By Spy Uganda
President Paul Kagame, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), on Friday officiated the graduation of nearly 1,000 officer cadets at the Rwanda Military Academy (RMA) in Gako, Bugesera District — a ceremony that also marked the institution’s 25th anniversary.
Among the 987 graduates was Brian Kagame, the President’s son, who was commissioned with the rank of Second Lieutenant. He becomes the second of Kagame’s sons to join the RDF, following his elder brother, Ian Kagame, who currently serves in the Presidential Republican Guard.
The colorful event drew senior government officials, military leaders, diplomats, and families of the graduating officers. The academy, established in 2000, has trained hundreds of officers for Rwanda and other nations, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Zambia, Guinea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Qatar.
The cadets demonstrated precision and discipline in a ten-parade command march-past, symbolizing the academy’s 25 years of excellence in producing professional military officers. In a moving moment, each cadet adorned their partner with the Second Lieutenant insignia, replacing the temporary badges worn during training.
Lt. Col. Frank Sumanyi, the Military Prosecutor, led the group in taking an oath of service, pledging loyalty to the nation, its commanders, and citizens—promising to serve with diligence, courage, and integrity.
Brig. Gen. Franco Rutagengwa, Commandant of the RMA, announced that the graduating cohort included 117 cadets who had completed specialized training in various military faculties.
Addressing the new officers, President Kagame congratulated them for their dedication and resilience, urging them to uphold discipline and professionalism as they embark on their military careers.
“You have chosen a noble path—to serve and protect our country and its citizens. This must be done diligently,” Kagame said.
“Your responsibility is to ensure that Rwanda remains secure and sovereign, even against those who do not wish us well.”
The President reflected on Rwanda’s journey toward peace and stability over the past three decades, emphasizing that peace remains the cornerstone of national progress.
“We want peace; Rwanda needs peace. For many years, we lacked it—but over the past 31 years, we have rebuilt it through security, harmony, and reconciliation,” he said, adding that this mission now rests with the new officers.
Kagame also challenged the graduates to adapt to emerging global challenges, remain innovative, and continually build their knowledge and skills to contribute to national development.
“Go into the world remembering that serving Rwandans is your first and primary duty. Let your actions reflect discipline, results, and good choices—because the future of Rwanda is in your hands,” he told the cadets.
He further cautioned them against destructive habits such as alcohol and drug abuse, urging them to lead by example and maintain the high moral standards expected of officers of the RDF.
The Rwanda Military Academy, since its founding in 2000, has become a regional center of excellence in military education, known for its rigorous training, discipline, and contribution to Rwanda’s peacekeeping and defense missions across Africa and beyond.
