Family, power, and the army — Museveni decorates his son with one of Uganda’s top military honours.
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has awarded his son, Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Kabalega Star Medal, Uganda’s second-highest military decoration, citing his leadership in regional security operations.
The award was conferred on Friday during the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations held in Kabale District. The Kabalega Star recognises exceptional gallantry and service and ranks just below the Order of Katonga, Uganda’s highest military honour.
In the official citation, Gen. Muhoozi was praised for his strategic leadership, courage, and role in modernising the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. He was credited with spearheading human resource reforms, strengthening elite units, and contributing to regional peace operations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.
Muhoozi, a Sandhurst-trained officer, rose through the ranks after early service in the Presidential Protection Unit, which later evolved into the Special Forces Command. He has led operations against the Allied Democratic Forces and participated in regional missions under AMISOM and ATMIS in Somalia.
The ceremony also honoured several senior officers for distinguished service, including Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga and Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi, alongside other military, police, and prison service personnel. A posthumous award was presented to a resistance-era officer, received by his daughter.
President Museveni congratulated all recipients and urged them to wear their medals with pride, noting that full citations would be released publicly in due course.
