On Monday, July 28, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) officially bid farewell—for the 13th time—to soldiers entering retirement or completing their service contracts, in gratitude for their dedicated service to the nation.
According to RDF, the ceremony honored officers of all ranks: Generals, Senior Officers (from Major to Colonel), Junior Officers, and other soldiers.
The generals and senior officers’ ceremony was held at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura, while junior officers and other retiring soldiers were celebrated at their respective divisional headquarters—with those based in Kigali honored at Kanombe Military Camp.
The retirement ceremony was led by the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, on behalf of Commander-in-Chief (President Paul Kagame).
Also attending were Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, and the spouses of those retiring.
In President Kagame’s name, Minister Marizamunda thanked the retirees for their service to Rwanda during critical times, saying:
“You stood firm during the liberation struggle, helped end the genocide against the Tutsi, and played a major role in rebuilding this nation. You helped transform the RDF into a respected, professional military—both nationally and internationally. Your military contribution has left an enduring legacy.”
Minister Marizamunda reminded the retirees that, although retiring, their experience and wisdom remain vital to national development and urged them to continue identifying as members of the RDF.
Gen. Mubarakh Muganga praised their sacrifice, dedication, and significant contributions, highlighting their integrity as soldiers and encouraged them to continue collaborating with the broader Rwandan community in national development efforts:
“Today is a meaningful day for committed soldiers. Though you retire from military service, you do not retire from the values that define RDF. These values will continue guiding you and prepare you for service anytime you are called.”
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Wilson Gumisiriza, speaking on behalf of those retiring, expressed pride in Rwanda’s progress and in his and his colleagues’ role in building RDF into a respected institution:
“We thank the President for his visionary leadership that transformed RDF into a highly respected force both within Rwanda and abroad.”
He added:
“Even though we retire from duty, we remain ready and willing to serve our country whenever called. Today we may remove our military uniform, but we will never relinquish our responsibilities to the nation.”
Retirees included personnel from all levels—from generals to junior officers—with Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Wilson Gumisiriza, former commander of the Armoured Division, among those honored.
