The President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has dismissed Maj. Gen. Martin Nzaramba, Col. Dr. Etienne Uwimana, and 19 other senior and junior officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

The RDF confirmed this development in a statement released on Friday, August 30, 2024.

“H.E. Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Commander-in-Chief has dismissed from RDF Maj Gen Martin Nzaramba, Col. Dr Etienne Uwimana, and 19 other senior and junior officers,” read part of the statement.

Kagame further authorized the dismissal and rescission of contracts of 195 other ranks from RDF.

There has been no reason given for the dismissal of the officers.

The dismissals came hours after Kagame met with RDF generals and senior officers to discuss Rwanda’s peace and security priorities.

Maj. Gen. Nzaramba is the former Director of Gabiro School of Infantry, and Col. Dr. Uwimana is a radiologist and head of the Medical Imaging Department at the military hospital in Kanombe, Kigali. On August 30, 2023, Maj. Gen. Nzaramba was among the top army commanders retired by Kagame.