Musanze, 27 May 2016

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Patrick Nyamvumba on 27 May 2016 presided over the graduation ceremony of 39 RDF officers completing the Junior Command and Staff Course, Intake Seven (07/16). The ceremony took place at the RDF Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) Nyakinama, in Musanze District.

In his remarks, the CDS congratulated the graduating officers for successfully completing the 16 weeks course and urged them to remain focused on the role of RDF in the transformation and the development of Rwanda.

Gen Nyamvumba further expressed his belief that, upon their completion of the course, the officers were 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 characterize 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", he strongly urged the graduands.

Graduating officers following CDS remarks

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.

In his remarks, the RDFCSC Commandant, Maj Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, said that the officers had 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”, the Commandant said.

Major Joseph Nyiringabo Kabanda, the overall best student of the graduating class, revealed to the media that the course was very useful as far as performing command and staff duties was concerned. “The Course was very important to perform both Staff officer and Commander duties. I feel I can be multipurpose in each and every military position”, the officer said.

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