Rwanda opens EAC Non Commissioned Officers’ Centre of Excellence

Minister James Kabarebe and Jacqueline Muhangayire unveiling the center of excellence

The Minister of Defence, Gen James Kabarebe and the Minister for East African Community (EAC), Hon. Jacqueline Muhongayire on Monday inaugurated the EAC Non Commissioned Officers’ (NCOs) Centre of Excellence at RDF Combat Training Centre in Gabiro, Nyagatare District.

The inauguration also marked the official opening of the Sergeant Major’s Course intake 01 by the Hon Minister of Defence. The Course is attended by 80 NCOs from 4 EAC Partner States.

Addressing the gathering, Minister James Kabarebe said that the joint training will facilitate the harmonisation of doctrine among EAC Defence Forces.

“Joint training of our Armed Forces from sister Partner States will help us to achieve a harmonized doctrine to facilitate interoperability of forces during exercises and future multinational operations”, stated Minister James Kabarebe.

According to RDF, The inaugurated NCO Centre of Excellence is in line with the implementation of EAC Sectoral Council decision on Defence Cooperation and in accordance with Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, article three that the Centre was adopted unanimously as the “EAC NCO Centre of Excellence”.

The Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba noted in his remarks that the launched EAC NCO Centre of Excellence will develop the readiness of EAC Defence Forces to effectively respond to security challenges.

“The Centre will equip the NCOs here present with the necessary knowledge since they are considered as the backbone of our Defence Forces”, reiterated Gen Nyamvumba.

Col Denis Rutaha, Commandant of RDF Combat Training Centre, Gabiro said that the Training Facility will offer the Course Participants skills in tactics, leadership, human resource management, military ethics and values. The Sergeant Major Course intake 01/13 will last for 12 weeks.

The twin ceremony was also attended by Representatives of Chief of Defence Staff of EAC partner Defence Forces, namely Maj Gen Levi Karuhanga from Uganda, Maj Gen Charles Jitenga from Tanzania and Brig Gen Théodore Kanderege of Burundi.