Proud moment as President Kagame’s son join Rwandese Army
By Wangu KanuriRwandan First Lady Jeannette Kagame has shared photo of her son Ian who has joined the country’s military.
Ian was among 568 officer cadets commissioned at Rwanda Military Academy – Gako at a pass-out parade presided over by President Paul Kagame.
“Such a proud moment. Congratulations Ian, thank-you for the joy you brought us. This ceremony was one for the books,” Mrs Kagame tweeted.
Such a proud moment!
Congratulations Ian, thank you for the joy you brought us! This ceremony was one for the books! pic.twitter.com/qYtk5KwWXm
— First Lady of Rwanda (@FirstLadyRwanda) November 4, 2022
Ian joined the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK on August 8, 2021 and graduated on August 12, this year when he was awarded Second Lieutenant rank.
Also read: Paul Kagame’s son graduates at UK’s military academy
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is one of the best Military academies in the UK, attended by sons of world leaders, including President Yoweri Museveni’s controversial son Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who graduated in 2000.
Today, Friday 12 Aug 22, Ian Kagame, Park Udahemuka and David Nsengiyumva graduated and were commissioned to the rank of 2nd Lieutnant at a ceremony at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst UK. https://t.co/uyRGiVAAwv pic.twitter.com/TVjpMk5Asn
— Rwanda Defence Force (@RwandaMoD) August 12, 2022
Ian was among 24 cadets trained abroad, who joined the pass-out parade on Friday. They others had been trained in Rwanda.
Ian is the third-born and second youngest son of President Kagame. His military courses generated interest in the East African region months after he joined the college.
Also read: President Paul Kagame honors Sauti Sol with gorilla naming ceremony
Sending him a message of good luck, Muhoozi tweeted, “Officer Cadet Ian Kagame, I wish you all the best in Sandhurst! Be strong, be very fit and let nobody intimidate you! You were always strong even as a young child. I remember you fighting your father and me. Focus on the course alone and you will make it! I am proud of you!”
Officer Cadet Ian Kagame, I wish you all the best in Sandhurst! Be strong, be very fit and let nobody intimidate you! You were always strong even as a young child. I remember you fighting your father and me. Focus on the course alone and you will make it! I am proud of you! pic.twitter.com/5IB0Rbb3aY
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) February 23, 2022
It is speculated that Lieutenant Ian is being groomed to take over from his father. With this training, he is expected to be promoted in the Army.
In 2015, Rwandans voted in a referendum and changed the constitution to allow President Kagame to extend his term in office, possibly until 2034.
Kagame, 58, has been president since 2000 but has been effective in control since his rebel force marched into Kigali in 1994 to end a genocide.