The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Patrick Nyamvumba, last Friday presided over the pass out of 39 RDF officers after they concluded a command course at the RDF Command and Staff College in Musanze District.

The officers underwent the Junior Command and Staff Course, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.

Gen Nyamvumba congratulated the graduating officers for successfully completing the course and urged them to remain focused on the role of RDF in the transformation and the development of Rwanda.

He also expressed his belief in the fact that at their course completion, the officers are better equipped with required skills to effectively execute their future assignments.

"I have no doubt that you now understand better the complexities and dynamics that characterise the current national and international security environment and how they impact on the military operations at all levels.

"It is your responsibility therefore that what you have learnt from this course and anywhere else be applied in your respective units,” Gen Nyamvumba said.

The CDS also took time to express his gratitude to the spouses of the graduating officers. "I sincerely thank you for the support you have been giving to our officers,” Gen Nyamvumba said.

The College Commandant, Maj Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, said, during the course, the officers have positively improved their character, enhanced their capacities and acquired more analytical power, knowledge, planning and communication skills to work more efficiently for their institution and for their nation than before.

"The college feels proud once again for this significant milestone in our officers’ professional development,” Gen Kazura said.

Maj Joseph Nyiringabo Kabanda, the overall best student of the graduating class, told the media that the course was very useful as far as performing command and staff duties is concerned.

"The course was very important to perform both staff officer and command duties. I feel I can be multipurpose in each and every military position,” Maj Kabanda said.

The best Commandant Research Paper was awarded to Maj Stella Uwineza, who was also declared the second overall best student.

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