A total of 74 officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police (RNP), and Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) have graduated from the Junior Command and Staff Course offered at the RDF Command and Staff College, Nyakinama in Musanze District.

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The 26th intake completed the 22-week course, which prepares officers to undertake command responsibilities up to brigade level, as well as effectively perform military staff functions.

The graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, April 30, and was presided over by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga.

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Gen Muganga commended the graduates and emphasised that the training had shaped them into leaders capable of driving positive change while upholding the core values of patriotism, integrity, and commitment.

"I am confident that this course has prepared you to be proactive and solution-oriented leaders. I urge you to rise to greater challenges and contribute to building the defence force and nation that we all want and deserve,” he said.

He also commended the families of the graduates for their support and resilience during the training period.

Meanwhile, Maj Alain Kirenga emerged as the overall best student and expressed gratitude to the institution, noting that the knowledge and skills acquired would enhance their effectiveness in both command and planning duties.

Capt Orice Kayiranga was recognised as the second-best overall student, while Maj Angelo Birasa ranked third. Maj James Tindifa Hodali received the award for the best command research paper.

Speaking at the graduation, Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, said all participants successfully met the course requirements as mid-level tactical commanders.

He noted that the training had equipped the officers with the competence and character necessary to address both national and international security challenges.