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The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is overjoyed following the enlistment of his son, Ruhamya Kainerugaba, into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) last month.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, July 21, Gen. Muhoozi, who also serves as Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, proudly shared the news with the public.

“I’m extremely happy to announce that after 31 years in God’s Army, UPDF, God has blessed the House of [President Yoweri] Museveni with another soldier as of last month. Private Ruhamya Kainerugaba, may Almighty God bless him as He did me,” he posted.

The announcement attracted warm congratulatory messages, including one from Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who posted:

“Oh, lovely. Congratulations to our dear son Ruhamya on choosing the soldiering profession. I wish him all the best as he serves motherland Uganda.”

In April last year, President Yoweri Museveni lauded Gen. Muhoozi for his decision to join the army in 1999, highlighting his patriotism and commitment to excellence. Speaking at a private birthday celebration for Muhoozi at State House, Entebbe, the President recalled the advice he had given his son decades ago.

“I want to thank Muhoozi because he listens to me. When I advised him to join the army, he initially spent a year with his uncle, Gen. Salim Saleh, engaging in business. However, I had told him that army training builds strong character, regardless of one’s future plans.”

He added that Muhoozi took his guidance seriously and enrolled at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK.

“I’m sure it helped him greatly. He added value to the UPDF by joining with a spirit of patriotism and excellence,” the President emphasized.

President Museveni also warned against joining the army for mere job security or financial gain, stating that such motives often hinder progress within African armed forces.

“Muhoozi was driven not by careerism or monetary ambition but by a desire to serve with integrity and distinction,” he noted.

First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni, also spoke highly of her son’s growth in both character and physical strength, crediting his journey to faith and obedience.

“At 50, Muhoozi is not only a husband and father of four grown children but also the Chief of Defence Forces. I believe his sense of purpose and the blessings he enjoys stem from his relationship with the Lord,” she said.

Charlotte Kainerugaba, Gen. Muhoozi’s wife, echoed similar sentiments, applauding her husband’s contributions to national security and soldier welfare.

“It is fair to say that wherever you serve in the military, you leave a lasting legacy,” she stated.