The President of the Republic, Paul Kagame, together with the leadership of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), commissioned 1,029 new officers into the RDF, granting them the rank of Second Lieutenant. The ceremony took place on Friday at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako.
In his speech, President Kagame praised the determination and commitment the officers showed during their intensive training. He reminded them of their vital duty to protect Rwanda, its citizens, and to safeguard national security. He emphasized that their service must always be guided by the mission of working for the people of Rwanda.
President Kagame said:
“The responsibility of defending Rwanda and its citizens must be fulfilled properly and fully understood. I commend you for your determination, and now you have gained solid capability. As you begin your assignments, always remember that serving Rwandans is your first and primary duty. Your role as officers begins now, and it demands a lot from you.”
The military oath was marked by a pledge to uphold the responsibilities of the RDF, including defending the nation, remaining loyal to the Republic, and respecting the Constitution and other laws. The oath was administered by Lt Col Charles Sumanyi, Chief Prosecutor of the Military Tribunal.
During the awards ceremony, President Kagame decorated Emmanuel Kayitare with a medal for his outstanding performance and excellence in military studies, recognizing him as the best student among the officer cadets after a year of training.
By Venuste Habineza