UPDF SENIOR COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE FACULTY AND STUDENTS VISIT RDF HEADQUARTERS

Kigali, 25 March 2025

A delegation of 27 faculty staff and students from Uganda’s Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC), Kimaka, led by Col Martin Sunday Byegarazo, the College Coordinator, visited the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) headquarters today. The delegation was received by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General MK Mubarakh.

In his welcome address, General Mubarakh highlighted the longstanding and strong relationship between the RDF and the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), especially in terms of force development.

“The RDF and UPDF have enjoyed strong, cordial relations for many years, dating back to our liberation struggles. We are pleased that our Armed Forces continue to strengthen the existing special bond through various programmes, including the exchange of student officers and Directing Staff between the UPDF Command and Staff College and the RDF Command and Staff College. This initiative plays a critical role in the professional development of our forces. It contributes to the growth of our military leaders who are trained to effectively address prevailing security challenges, including cross-border crimes, in diverse operational environments,” the CDS emphasised.

The delegation received a comprehensive briefing on RDF’s transformation and its contributions to continental security from Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Defence Spokesperson.

Col Martin Sunday Byegarazo, head of the delegation, explained that the purpose of the visit was to expand the students' understanding and gain valuable insights into national and international affairs, global politics, security studies, and international relations.

As part of their seven-day official visit to Rwanda, the delegation also paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and later visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.

Their itinerary includes visits to the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) in Nyakinama, Zigama CSS and several other key government institutions.