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The Chief of Civil–Military Cooperation (Chief J9) in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Col Désiré Migambi Mungamba, today delivered a lecture to more than 854 students at the International Technical School of Kigali, urging them to uphold national values and embrace the spirit of heroism.

The engagement was organized at the school level as part of activities marking National Heroes’ Day, which was officially commemorated nationwide on 1 February 2026.

The lecture aimed to enhance students’ awareness and understanding of Rwanda’s culture of heroism, the categories of national heroes, and to instill a heroic ethos that contributes to shaping well-educated citizens grounded in national values.

In his presentation, Col Migambi provided a historical overview of Rwanda’s rich heritage of heroism, highlighting foundational values rooted in heroic acts, including unity, integrity, patriotism, peace, and sustainability.

He noted that these values have historically defined Rwandan identity and strengthened social cohesion, nurtured through traditional institutions such as Itorero and practiced through initiatives like Urugerero (national service).

The Chief J9 also referenced traditional honors such as Umudende, Impotore, and Gucanirwa uruti as longstanding symbols of bravery and dedicated service to the nation. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Rwanda’s historical heroes and connected their legacy to the mission of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) in restoring national unity, dignity, and sovereignty, as well as in stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Col Migambi encouraged the students to uphold national values anchored in heroic action and responsibility. He further urged them to preserve Rwandan culture and language, cautioning against mixing Kinyarwanda with foreign languages in daily communication.

Speaking at the event, Vincent Karake, Deputy Legal Representative of the school’s Board, commended the Rwanda Defence Force leadership for its continued partnership and collaboration with the institution. He noted that the initiative aligns with the school’s vision of instilling national values grounded in a heroic spirit.

He also reminded students that heroic character endures in public memory and encouraged them to pursue actions that build a positive legacy while avoiding conduct that could result in lasting negative consequences.