By Karim Were
KAMPALA —President Yoweri Museveni has congratulated his grandson, Ruhamya, and fellow Ugandan officer Bakyira following their recent graduation from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
In a message addressed to Ugandans, particularly the “Bazzukulu”, Museveni expressed gratitude to God for what he described as continued protection and guidance for Uganda as the country addresses its challenges.
He also congratulated the two young officers and their parents, describing military service as a strong foundation for young Ugandans.
“Congratulations Ruhamya, congratulations Bakyira,” Museveni said in his message.
The President said Ruhamya’s graduation marked his entry into what he described as his “big family of UPDF”, referring to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
#Museveni praises military service
Museveni encouraged young Ugandans to consider military service as an opportunity to develop a strong foundation for their future.
Army service gives you good foundation, he said, while congratulating the two officers and their parents.
The President’s remarks came after Ruhamya and Bakyira completed their training at Sandhurst, one of the world’s best-known military academies.
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst trains officers for the British Army and has also trained military officers from numerous countries around the world.
Graduation from the academy is considered a significant achievement for military officers because of the institution’s rigorous leadership and military training programmes.
#Ruhamya joins UPDF family
Museveni described Ruhamya’s graduation as an addition to his wider family within the UPDF.
He said God had blessed him with one of his grandchildren joining the military family after completing the prestigious training alongside Bakyira.
The President’s message placed the achievement within the broader context of military service and the role of young officers in Uganda’s armed forces.
Ruhamya’s graduation also marks the beginning of his professional military career, where he is expected to undertake duties within the UPDF.
The President congratulated both officers rather than presenting Ruhamya’s achievement as an individual family accomplishment alone.
#Recognition for the parents
Museveni also extended his congratulations to the parents of the two young officers.
The completion of military training at an international institution such as Sandhurst is a significant milestone for families, particularly because military training requires discipline, commitment and sustained preparation.
By recognising the parents, Museveni highlighted the role families play in supporting young people pursuing careers in public service.
The message also served as an acknowledgement of the achievement of both families.
#Message to young Ugandans
Museveni used the occasion to encourage young Ugandans to view military service as an avenue for personal and professional development.
His statement that army service provides a “good foundation” reflects his broader emphasis on discipline and service among young people.
Military training generally places strong emphasis on leadership, teamwork, discipline, physical fitness and responsibility.
For officers entering the UPDF, these skills are intended to prepare them for responsibilities related to national defence and security.
#Sandhurst training
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has a long history of training military officers.
Its courses focus on leadership and the professional development of officers who are expected to take responsibility for personnel and military operations.
International officers have also attended training at the academy, making Sandhurst an important institution for military cooperation between Britain and partner countries.
For Ugandan officers, attendance at such institutions provides exposure to different military training approaches and international professional networks.
The graduation of Ruhamya and Bakyira therefore represents not only a personal milestone but also an achievement within Uganda’s military training system.
#Museveni’s message of gratitude
In his message, Museveni began by thanking God for protecting Uganda and enabling the country to address what he described as its numerous problems.
He also thanked God for what he described as blessings upon the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its precursors over more than 60 years.
The NRM has been Uganda’s dominant political movement since it took power in 1986, while its historical roots predate the current government.
Museveni’s remarks placed the graduation within a broader message of gratitude and reflection on Uganda’s political and national journey.
#Significance for the UPDF
The training of young officers at recognised international military institutions is part of the professional development of Uganda’s armed forces.
A well-trained officer corps is important for military effectiveness and leadership.
Officers who receive specialised training abroad can also bring additional knowledge and experience back to their national forces.
The careers of Ruhamya and Bakyira will now move beyond training into active military service, where they will be expected to apply the skills acquired during their education.
#Conclusion
President Museveni’s message celebrated the graduation of Ruhamya and Bakyira from Sandhurst while encouraging young Ugandans to consider military service as a foundation for discipline and professional growth.
He congratulated the two officers and their parents and expressed gratitude for what he described as God’s continued protection of Uganda.
For the two young officers, the Sandhurst graduation marks the completion of an important stage of military education and the beginning of their careers in the UPDF.
Source.🇺🇬 Be blessed
