President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), has commissioned 1,029 new officers as Sous Lieutenants, including 117 women, in a ceremony held at the Gako Military Academy.
The graduation ceremony coincided with the 25th anniversary of the academy, which has long been recognized for training officers at the junior level.
Among the 1,029 officers joining the RDF, 557 completed one-year courses, 248 completed short-term programs, 182 graduated from the four-year long-term program, and 42 completed their training at foreign military institutions. Of the total, 912 are men and 117 are women, representing the 12th cohort of the Gako Military Academy.
Notably, Brian Kagame, the son of President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, graduated alongside his elder brother, Captain Ian Kagame, who currently serves in the Presidential Guard Unit.
Brigadier General Franco Rutagengwa, Commandant of Gako Military Academy, highlighted the challenges faced by the cadets during their training, noting that 36 students who started the program were unable to complete it due to health issues, academic performance, or failure to meet the discipline and values expected of RDF personnel.
He added that the academy currently offers advanced-level programs equivalent to a university diploma in fields such as military science and humanities, medicine, mathematics, engineering, life sciences, chemistry, law, nursing, information technology, and construction management.
Brig. Gen. Rutagengwa praised the graduates for choosing a career in the RDF and urged them to continue embodying the values of the Rwandan military. “We commend you for your commitment and exemplary conduct, which have brought you to this success we celebrate today. We wish you well as you undertake your duties and pledge to support you in becoming outstanding officers, as you have been trained,” he said.
President Kagame also presented awards to top-performing cadets in various categories. Jean de Dieu Iyakaremye was recognized as the best in the short-term program, Yves Ndamukunda excelled among four-year graduates, Dan Bakangambira from Uganda stood out among foreign trainees, and Emmanuel Kayitare achieved overall distinction.
In his address, President Kagame thanked the graduates for their dedication and willingness to serve the nation. “I want to commend each of you for your hard work and determination throughout your training, which has led to this important milestone. I also thank your instructors for their key role in preparing you to fulfill your duties effectively,” he said.
He extended gratitude to the families of the graduates for supporting their decision to pursue a noble and challenging career. “We deeply appreciate your choice to join this honorable profession. Your commitment strengthens the security and stability of our nation,” he added.
The President reminded the newly commissioned officers of their responsibility to protect Rwanda and its citizens. “As new officers, the duty to safeguard Rwanda and its people is yours. Understand this responsibility well. You now have the knowledge, capacity, and determination to fulfill it. Protect our country and its people. Rwanda seeks peace, and your role is essential in ensuring it,” he said.
President Kagame also acknowledged partner countries that contributed to the training programs, emphasizing that such cooperation strengthens national defense and supports the continued development of Rwanda and its allied nations.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
