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Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Hon. Juvenal Marizamunda, has officially opened the inaugural National Defence College–Rwanda (NDC-R) Course 1-26/27 at Bumbogo Campus. He congratulated the pioneer cohort and welcomed the Senior Directing Staff and civilian faculty who will guide participants throughout the 11-month programme.

Hon. Juvenal Marizamunda described the opening as a historic milestone in Rwanda’s defence and security architecture and a major step in strengthening professional military education. The NDC-R, a constituent organ of the National Defence University-Rwanda, was established following a directive by H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), with the purpose of providing education at the strategic level.

The Minister explained that strategic leadership goes beyond the tactical and operational levels of warfare, requiring leaders to understand national objectives and coordinate military, economic, diplomatic and informational instruments in safeguarding national interests.

Addressing the participants, Hon. Marizamunda urged them to view their selection as a responsibility rather than an award. He challenged them to think broadly and critically, embrace intellectual debate and use the programme to develop the clarity of thought and strategic vision required of senior leaders.

The Minister also thanked the faculty and Senior Directing Staff for their contribution, stressing the importance of professional rigour, impactful research and innovative thinking. He said the opening of the NDC-R was more than a ceremony, describing it as a statement of Rwanda’s commitment to professional military education, national security and strategic leadership.