Capt Michael Nsengiyumva has spent eight years in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). After completing university in 2016, he began looking for employment like many other graduates and was recruited by the Rwanda Stock Exchange after successfully passing the recruitment process.
Although he enjoyed working in finance, a field he had loved since childhood, he later saw a recruitment announcement from the RDF that reminded him of the soldiers he used to watch marching to formation on his way to school. Inspired by those memories, he applied, passed the selection process, and began military training in early 2017.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Capt Nsengiyumva reflected on his journey, why he chose military service, his daily responsibilities, and his message to young Rwandans.
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Life as a Soldier
Speaking about military life, Capt Nsengiyumva said soldiers are ordinary people who have chosen to place their country above personal interests.
He said: “Military life is not that different from normal life. We are human beings like everyone else, except that because of the training you receive and because of the choice you made to put the country first, it may be necessary to even sacrifice yourself for it.”
He added that discipline, perseverance, and remaining focused on one’s goals are essential values for every soldier.
Why He Chose the RDF
Capt Nsengiyumva explained that his interest in the military began during childhood as he watched soldiers marching every morning on his way to school.
As he grew older, he came to understand the role the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) played in liberating the country, which strengthened his desire to serve.
After graduating from university, he admired the RDF’s reputation both within Rwanda and internationally, especially through its peacekeeping missions, turning his childhood dream into a lifelong passion.
Leaving Finance for Military Service
After graduating in April 2016, Capt Nsengiyumva joined the Rwanda Stock Exchange, where he worked in investment advisory, helping investors make financial decisions.
He said he genuinely enjoyed his work and could have built a long-term career in finance.
However, when the RDF announced a new recruitment exercise in February 2017, he felt compelled to answer what he described as a personal calling.
He said: “I looked at the age requirements and saw that I qualified. The education level they required, I saw that I had it… I felt that if I refused to join the military, I would be refusing that invitation.”
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Training That Builds Character
Responding to claims that Cadet training is excessively difficult, Capt Nsengiyumva said military training changes a person’s mindset by teaching discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
He recalled that as a child he found it impossible to imagine soldiers marching for long hours. After joining the RDF, he experienced it himself and realized that determination allows people to accomplish far more than they initially believe.
Advice to Young People
Capt Nsengiyumva encouraged young people, especially those interested in joining the RDF, to develop good character, discipline, and a clear vision for their future.
He said young people should believe they can achieve more than what they currently think is possible and remain committed to contributing to their families and the country’s development.
Speaking about his military career, Capt Nsengiyumva described receiving his first rank as one of the happiest and most memorable moments of his life. He also said that “This is the most important day in your life.”
Serving the Nation Beyond the Battlefield
Capt Nsengiyumva stressed that protecting Rwanda is not limited to times of war.
He explained that the RDF’s guiding principle is putting citizens first by ensuring they live, work, and conduct business in peace and security.
Currently, he serves in administration at the RDF Headquarters while remaining ready to undertake any assignment entrusted to him by his commanders.
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Inspired by Rwanda’s Liberation
Reflecting on the country’s liberation history, Capt Nsengiyumva said he draws inspiration from the leadership shown during the liberation struggle.
He particularly highlighted President Paul Kagame’s decision to leave a comfortable life abroad to join the liberation struggle, describing it as an example of sacrifice and commitment that continues to motivate him.
A Message for Rwanda’s Youth
Capt Nsengiyumva urged young people to develop personal ambitions that align with Rwanda’s national vision.
He encouraged them to avoid destructive behaviours such as drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption, warning that such habits undermine both individual potential and national development.
He also advised young people to embrace technological advancement and continuously update their skills to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
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Ready to Defend Rwanda
Concluding the interview, Capt Nsengiyumva affirmed that today’s generation of RDF officers is fully prepared to safeguard Rwanda’s peace and security.
He said that the values of patriotism and sacrifice continue to be passed from one generation of soldiers to the next, emphasizing that no one should doubt the country’s determination to protect the progress achieved since liberation.
He also said that “No one should have any worries about that. We know the history of where our country came from. No one would want our country to go back into the darkness it came out of.”
