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The Defence Spokesperson and Director General of International Military Cooperation, Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, today addressed participants in the National Induction Programme (NIP) at the RDF Combat Training Centre in Gabiro, Gatsibo District. The programme aims to strengthen coordination, collaboration, accountability and ethical leadership in order to promote effective, citizen-centred service delivery and advance national development priorities.

The session was held under the theme "From National Vision to Public Purpose", underscoring the responsibility of public servants to translate the national vision into practical policies, programmes and decisions that improve people's lives, strengthen public institutions and support sustainable development.

The month-long National Induction Programme brings together four cohorts, each comprising approximately 200 participants from various public institutions. Participants will attend a series of interconnected sessions covering key topics, including Rwanda's Vision 2050 and the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

Addressing the first cohort, Brig Gen Karuretwa emphasised that public servants are at the heart of national development. He noted that Rwanda's success depends on their commitment to public service, their ability to adapt to the evolving needs of society and their capacity to make informed decisions that benefit the population.

"The public service is the instrument through which a vision becomes a reality. Without it, Vision 2050 is a beautiful document on a shelf. Vision 2050 is not only about income. Its second goal is high-quality living standards for every Rwandan: a longer, healthier life, decent work, a modern home, safety, and services that come to the citizen instead of the citizen running after them," Brig Gen Karuretwa said.

Drawing on the practical example of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Brig Gen Karuretwa explained that NST2 places peace and security within the broader framework of transformational governance, while peace and security remain the RDF's primary mission. He emphasised that the RDF recognises its overarching responsibility to serve the Rwandan people.

He added that, through the annual Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme, soldiers, medical personnel and engineers work alongside local leaders to improve citizens' living standards, thereby contributing to national development.

Brig Gen Karuretwa urged participants to reflect on how their daily responsibilities align with Rwanda's national ambitions and to ensure that their work delivers tangible results for citizens.