Senior officers, junior officers and other ranks from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police (RNP), and Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) have completed five-month military career courses at the RDF Combat Training Centre in Gabiro.
The graduation ceremony was held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, marking the completion of intensive training designed to strengthen the professional skills, leadership abilities and operational readiness of personnel from the three security institutions.
Trainees Prepare for Command and Leadership Roles
The courses equipped participants with the knowledge and skills needed to serve as company commanders, platoon commanders, company sergeant majors and platoon sergeants.
The training focused on strengthening military skills, tactical thinking, planning, leadership, administration and management. It also prepared the trainees to undertake different command and staff responsibilities within their respective institutions.
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RDF Chief of Defence Staff Congratulates Graduates
Presiding over the graduation ceremony, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK MUBARAKH, congratulated the graduates for their commitment, discipline and sacrifice throughout the five-month training.
Gen MUBARAKH emphasized the importance of continuous and demanding training in preparing soldiers to perform physically and mentally challenging duties effectively. “For good performance, a soldier must undertake vigorous and continuous training. Military training prepares individuals to perform physically and mentally demanding tasks at the highest possible levels of proficiency.”
He said training contributes to achievements both during military operations and in routine duties. He added that the program was in line with the leadership guidance of the Commander in Chief of the RDF.
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Graduates Urged to Maintain Discipline
Gen MUBARAKH encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired during the course in their new assignments.
He also urged them to maintain discipline, which remains one of the fundamental principles of the RDF.
The training is part of continued efforts to maintain a professional and well-prepared security force capable of responding effectively to current and emerging security challenges.
Graduates Highlight Benefits of the Training
Among the graduates was Capt Godfrey Kagabo, who said the training had equipped him with skills to prepare for, engage and ultimately defeat an enemy in the context of modern warfare.
Capt Betty Mukunzi said the course had strengthened her confidence in command and prepared her to take on greater leadership responsibilities. She also emphasized that effective leadership is not determined by gender.
The rigorous five-month training covered military skills, tactical thinking, planning, leadership, administration and management.
The programme was designed to prepare officers and non-commissioned officers for various command and staff responsibilities within the RDF, RNP and RCS.
Strengthening Rwanda’s Security Institutions
The graduation marks another milestone in Rwanda’s efforts to professionalize its security personnel and strengthen their ability to respond to current and future security challenges.
The newly trained personnel are expected to use the skills and experience gained during the course to improve their performance, strengthen leadership within their units and contribute to the overall effectiveness of Rwanda’s security institutions.
