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Kagame argues Senior Officers to Lead with Integrity, Purpose
President Paul Kagame has argued the graduating RDF Senior Command and Staff Course officers to develop courage, sharp judgment, and a strong sense of purpose, calling them vital traits for navigating today's complex security environment.
Kagame delivered this message during the graduation ceremony for the 14th intake on Friday, June 12 at the RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District.
A total of 108 senior officers from the RDF, the Rwanda National Police (RNP), and 19 friendly nations completed the 46-week programme.
The University of Rwanda partnered with the college to deliver the course.
The studies included operational planning, joint command exercises, and mission simulations. These lessons prepare officers for high-level command responsibilities.
All graduates earned the Passed Staff College qualification. Additionally, 55 officers received a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the University of Rwanda.
“You arrived here as experienced professionals and are now leaving with broader knowledge, sharper strategic awareness, and greater responsibility,” Kagame told the officers.
He highlighted the value of multinational cooperation. The group included officers from Rwanda and partner countries across the region and beyond.
“The value of the connection that you have made here cannot be overstated. When officers who trained together meet in operations, regional engagements or moments of crisis, they already possess an understanding that strengthens cooperation.”
The President said the programme prepares commanding officers for difficult operational environments.
“There are, however, certain qualities that we cannot give you that you must personally cultivate. The first is courage... courage is what enables a leader to act decisively despite uncertainty and competing pressures,” Kagame said.
He identified judgment as the second key quality. He noted that greater responsibility brings greater consequences.
Kagame said purpose is the third essential quality. It comes from a clear understanding of who the leaders serve.
“For Rwanda that purpose is anchored in protecting our people and sovereignty while advancing the continued transformation of our country,” he added.
He told the officers that values and approach define leadership more than ability alone.
“The question before you now is not whether you can lead but how you lead,” he said.
Kagame noted that discipline and professionalism built the RDF’s reputation. Future leaders must sustain these standards.
“That responsibility now extends more directly to you. The environment in which you serve will continue to evolve with new technologies and threats that demand constant adaptation. The choices you make therefore, from this point forward, will influence not only operations but also the culture, standard and effectiveness of the institutions entrusted to you,” Kagame noted.
“You must lead with integrity and never stop learning and improving,” he added.
During the ceremony, President Kagame awarded the top-performing officers.
Lt Col Walter Kageruka of the RDF became the overall best student. Lt Col Simon Ndungu Wamwea of Kenya took second place, and Lt Col Patrick Nii Lante Anang of Ghana took third.
