Musanze, 7 June 2024

On 7 June 2024, 49 Senior Officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police, and 10 Allied Armed Forces from African countries graduated from the one-year-long Senior Command and Staff Course Intake 12.

The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Defence, Hon Juvenal MARIZAMUNDA who urged the graduates to lead by example, uphold the principles of justice, and ensure that their actions are guided by a commitment to the greater good as respective countries look up to them as the future guardians of peace and stability.

“Today, we are here not only to celebrate your individual achievements but also to recognize the collective strength and unity that this esteemed College represents. The Senior Command and Staff College, has nurtured the minds of capable leaders, who have been shaped and molded to face the challenges of our ever-changing world. In such a constantly evolving world, with new security threats and complex global issues, the need for military leaders that comprehend the complexities and dynamics of global, regional, and domestic environments, and their ramifications on national security has become more crucial than ever before,” said Hon Marizamunda.

In his remarks, Hon Minister emphasized that the knowledge, skills, and expertise that graduands acquired during this course will serve them well, as they take on greater responsibilities and leadership roles within the armed forces.

The Commandant giving his welcome remarks

Brig Gen A NYAMVUMBA the RDFCSC Commandant underlined the College’s significant achievements in its one-year-long course.

“On behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College fraternity, it is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome you all to the graduation ceremony of the Senior Command Staff Course 12 here at the Rwanda Defence Force College. Today marks a significant milestone in the career progression of our graduating officers, as they have successfully completed the course and stand on the cusp of assuming greater responsibilities. We are very honored by your presence. Those who have come from within Rwanda and abroad are highly appreciated” Commandant’s remarks on the graduation ceremony of SCSC12” Brig Gen A Nyamvumba said.

The senior officers acquired professional military knowledge designed to help them in their future command and leadership management responsibilities. All 49 graduates were awarded with the ‘Passed Staff College’ symbol and course certificate while 37 were awarded a Master of Arts degree in Security studies by the University of Rwanda.

The UR Vice Chancellor, Dr. Silas Muganga Kayihura, congratulated those who met the University's requirements for the awarded degrees.

The SCSC 12 graduates are from Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

SCSC 12 Graduates.

During the National Anthem.

Maj Ademola Oluwaseun OWOLANA from Nigeria placed first in the order of merit on the course and was awarded the best overall student prize.

Maj Albert Frederick MONYO received the second-best overall.

and lastly, the College Research Paper awards went to Lt Col Dr. Simon Rock NYAGASAZA from RDF.

Maj Engr George OGWANG from UPDF received the Best Allied Student award.

The 37 graduates were awarded a Master of Arts degree in Security Studies.

The ‘psc’ dagger was awarded to the faculty members who have completed 2 consecutive years of teaching or managing training within the RDFCSC in recognition of their hard work and dedication to improve the quality of training.

Group photo with the guests and families.