Kigali – President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), today presided over the graduation ceremony of senior officers who successfully completed Intake 14 of the Senior Command and Staff Course at the RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District. The event marked another significant milestone in Rwanda’s continued investment in professional military education and leadership development while highlighting the growing role of international cooperation in addressing modern security challenges.
The graduating class consisted of 108 senior officers who completed the intensive 46-week training program designed to strengthen strategic leadership, operational planning, decision-making, and command capabilities. Among the graduates were 27 officers from 19 friendly countries across Africa and Asia, reflecting the increasing importance of military partnerships and collaborative approaches to regional and global security. The participating countries included Rwanda, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Jordan, among others.
The ceremony brought together senior government officials, military leaders, diplomats, family members, and distinguished guests who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating officers and recognize the important role military education plays in preparing leaders for complex security environments. The event also underscored Rwanda’s growing reputation as a center for advanced military training and professional development on the African continent.
During the ceremony, President Kagame awarded certificates of excellence to the three best-performing officers in the course. The recipients included a Ghanaian officer, a Kenyan officer, and Lieutenant Colonel Walter Kageruka of the Rwanda Defence Force, who emerged as the overall best student of Intake 14. Their recognition reflected outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and commitment throughout the demanding training program.
Addressing the graduates, President Kagame emphasized that the trust and confidence enjoyed by the Rwanda Defence Force among Rwandans and international partners had been earned through years of dedicated service, discipline, professionalism, and integrity. He reminded the officers that such trust is not built overnight but is the result of consistent commitment to serving citizens and fulfilling responsibilities with honor. He encouraged the graduates to carry these values forward as they assume greater leadership roles within their respective institutions.
The President noted that while the officers arrived at the college as experienced professionals, they were departing with broader knowledge, enhanced skills, and increased responsibilities. He emphasized that leadership requires continuous learning and adaptation, particularly in a rapidly changing security landscape where military leaders must be prepared to address both conventional and emerging threats.
President Kagame also expressed appreciation to the families and friends of the graduates, acknowledging the sacrifices they make in supporting military personnel throughout their careers. He noted that military service often places significant demands on families and loved ones, making their support an essential part of the success achieved by service members.
The Head of State commended the leadership of the RDF for its continued efforts to strengthen the Command and Staff College and ensure it remains equipped with modern facilities, quality instructors, and advanced resources capable of delivering world-class military education. He stressed that institutions such as the college play a critical role in preparing leaders who can effectively navigate increasingly complex security environments.
Highlighting the value of multinational training, President Kagame observed that officers who study together often develop professional relationships and shared perspectives that contribute to stronger cooperation during future military operations, peacekeeping missions, regional engagements, and crisis situations. He noted that such collaboration helps build mutual understanding and trust among armed forces from different countries.
The President explained that the course was specifically designed to sharpen the officers’ ability to analyze and solve difficult problems, including challenges that may initially appear impossible to overcome. He stressed that leadership at higher levels requires careful judgment and thoughtful decision-making because the consequences of decisions become increasingly significant as responsibilities grow.
President Kagame emphasized that effective decision-making is developed through experience, teamwork, humility, and a willingness to learn from both successes and mistakes. He encouraged the graduates to embrace these qualities throughout their careers and to remain open to continuous improvement as leaders.
Calling on the officers to remain guided by a clear sense of purpose, President Kagame stated that purpose is one of the defining characteristics of effective leadership. He explained that Rwanda’s national purpose is rooted in protecting citizens, safeguarding sovereignty, and advancing the country’s development. He encouraged the graduates to identify and remain committed to the missions and values that guide their respective institutions.
The President further observed that the greatest challenge for many leaders is not obtaining authority but determining how to exercise it responsibly. He urged the graduates to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability in every position they occupy, noting that their actions would influence not only operational outcomes but also the culture and effectiveness of the institutions they serve.
Reflecting on the achievements of the RDF, President Kagame reiterated that the force’s reputation has been built through years of disciplined service and professional conduct. He told the graduates that they now share responsibility for protecting and strengthening that legacy, as well as the trust placed in them by citizens and partners.
He also reminded the officers that military institutions around the world continue to evolve alongside technological advancements and emerging security threats. As a result, he said, leaders must be adaptable, innovative, and committed to lifelong learning in order to remain effective in increasingly dynamic environments.
“The choices you make from now on will influence not only operations, but also the culture, standards, and effectiveness of the institutions that have entrusted you with leadership,” President Kagame told the graduates, urging them to act with integrity and maintain the highest professional standards.
Following the awarding of certificates, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Professor Didas Kayihura Muganga, encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the course to help address security and development challenges in their home countries. He emphasized the important role military leaders play in promoting peace, stability, and good governance.
“As you return to your countries, use the knowledge and professionalism you have developed here to promote peace, security, and good governance in your nations,” Professor Muganga said.
The Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, praised the graduates for their commitment and dedication throughout the course. He expressed confidence that the training they received would strengthen their ability to fulfill their responsibilities effectively and contribute positively to their organizations and countries.
Brigadier General Nyamvumba encouraged the officers to become agents of positive change, serve as role models to their colleagues, share their expertise, and help advance peace and security wherever they are deployed. He also thanked the many partner nations that continue to send senior officers to study in Rwanda, describing their participation as a testament to the growing confidence in Rwanda’s military education institutions and their contribution to regional and international cooperation.
The graduation of Intake 14 represents another important chapter in the continued growth of the RDF Command and Staff College as a respected institution for advanced military education. It also reflects Rwanda’s broader commitment to developing capable leaders, strengthening international partnerships, and promoting peace and security through professional excellence and cooperation.
