At Gako’s 25th Anniversary, Kagame Commissions 1,029 Junior Officers

The ceremony was held at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, Bugesera District, which is marking its 25th anniversary of training military officers. Among the graduates are 117 women and 42 officers trained abroad.

Brian Kagame, the youngest son of President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, was among those commissioned. He completed his officer training at the Sandhurst Military Academy in the United Kingdom and now joins the RDF alongside his elder brother, Capt. Ian Kagame, who serves in the elite Republican Guard.

“Your mission is to protect Rwanda and its people. Today we are 14 million, but even if we were fewer or more, your duty remains the same: to ensure our nation is safe and not violated by those who wish it harm,” Kagame said. “Rwanda needs peace. We seek peace because we lost it for many years.”

Kagame praised the graduates for their resilience, discipline, and commitment during rigorous training. He also thanked instructors, partner countries that supported the training, and families for encouraging the officers to choose this demanding profession.

The president awarded top performers, including Emmanuel Kayitare as overall best student, Jean de Dieu Iyakaremye for the one-year course, Yves Ndamukunda for the four-year program, and Dan Bakangambira from Uganda among international cadets.

Brig. Gen. Franco Rutagengwa, Commandant of the academy, noted that 36 cadets did not complete training due to health, academic, or conduct issues. He called on the graduates to uphold professionalism and discipline in their service.

Kagame emphasized that their role begins immediately, requiring sacrifice, integrity, and commitment to the nation, families, and society at large.