Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has added another major accolade to his growing profile after being honoured with the Special African Leadership Award for Defence and National Security Excellence in Accra, Ghana.
The prestigious recognition was presented during the 15th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards, organised by the African Leadership Organisation at the 5-star Movenpick Ambassador Hotel from February 27–28, 2026.
Dr. Ken Giami, founder and executive chairman of the African Leadership Organisation, described Gen. Muhoozi as a “rising and shining star of Africa,” citing his distinguished military service and strategic contribution to Uganda’s national and regional security over the past two decades.
From commanding the Special Forces to leading Land Forces and now serving as CDF, Muhoozi has been credited for:Strengthening Uganda’s counter-terrorism capacity,Professionalising elite military units and expanding regional security cooperation.
He was particularly recognised for his role in Somalia under the African Union peace missions, including African Union Mission in Somalia, which later transitioned into African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and currently operates as African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.
The award also highlighted Uganda’s military operations beyond its borders. Gen. Muhoozi was credited for supporting stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo under Operation Shujaa and for Uganda’s strategic deployment in South Sudan, including the 2024 mission to secure Juba amid rising tensions between government forces and opposition groups linked to Vice President Riek Machar.
UPDF’s presence in South Sudan has widely been viewed as a stabilising force as political dialogue continues in the fragile nation.
Represented by Col. Chris Magezi, Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Gen. Muhoozi expressed deep gratitude for the continental recognition.
In his message, he called for stronger Pan-African cooperation across political, economic, social, and security sectors to safeguard Africa’s interests and future.
The colourful ceremony attracted over 400 delegates from across Africa and beyond.
Among the standout awardees:
John Dramani Mahama – African of the Year
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah – African Political Leader of the Year
Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane – African Inspirational Leader of the Year
Esperanca Maria Eduardo Francisco da Costa – African Leader of the Year
Barnabas Nawangwe – African Educationist of the Year
Nana Akufo-Addo – African Legacy Leader Award.
The annual African Leadership Magazine awards have, for 14 years, served as a premier platform celebrating Africans driving a bold Pan-African agenda through leadership and service.
With this latest continental recognition, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba continues to cement his footprint not just in Uganda’s defence architecture, but across Africa’s evolving security landscape.