Kampala, Uganda: The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Monday afternoon sparked social media commentary after announcing that his son, Private Ruhamya Kainerugaba, officially joined the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as a soldier, marking what he described as the continuation of the Museveni family’s legacy of military service.
Posting on his official X handle, Gen Muhoozi said: “I’m extremely happy to announce that after 31 years in God’s Army, UPDF, God has blessed the House of Museveni with another soldier as of last month. Private Ruhamya Kainerugaba, may Almighty God bless him as He did me.”
Private Ruhamya, who quietly joined the force in June, is the first-born son of Gen Muhoozi and a grandson of President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s long-serving Commander-in-Chief.
Ruhamya’s enlistment into the UPDF strengthens what many observers see as the Museveni family’s deepening military tradition and continuation of the ‘Bachwezi’ legacy at the helm of Uganda’s political leadership.
Congratulations pour in
The announcement by CDF sparked waves of congratulatory messages online, with many praising the young Kainerugaba for embracing military service at a time when the Museveni family remains central to Uganda’s security and political establishment.
“Congratulations to Private Ruhamya Engoma! May God bless the journey he has started. I personally thank him for choosing the right path of serving his country,” one Mbaho Joshua commented.
Great Kwiza Nantaba wrote: “Huge congrats to the young superstar, Afande RK! We’re beyond proud of you!”
Ssebunya remarked: “Bjorn Ruhamya Kainerugaba. He will be greater than his father and grandfather.”
Krystal Uwera added: “Another brave soul joins the ranks to serve our great nation. Uganda is proud.” While Csl Joshua Byamazima said, “You have inspired many to join the army, congratulations to Private Ruhamya.”
One supporter, Allan Bamuha, invoked cultural symbolism, saying: “Congratulations, Omuchwezi Ruhamya, may you continue to carry on the legacy of Bacwezi. Hold the Spear, Shield, and Flames high.”
The news of Ruhamya’s induction to the army is seen by political analysts as significant in cementing the Museveni family’s longstanding military heritage, with President Museveni himself having risen to power through the military and Gen Muhoozi now firmly seated at the helm of the UPDF.
Ruhamya’s enlistment, observers say, may quietly signal a future generational succession of military influence within the family, although no formal pronouncements have been made in that regard.
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