19 October 2018 Rwanda Defense Forces have started conducting annual Physical Fitness Tests (PFT) program for all its personnel. The first participants in this exercise were from level of junior officers to senior officers.

This exercise which is currently ongoing with other army officers will continue until all members of RDF have participated.

Major Patrick Kayinamura, the acting director of sports at RDF says Rwanda Defence Force soldiers are required to take a physical fitness test at least twice a year.

“All participants of today’s PFT accomplished well in three physical exercises in accordance with their corresponding age.

For instance, one of the senior officers recorded over 60 sit-ups in less than two minutes”, revealed Major Kayinamura. The physical fitness test was launched at Kami Barracks in Kinyinya sector, Gasabo district.

The first group of officers who participated in the APFT include those who work at ministry of defence headquarters and RDF affiliated agencies including MMI, Horizon Group, military prosecutor’s office. Military tribunal, AFOS, Central region RDF staff, APTC LTD and LTC. 

He also revealed that the army physical fitness test uses three events to measure physical fitness: push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed two-mile run. Participants must score a minimum of 60 points on each event.

Major Kayinamura noted that sports is key in keeping the forces alert and physically fit for other duties. Physical fitness test among the RDF personnel is an annual exercise that is conducted quarterly.

Lt Umuhire Triphonie attached to military court says that she is excited about the PFT as it gave her the opportunity to measure her physical strengths, abilities, and cardio-respiratory fitness.

"As a soldier in the national army, PFT helps to stimulate all the muscles and to develop a more agile, versatile, lethal and survivable energy” Lt Umuhire said.

Lt Col Charles Safari, director general of the armed forces shop also said that ‘’for soldiers, PFT is about staying alive - It’s about building stamina, endurance, and strength needed in a life of a soldier. He also added that “those who don’t prep get in trouble easily”.