The promotions have been announced in RDF statement released on Thursday 9th September 2021 where five senior military officers are promoted from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel.

Promoted officers include Lt Col Regis Francis Gatarayiha, Lt Col Karangwa Caple Mwezi, Lt Col Patrick Nyirishema, Lt Colonel Lambert Sendegeya and Lt Col Aimable Rudahunga.

Following his promotion, Col Gatarayiha has been appointed to Head of Communications, Electronic and Cyber Security Department in the RDF.

Col Gatarayiha previously served as the Director General of Immigration and Emigration since 2018. He was replaced by ACP Lynder Nkuranga on 6th September 2021.

Among others, Col Patrick Nyirishema once served as the Director General of Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) from July 2014 to December 2020. He was replaced by Dr. Ernest Nsabimana.

As per RDF statement, the promotions and appointment take immediate effect.

Lt Col Patrick Nyirishema has been promoted to the rank of Colonel.

Following his promotion, Col Gatarayiha has been appointed to Head of Communications, Electronic and Cyber Security Department in the RDF.