Rwandan President Paul Kagame yesterday passed over 500 officer cadets to join the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
The officers numbering 568 graduated with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, having undergone training at the Rwanda Military Academy in Bugesera District.
Another cohort of 24 officers, who completed their training aboard also joined the group at the pass out event.
Among 24, was President Kagame’s son Ian Kagame, who recently completed his military training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst UK
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) is one of the most prestigious military academies in the UK where all officers in the British Army are trained.
During training, all officer cadets learn to live by the academy’s motto: ‘Serve to Lead’.
Speaking during the pass out event yesterday, President Kagame said the officers were equipped with a skill-set of knowledge in diverse disciplines that enables them to fit in other professional roles beyond military service in the country and beyond.
President Kagame tasked them to deliver on their duties while upholding discipline.
“It would not make sense for you to spend all this time here training and then after you end up being dishonourably discharged or punished in any other way because of indiscipline,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the First Son received several congratulatory messages from different people including members of the First Family.
His mother, Jeannette Kagame described the achievement as “such a proud moment!”
“Congratulations Ian, thank you for the joy you brought us! This ceremony was one for the books!”
“Congratulations Tonton Ian,” tweeted his sister Ange. “Proud is an understatement”
Ian is the third born and second youngest son to President Kagame.
