The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has been honoured with the Special African Leadership Award for Defence and National Security Excellence.
The award was presented during the 15th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards held in Accra, Ghana.
Gen Muhoozi, was recognised for his contribution to Uganda’s national and regional security.
Dr Ken Giami, founder and executive chairman of the African Leadership Organisation, described the Ugandan military chief as a “rising and shining star of Africa”.
He said the award recognises the General’s distinguished service, military reforms and strategic role in strengthening Uganda’s defence systems over the past two decades.
Giami noted that Gen Muhoozi’s leadership in various UPDF positions, including Special Forces and Land Forces, helped to strengthen counterterrorism efforts and regional security cooperation.
“Your role as CDF and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations has cemented your legacy in Uganda’s security architecture, contributing to operational modernisation, improved national and regional security, and robust defence diplomacy across the East African region,”he said.
Gen Muhoozi was particularly recognised for his role in peace support operations in Somalia under successive African Union missions, as well as UPDF deployments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
The General was represented at the ceremony by UPDF Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, who delivered his acceptance speech.
In his message, Gen Muhoozi said he was honoured by the recognition, especially coming from African leaders committed to a pan-African vision.
“As pan-Africanists, we should continue to strengthen cooperation across different fields on the continent including in the political, economic, social, and security realms. This will enable us to fight and defend Africa and all the black people of the world more effectively,”.
The ceremony brought together leaders from across the continent and celebrated Africans advancing leadership and development.
