Rwanda has officially launched the Defence College of Health Sciences, with authorities setting an ambition for the institution to become one of Africa’s leading centres for military medical education, research and innovation.
The college began its first academic programme on Friday, October 2, 2026, after Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda officially welcomed its first cohort of students at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako.
The new institution is expected to strengthen specialised medical education within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) while developing the professional and technical capacity of military health personnel.
Speaking at the launch, Marizamunda said the college would bring together military training and modern medical practice, preparing health professionals to provide medical services in different military environments.
“The Defence College of Health Sciences is intended to bring together military knowledge and medical professionalism. It will serve as a centre for specialised military medical education, combining medical expertise and capabilities needed both in peacetime and in challenging operational environments,” he said.
The minister said establishing the college demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing medical education and improving healthcare services provided to members of the armed forces.
He added that the institution would also contribute to research, innovation and the development of leadership capacity in military healthcare, while providing advanced training in specialised medical fields.
According to Marizamunda, strengthening military medical education will help the RDF respond more effectively to changing demands associated with military operations.
Addressing the first cohort, he described the students as pioneers in the institution’s development and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity while preparing for the challenges ahead.
“You are the first to begin this journey at the college. Your decision to serve your country through military healthcare is commendable. The road ahead will have challenges, but it will also provide opportunities for significant achievement,” he said.
Yeshigeta Gelaw, head of the Defence College of Health Sciences, said the institution would focus on producing highly skilled military medical professionals while placing emphasis on academic excellence, professional development, research and innovation.
“Today, we are not simply opening a new college. We are introducing a new approach in Rwanda, built around excellence in education, service, research and innovation. We are beginning a journey towards the future with a clear and unwavering ambition for this college to become one of the leading institutions of health sciences in Africa,” he said.
The launch marks a new phase in Rwanda’s military medical education, creating a dedicated platform for developing specialised healthcare expertise while supporting the RDF’s readiness to respond to the medical demands of its operations.
The institution is also expected to contribute to broader advances in military healthcare through research, innovation and specialised professional training.
