President Kagame sacks over 200 soldiers from army
President Paul Kagame has dismissed over 200 military personnel from the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), including 21 senior and junior officers, the military announced Friday.
Among those dismissed were Maj. Gen. Martin Nzaramba and Col. Etienne Uwimana, along with 19 other senior and junior officers, according to a statement issued by the RDF.
In addition, the president, who is also the Commander in Chief, authorized the termination of contracts for 195 other ranks within the RDF.
RDF spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga said Nzaramba and other officers were sacked after being implicated in corruption and misconduct.
Nzaramba, who served as Commandant of Nasho Basic Military Training Centre, had been retired from the military in August 2023.
“Maj Gen Nzaramba was dismissed for corruption and misappropriation of funds meant for soldiers’ welfare during his service as Commandant of Basic Military Training Centre, Nasho,” Rwivanga said.
On the other hand, Uwimana, who worked as a medical doctor at Rwanda Military Hospital, was fired over “gross misconduct and violation of RDF ethics and values.”
Noting that other cases of dismissal were linked to corruption and gross misconduct, Rwivanga said the “RDF remains firm in its policy of zero tolerance to corruption, gross indiscipline and misconduct.”
