President Paul Kagame has approved the retirement of more than 1,400 Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) personnel, including three generals and more than 150 officers, after completing their military service.
A statement issued by RDF on Saturday said a total of 1,443 soldiers have been granted retirement, comprising three generals, 74 senior officers, 78 junior officers and 1,288 personnel from different ranks.
The retired generals are Maj Gen Emmanuel Bayingana, Maj Gen Vincent Gatama and Brig Gen Albert Rugambwa.
The announcement follows a retirement ceremony held on Friday at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura, where the outgoing officers were honoured for their years of service to the nation.
Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda, representing President Kagame, commended the retirees for their commitment and sacrifice, particularly their contribution to the liberation struggle, stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and rebuilding Rwanda.
He said their service played an important role in transforming RDF into a professional and respected force through peacekeeping missions and international security cooperation.
RDF Chief of Defence Staff Gen MK Mubarakh praised the retiring personnel for their patriotism, discipline and professionalism, saying their experience and mentorship had helped shape younger generations of soldiers.
Maj Gen Vincent Gatama retires after serving in several senior command positions, including leading Rwanda’s security forces deployed in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, in counter-terrorism operations. He also previously commanded RDF’s 2nd and 4th Divisions and served as head of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF).
Brig Gen Albert Rugambwa, who also leaves active service, served as Commander of the 201 Brigade in Western Rwanda. He previously commanded military operations in the Eastern Province, where he contributed to strengthening security initiatives and community-based crime prevention efforts.
Rugambwa was among the RDF officers who participated in efforts to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and restore national security. He was also recognised for engaging young people through programmes promoting knowledge of Rwanda’s history and patriotism.
Maj Gen Emmanuel Bayingana retires after holding several key positions, including Rwanda’s Ambassador to Israel, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
He was appointed Chief of Staff of the Air Force in 2019 and previously served as Managing Director of Zigama Credit and Savings Society.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Bayingana thanked President Kagame for his leadership in building a strong and united RDF, pledging that retired officers would continue contributing to Rwanda’s development while upholding military values.
The retirement process concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the outgoing personnel in recognition of their distinguished service.
