President Paul Kagame has urged senior officers of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) to increase collaboration with other regional forces to ensure that the East African region and her neighbours maintain security.

The Head of State made the call yesterday while officiating at the graduation of 46 senior officers of the second intake of the RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District, Northern Province.

The graduates comprised 36 officers from Rwanda’s RDF, two officers from the Rwanda National Police (RNP), as well as two officers from each of the other four partner states of the East African Community.

"Security threats recognise no borders which is why we need more cooperation” Kagame said. 

He noted that partnership with East African Community states is key  as the destinies of the member countries are closely linked.

The President urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, discipline, commitment and loyalty if the region is to be fully secure.

"The knowledge and training you have acquired prepares you to take up more challenging leadership responsibilities and defence of our nation and promotion of security in our region,” he told the graduates.

For nearly one year and with the help of instructors from Rwanda and abroad, the senior officers trained in both the art of war and several academic disciplines.

They acquired skills in military, including land operations, intelligence, air operations, stability operations, peace support operations, military history, international relations and conflict management among others.

Kagame commended the RDF for being a force that is respected at home and abroad and called on the Military to adapt to a changing world.

"I feel like I am a changed person,” said Lt. Col. Bedda Tumushabe from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) right after the graduation ceremony.

The graduates said mingling with officers from different countries helped them improve their communication, team work, and leadership skills.

Two female graduates from the intake, Maj. Anchila Kagombola from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and Maj. Belina Kayirangwa of the RDF, admitted that their high ranks in the army will inspire more women to join armed forces and contribute to building their countries.

"We did the same exercises like our brothers and it was possible. Women out there need to set their minds and understand that everything is possible,” Maj. Kayirangwa said.

Maj. Kagombola said she will use her rank to inspire more women to join the service, explaining that women in the army do not look at themselves as such but work in teams with their male counterparts while serving their countries.

Regional defence and security ministers recently adopted the implementation of two security pacts aimed at uniting regional security against threats.

Heads of State of Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, in February this year, signed two pacts that include mutual defence, peace and security.

"We expect them to be operational soon, and I am sure the course you have been undertaking here will go a long way to serve well these interests, not only for our country but also the wider East African countries and beyond,” Kagame said.

The second intake of the course brings the number of senior officers who graduated from the RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama to 91 following the 45 officers who graduated from the pioneer class last year.

"There is no doubt that the senior officers graduating today are able and readt to take on position of responsibility in command and staff appointment within their respective defence institutions,” says Brig Gen Charles Karamba, the college Commandant.