In a recent press release, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) unveiled a series of significant promotions and appointments, highlighting the nation’s commitment to enhancing its military healthcare services and bolstering leadership within the armed forces.
Approved by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, these appointments signal a strategic move towards strengthening the RDF’s capabilities and ensuring the welfare of its personnel.
The most notable development is the establishment of the RDF Military Health Service, a crucial initiative aimed at providing comprehensive medical support to Rwanda’s armed forces. Leading this initiative as the Chief of Staff of the Medical Health Service is Major General Dr. Ephrem Rurangwa. With extensive experience in managing Rwanda’s primary military hospital, the Rwanda Military Hospital located in Kicukiro District, Kanombe Sector, Maj Gen Dr. Rurangwa brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.
Furthermore, the RDF has promoted and appointed several key individuals to key positions within the newly formed Military Health Service:
- Brigadier General Dr. John Nkurikiye, an Eye specialist, has been promoted and appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Medical Health Service.
- Brigadier General Dr. Jean Paul Bitega assumes the role of Commander of Medical Operations Command.
- Brigadier General Dr. Eugene Ngoga is appointed as the Commandant of the Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital after his promotion.
- Brigadier General Dr. Chrysostome Kagimbana takes on the role of Commander of Medical Regional Support Facilities following his promotion.
- Colonel Dr. Eric Seruyange has been designated as the Director of Epidemiology and Public Health.
- Lieutenant Colonel Leon Ruvugabigwi will serve as the Director of Drugs and Materials.
- Lieutenant Colonel Dr.Vincent Sugira is appointed as the Director of Medical Training, Research, and Innovation.
In addition to these appointments within the Military Health Service, several other key positions within the RDF have been confirmed:
- Brigadier General Franco Rutagengwa is appointed as the Commandant of the Rwanda Military Academy, Gako.
- Colonel Lambert Sendegeya assumes the role of Chief J1.
- Colonel Faustin K Nsanzabera is designated as Chief J6.
- Colonel Ignace Tuyisenge takes on the role of Commander of the Military Police Brigade.
- Colonel Pacifique Kabanda is appointed as the Military Prosecutor General.
- Colonel Seraphine Nyirasafari will serve as the Director of CIMIC – J9 RDF HQ.
- Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Ruzibiza is appointed as the Deputy Brigade Commander of the 309th Brigade.
- Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Ngirinshuti assumes the role of Ordnance Regiment Commander.
- Lieutenant Colonel Jean de Dieu Kayinamura is appointed as the Managing Director of Loyal Trust Company Ltd.
These appointments and promotions are effective immediately, underscoring the RDF’s commitment to organizational efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate to safeguard Rwanda’s national security and promote stability in the region.