The Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), President Paul Kagame, yesterday, promoted 29 senior military officers.

According to a statement signed by the Military and Defence Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita, the promotions were in appreciation of exemplary service.

The highest among the promotions was that of Lieutenant General Karenzi Karake, from the rank Major General. Karake is currently the Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).  He previously served as the first deputy force commander of the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Mission Darfur (UNAMID).  Rwanda’s contingent within UNAMID, which is now under the leadership of Rwanda’s Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, constitutes 3200 peace keepers.

The officers have played a central role in peace keeping in Darfur while widely being respected for their discipline and professionalism.

Five other RDF officers have been promoted from the rank of Brigadier General to Major General. They include ; Kamanzi Mushyo; commandant, Rwanda Military Academy – Gako and former AMIS force commander; Alex Kagame, Second Division Commander; Augustine Turagara; Commandant,  General Headquarters;  Jacques Musemakweli, head, J5 RDF Headquarters; and Mubarak Muganga, who served as the Fourth Division Commander before going for a course abroad.

Sixteen other officers have also been promoted to the rank of Brigadier General from Colonel. They include George Rwigamba, Andrew Kagame, Damali Muzungu, Emmy Ruvusha, Aloys Muganga, Charles Karamba, Albert Murasira, Emmanuel Bayingana, Innocent Kabandana, Joseph Nzabamwita, Dr Charles Rudakubana, Johnson Hodari, Laurent JJ Mupenzi, Vincent Gatama, Ferdinand Safari and Gacinya Rugumya. To the rank of Colonel, Francis Mutiganda, Emmanuel Rugazora, Fred Muziraguhagarara and Vincent Nyakarundi have been promoted. Others included Silas Udahemuka, Kakira Rwakabi and Happy Ruvusha.

"These promotions are aimed at empowering them to continue doing better in their current and future responsibilities,” Brig. Gen. Nzabamwita told The New Times yesterday evening.