Serve to Lead: How Kenyans can join Sandhurst military camp, earn millions

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- President Yoweri Museveni's grandson, Second Lieutenant Ruhamya Kainerugaba, completed a 44-week officer commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

- Ruhamya is the son of Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also graduated from Sandhurst back in 2000

- Kenyans can access Sandhurst training through two routes, and officer cadets earn up to KSh 5.99 million annually during the course

President Yoweri Museveni's grandson, Second Lieutenant Ruhamya Kainerugaba, graduated from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.

He was commissioned into the officer ranks of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) during the academy's Sovereign's Parade on August 7, 2026.

Where did Museveni's grandson complete his military training?

Ruhamya, the eldest son of UPDF Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, completed the gruelling 44-week officer commissioning course, which covers infantry tactics, fieldcraft, operational planning and leadership.

His graduation makes him the third generation of the Museveni family to enter military service, following his father, who earned his own Sandhurst commission back in 2000.

Before being selected for officer training in the United Kingdom, Ruhamya had only joined the UPDF as a private soldier in June 2025, making his rapid progression all the more striking.

Ruhamya trained alongside fellow Ugandan cadet Andrew Bakyira Ruyondo, who walked away with the prestigious International Sword award, recognising him as the best overall international student at the academy.

On August 16, 2026, President Museveni received both graduates at State House Entebbe, welcoming his grandson into the UPDF's "big family" and thanking God for the milestone.

He underscored military service as a vital foundation for young citizens.

How can Kenyans train at Sandhurst Military Academy?

Kenyans eyeing a place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst have two potential routes available to them.

The first is through the Kenya Defence Forces. A Kenyan would need to join the KDF, undergo training at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet or serve as a junior officer, and then be identified as a top performer.

Outstanding candidates may be selected by the KDF for officer training at Sandhurst, with fees covered through government-to-government military cooperation.

The cost of training an international cadet is estimated at approximately £90,000 to £94,000, equivalent to around KSh 16 million, which is borne by the state rather than the individual.

The second route is a direct application to the British Army as a Commonwealth citizen when the relevant recruitment window is open.

Applicants go through the Army Officer Selection Board, where they are assessed on leadership, mental agility, physical fitness and performance under pressure before proceeding to the 44-week commissioning course.

What cadets earn and what they need

Contrary to what many might expect, officer cadets at Sandhurst do not pay tuition fees.

They are treated as British Army employees and receive a salary throughout their training, estimated at approximately KSh 5.99 million. Upon graduating as a Second Lieutenant, annual pay rises to roughly KSh 7.17 million.

Applicants must be aged between 18 and 29, hold a qualifying educational certificate meeting at least 72 UCAS points, and pass the Army's medical and physical fitness standards.

Visa-related costs for Commonwealth applicants can reach up to approximately KSh 265,000.

Anyone interested should confirm the latest eligibility rules and application windows directly on the official British Army Jobs website, as requirements, salaries and recruitment periods are subject to change.

How much does it cost to study at Exeter University?

TUKO.co.ke also shared details about Museveni's other grandson, Mugina Karugire, who recently graduated from the University of Exeter, one of the UK's prestigious institutions.

Despite the family's notable status, the financial burden of securing an elite education drew considerable attention and speculation among fans and followers.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.