Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, has officially launched the first intake of the 2026/27 academic year at the Rwanda Defence College, welcoming senior military officers beginning an 11-month training programme.
The launch of Course 1-26/27 also marked the start of the college’s first training programme, with its leadership and teaching staff set to oversee the course.
The Rwanda Defence College is located in Bumbogo Sector, Gasabo District, Kigali.
Speaking at the launch, Marizamunda said the programme marked an important step in strengthening military education and professional training based on knowledge and expertise.
The Rwanda Defence College is part of the Rwanda Military University and was established following directives from President Paul Kagame, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), to provide advanced education and training in military leadership and strategic management.
Marizamunda said senior military leadership requires more than military knowledge and operational skills. He said senior commanders must also understand the country’s strategic priorities and be able to connect military capabilities and resources with economic considerations, diplomacy and the protection of national interests.
Addressing the officers taking part in the programme, the Defence Minister urged them to regard their selection as an important responsibility.
He encouraged them to develop broad and critical thinking, promote knowledge-based discussions and use the training to strengthen their analytical abilities and strategic vision as senior leaders.
Marizamunda also commended the college’s leadership and instructors, emphasising the importance of maintaining high professional standards, conducting relevant research and promoting innovative thinking.
He said the launch of the Rwanda Defence College was more than a formal ceremony, describing it as a demonstration of Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening professional military education and training, national security and strategic leadership within the armed forces.
