On 30 May 2025, The Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) hosted a graduation dinner to honor the students of Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) 13, along with faculty members and their respective spouses. The event celebrated the successful completion of a year-long training program.

The Commandant of the College, Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, warmly welcomed the invited guests and expressed his sincere appreciation for their presence, highlighting the importance of their support to both the College’s faculty and students on this significant occasion. 

He paid tribute to the Faculty and Directing Staff for their unwavering dedication and professionalism. Through their mentorship and instruction, the graduating Senior Officers had been intellectually refined and morally equipped with the attitude, skills, and knowledge essential for leadership within today’s complex and unpredictable security environment.

The Guest of Honour was the Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force Reserve Force, Maj Gen Alex KAGAME. Among other distinguished guests were the Executive Secretary of the Northern Province, some Generals and senior officers from RDF Headquarter, representative of 2 Div Comdr, representative the Regional Reserve Force (Northern Province), the Mayor of Musanze District, senior officers from sister security organs, as well as spouses and family members of the students and faculty.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj Gen Alex KAGAME extended his greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the graduating officers. He commended their commitment, resilience, perseverance, and discipline throughout the duration of the course. He urged them to uphold the values they had been taught: integrity, service before self, discipline, and professionalism. “The future will place significant demands upon you,” he stated, “but I am confident that the attitude, skills, and knowledge acquired here will serve you well. Remain steadfast in your commitment to the principles of your respective defence forces, wherever your paths may lead. I encourage you to be exemplary ambassadors of this College, the RDF, and Rwanda, applying the principles and values you have embraced here. May your conduct and dedication reflect the excellence of this institution and the spirit of our nation.”

Representing the students of SCSC 13, Col Dr. Dany GATSINZI addressed the gathering, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the Republic of Rwanda and the Rwanda Defence Force for their vision and commitment to professional military education. He remarked that the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College has earned global recognition, attracting officers from around the world and providing them with strategic insight, operational proficiency, and ethical leadership. He emphasized the academic and professional development achieved over the year-long course, the strong bonds of camaraderie formed among students from twenty nations, and the lasting values of discipline, humility, and shared purpose.

On behalf of the international students, Col Nombuso Nobuhle DLAMINI from the Kingdom of Eswatini delivered a vote of thanks. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Rwanda, the RDF, and the leadership of the College for the invaluable knowledge and experience imparted throughout the course. She remarked: “As allied students, Rwanda was more than a host nation; it was our classroom. Rwanda has provided us with living lessons that transcend any curriculum — from resilience and national unity to the power of visionary leadership. And of course, we shall always treasure the memorable study tours and excursions, which offered us strategic insights into national capabilities while also deepening our cultural understanding. These experiences have broadened our horizons and enriched our learning journey. We return to our respective nations inspired by Rwanda’s path and with renewed commitment to serve our people with similar clarity of purpose.”

Col Dr. Dany Gatsinzi, along with the allied students, presented various tokens of appreciation to the leadership of the RDF and the College as a gesture of gratitude. The evening’s celebrations were further enhanced by lively performances from the RDF Army Band and the traditional cultural troupe “Inganzo Ngari”, which delivered a vibrant and entertaining showcase.

Lt Col Fred Alikira BAGUMA and Lt Col Bahati MBANGWA, the outgoing DS from Uganda and Tanzania, expressed their gratitude to the College and the students’ fraternity for the knowledge and experience gained during their 2 years’ tour of duty.

The dinner was graced by the Army Band and the cultural troupe “Inganzo Ngari,” which put up an exciting performance.