The Minister of Internal Security, Dr. Vincent Biruta, representing President Paul Kagame, has officiated the graduation of 146 trainees who formally joined the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) as junior officers.
The ceremony was held on Friday, May 23, 2026, at the RCS Training School in Rwamagana, where the graduates had completed a year-long training programme.
A total of 146 candidates completed the course, including 21 women. The cohort comprised 84 serving staff undergoing in-service training and 62 recruits from civilian backgrounds.
The programme began in January 2025 with 152 trainees, including 25 women. Six candidates did not complete the training for various reasons.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to the top-performing graduates. Jonathan Ishimwe placed third, Officer Charles Imanirarora came second, while Gilbert Habyarimana emerged top of the cohort and received a medal in recognition of his performance.
The Commandant of the training school, Supt. Tony Valens Mutuyimana, said the trainees were equipped with skills in correctional management, leadership, security operations, and professional conduct.
“They were trained in security management, leadership, professionalism, and discipline in all their duties,” he said.
Following the graduation, the officers were formally commissioned into the junior officer cadre of the Rwanda Correctional Service.
Minister Biruta said the RCS plays a critical role in managing offenders in a way that respects human rights while supporting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
He noted that government reforms have strengthened the institution through improved capacity, infrastructure, and training systems, including the establishment of the RCS Training School in Rwamagana.
“The institution was created to prepare Rwandans entering this profession and equip them with the necessary skills at different levels,” he said.
Biruta added that government will continue to support RCS in expanding training capacity, increasing skilled personnel, and strengthening continuous professional development.
He emphasized that these efforts are aimed at transforming correctional facilities into true rehabilitation centres that prepare inmates to return to society as responsible citizens.
