Kabale, Uganda: The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has been awarded the Kabalega Star Medal during the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations held on Friday at Kabale National Teachers’ College.
Gen Muhoozi was decorated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The Kabalega Star is Uganda’s second-highest military decoration, awarded for exceptional gallantry that falls short of the Order of Katonga. It is named after Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro, the renowned king who resisted British colonial rule, and is traditionally conferred on UPDF officers for acts of bravery and distinguished service.
With the award, Gen Muhoozi joins a distinguished list of senior officers previously decorated with the Kabalega Star, including Caleb Akandwanaho, Ivan Koreta and Brig. Gen. Bosco Omure.
Gen Muhoozi is a career UPDF officer whose rise has been shaped by elite command roles, extensive professional training and regional security deployments. He received advanced military education locally and abroad, including command and strategic studies at the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, grounding him in modern warfare and joint operations.
He previously commanded the Special Forces Command, where he oversaw counter-terrorism operations and protection of strategic installations, before serving as Commander of the UPDF Land Forces. As CDF, he now provides overall strategic leadership to the army, with emphasis on professionalism, modernisation and regional cooperation.
Other officers decorated
At the same ceremony, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, currently Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, received the Rwenzori Star Medal. Muhanga joined the army in 1985 and has commanded Ugandan troops under African Union missions in Somalia and during Operation Shujaa against the ADF in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Charles Okidi, the Commander of the UPDF Air Forces, was also awarded the Rwenzori Star Medal in recognition of his distinguished service as an aviator providing air support for both internal and external operations, including VVIP missions.
Former NRA soldier Col. Samson Mande, who recently returned from self-exile after reconciling with the NRM, was also decorated for his role in the liberation struggle.
The 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations were held under the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution & Honouring the Sacrifice of the Freedom Fighters.”
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