Gako, 4 August 2025

Eighty-one Rwanda Defence Force officers were today awarded a bachelors degree after completing academic courses in General Medicine and Surgery, Social and Military sciences at Rwanda Military Academy (RMA)- Gako. The program is run jointly by RMA in partnership with the University of Rwanda (UR). The officers include 20 graduates in general medicine and 61 graduates in Social and Military Science.

The ceremony was officiated by the Honorable Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, along with the UR Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Didas Kayihura Muganga. The event was also attended by the Minister of Education, Honorable Joseph Nsengimana, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh and other senior Government and Military officials  

In his speech, Minister Marizamunda emphasised on the importance of education. ‘’In this era of rapid technological transformation and global challenges, education is not merely a tool. It is a strategic imperative’’ he said.

He congratulated the officers and stressed that the event was a defining moment in their journey . ‘’A celebration of years of unwavering dedication, discipline and academic achievement’’ he noted.

He noted that Rwanda’s defence policy on education focuses on equipping the RDF with the knowledge and skills necessary for national defence and regional security. This includes formal education programs, specialised training, and partnerships for professional development.
He further expressed gratitude to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the RDF for providing a high standard enabling environment for education within Rwanda Defence Force. He also commended the leadership and faculty of the University of Rwanda for the excellent partnership and dedication in shaping the next generation of military leaders.

The UR Vice Chancellor, Ass. Prof. Didas Kayihura Muganga said that the graduation was a testament to graduates’ dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence. ‘’Your achievement today represents far more than academic success; it embodies the service to our nation. As medical professionals and social military science specialists, you have chosen the paths that place the welfare of others at the centre of your professional calling.’’

He reminded the graduates that as they get back to their respective roles in service to the nation, they carry with them the hope and high expectations of the people. He urged them to exhibit the highest level of professionalism, compassion and leadership.

The Rwanda Military Academy previously graduated cadets through the Officer basic training course. However, it introduced bachelor’s degree in various subjects including: General Medecine and Surgery, social and military science, Mechanical engineering, Computer engineering, Civil engineering, General Nursing, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Law.