Musanze, 9 June 2023

On 9 June 2023, 48 Senior Officers from 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-11.

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 ensures 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.

“As you move forward in your careers, you will face countless tests and trials. But I have faith in your ability to overcome them and to emerge stronger, for you have been equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle any challenge head-on. I believe that the experience gained from your time here, through interactions with your instructors, colleagues will contribute to our national and regional security,” the Minister said.

Col JC NGENDAHIMANA the RDFCSC Deputy Commandant underlined the College’s significant achievements in its one year long course.

The senior officers acquired professional military knowledge designed to help them in their future command and leadership management responsibilities. All 48 graduates were awarded with the ‘Passed Staff College’ symbol and course certificate while 36 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 had met the University requirements for the awarded degrees.

Maj John KABANDANA from RDF placed first in the order of merit on the course and was awarded the best overall student prize. The second best overall and best College Research Paper awards went to Maj Mohammed YUSUF from Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Lt Col L Kissa KADALUKA from Malawi received the best Allied Student award.

The ‘psc’ dagger was awarded to the 9 members of the faculty who have completed 2 consecutive years teaching or managing training within the RDFCSC in recognition of their hard work and dedication to improve the quality of training. Members of faculty who were awarded of dagger (psc+) are: Lt Col DB MUTAYOMBA (CI - Rwanda), Lt Col CV MWAMUNYANGE (DS - Tanzania), Lt Col C KAMANDA (CC JCSC - Rwanda), Lt Col DO MUNYUA (DS - Uganda), Lt Col JP RULISA (DS - Rwanda), Lt Col A KAREMERA (DS - Rwanda), Lt Col A KAMASA (DS - Rwanda), Lt Col JC KALISA (DS - Rwanda) and Lt Col P DUSABE (DS - Rwanda).

The SCSC 11 graduates are from Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

SCSC 11 Graduates

The Guest of Honour and CDS during the National Anthem

The Deputy Commandant giving his welcome remarks

The UR Vice Chancellor congratulates the graduates

The Guest of Honor delivering his Keynote Address

Maj J KABANDANA the best overall student receiving his award

Maj Mohammed YUSUF, the second best overall and best Research Paper student

Lt Col L K KADALUKA receiving the best Allied Student award

The 36 graduates were awarded a Master of Arts degree in Security studies

UR Principal Staff and Lecturers for MA in security studies

The members of the faculty who were awarded the ‘psc’ dagger

The Guest of Honour signing the visitor’s book

Some of the invited guests witnessing the signing of the Visitor’s book

Group photo with the guests

Group photo with families

Lt Col CV MWAMUNYANGE the DS from Tanzania, awarded token of appreciation for recognition of her hard work at RDFCSC

Lt Col DO MUNYUA the DS from Uganda, awarded token of appreciation for recognition of his hard work at RDFCSC

Farewell to outgoing DS from Tanzania and Uganda

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The End