF, particularly as Uganda maintains a role in regional security and peace-support efforts.
Ruhamya and Bakyira now join the ranks of young Ugandan officers beginning a new phase of service after completing their training abroad.
