Resilient Leaders, Powerful Mentors: Women in Rwanda’s Security Institutions Inspiring Change

October 10, 2025
Introduction
The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) are security institutions and platforms of transformation, resilience, and mentorship. Women within these organisations have transcended barriers to becoming leaders, role models, and change agents. From the liberation struggle to peacekeeping missions and institutional reforms, their stories illustrate how resilience and mentorship produce transformative leadership that inspires future generations.
Breaking Barriers in Uniform
Women have long played an integral role in Rwanda’s armed struggle and post-genocide reconstruction. Lt. Col. Lydia Bagwaneza began her journey as a young fighter amidst skepticism. In a 2023 New Times interview, she recalled: “At first, even some of my male colleagues doubted us…” [1].

Her perseverance has since resonated throughout the RDF. Maj. (Rtd) Nuriat Kaka, leader of the all-women Yankee Mobile Unit during the liberation war, urged younger women: “We’ve done the structure, please go on and do the small touches…” [2].

Joy, a Member of Ndabaga (the association of women ex-combatants), recounts how her schoolmates in Uganda mocked her for being Rwandan, fueling her determination to return and fight for her country [3] . Col. Stella Uwineza, promoted in 2023, shared that her inspiration came from civic education (Ingando), where she first engaged with military personnel before pursuing training abroad as an engineer and serving in UN missions [4] .

Leadership in Action
Women leaders in Rwanda’s security sector have demonstrated competence in command, operations, and institutional reform. Capt. Mutamba represents women who commanded a platoon during the liberation war. Such contributions in crisis response remain under- documented but essential. DIGP Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza embodies the intersection of military and policing, leading civil–military cooperation initiatives and international engagements in peacekeeping readiness [5] .

Mentorship as a Legacy
Mentorship is deeply woven into RDF and RNP leadership culture. Bagwaneza has become a beacon for younger officers, and her career has offered a roadmap from skepticism to leadership. Tumwebaze, through Ndabaga, encourages women ex-combatants to remain engaged in nation-building, reconciliation, and community mentorship. Col. Uwineza consistently advises young women to seize military opportunities, championing strength, determination, and capability [6] . Yet, mentorship remains informal, mainly relying on personal initiative rather than structured programs.
Balancing Service and Society
Many women leaders balance professional service with family roles. Leaders like Uwineza and Ujeneza exemplify determination in navigating dual responsibilities, proving that resilience transcends the institution and extends into everyday life.
Women in Leadership: RDF
In 2023, the RDF reached a historic milestone by promoting several women to the rank of Colonel for the first time. These officers now serve in key areas such as civil–military cooperation, engineering, command and staff training, and the Air Force, demonstrating Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to gender inclusion and integration of women at the heart of national defence and strategy [7] .
Women in Leadership: RNP
Since its establishment in 2000, the RNP has increased women’s representation from 0.5% to nearly 25%. DIGP Ujeneza stands among the highest-ranking women in the sector, while others lead in aviation, engineering, and community policing. The RNP also organizes annual Women Police Conventions, emphasising leadership development, gender- responsive training, and mentorship [8] .
Institutional Reforms and Engagement
Both RDF and RNP have created frameworks to mainstream gender and support resilience.
The RDF Gender Desk, established in 2007, promotes women’s recruitment, integrates
gender sensitivity into training, and supports GBV prevention. In May 2025, the RDF trained
100 military spouses in Nyamasheke District on family well-being and violence prevention [9] .
The RNP has a Gender Promotion Directorate that ensures women are included in
leadership, policy-making, and peace operations [10].
What’s Missing: Toward Formalised Mentorship
Despite progress, gaps remain. Mentorship is informal and not systematically tracked, with limited women-to-women networks. Cross-institutional mentorship between RDF and RNP is rare; transition mentorship for retiring officers is largely absent. Formalising mentorship frameworks would ensure sustainability and strengthen resilience across generations.
Conclusion
The narratives of Bagwaneza, Mutamba, Uwineza, Kaka, Ujeneza, and Joy weave a rich tapestry of resilience, leadership, and mentorship. These women demonstrate decisive leadership, from fighting for liberation to serving in peacekeeping missions, institutional reforms, and community advocacy. Rwanda has made remarkable strides in gender inclusion within its security institutions, setting an example for the continent. Yet, building structured mentorship networks and cross-institutional programs will be essential to sustaining this progress. When resilience meets mentorship, leadership becomes transformative, and through their courage and guidance, these women prove that every Rwandan girl can rise to lead.
References
- 1 The New Times (2023). Interview with Lt. Col. Lydia Bagwaneza.
- 2 Igihe (2022). Story of Maj. (Rtd) Nuriat Kaka.
- 3 Igihe (2022). Story of Joy Tumwebaze
- 4 Africa Press (2023). Women in RDF Leadership.
- 5 RNP (2024). Civil–Military Cooperation and Peacekeeping Engagements.
- 6 Kigali Times (2024). Profile of Col. Stella Uwineza.
- 7 HCN Times (2023). Historic Promotion of Women Colonels.
- 8 RNP (2024). Women Police Convention and Gender Promotion.
- 9 RNP (2024). Women Police Convention and Gender Promotion.
- 10 ¹² Rwanda Dispatch (2025). RDF GBV Prevention Workshops in Nyamasheke.
Viongozi Wastahimilivu, Washauri Wenye Nguvu: Wanawake katika Taasisi za Usalama za Rwanda Wanachochea Mabadiliko

October 10, 2025
Utangulizi
Jeshi la Ulinzi la Rwanda (RDF) na Polisi wa Kitaifa wa Rwanda (RNP) ni taasisi za usalama na majukwaa ya mabadiliko, ustahimilivu, na ushauri. Wanawake ndani ya mashirika haya wamevuka vikwazo vya kuwa viongozi, mifano ya kuigwa, na mawakala wa mabadiliko. Kuanzia kwenye mapambano ya ukombozi hadi misheni za kulinda amani na mageuzi ya kitaasisi, hadithi zao zinaonyesha jinsi uthabiti na ushauri huzalisha uongozi wa kuleta mabadiliko unaohamasisha vizazi vijavyo.
Kuvunja Vizuizi kwa Sare
Wanawake kwa muda mrefu wamekuwa na jukumu muhimu katika mapambano ya silaha ya Rwanda na ujenzi mpya wa baada ya mauaji ya kimbari. Luteni Kanali Lydia Bagwaneza alianza safari yake kama mpiganaji mchanga huku kukiwa na mashaka. Katika mahojiano ya 2023 New Times, alikumbuka: "Mwanzoni, hata baadhi ya wafanyakazi wenzangu wa kiume walitutilia shaka ..." [1].
Ustahimilivu wake umejitokeza katika RDF yote. Maj. (Rtd) Nuriat Kaka, kiongozi wa Kitengo cha wanawake wote cha Yankee Mobile wakati wa vita vya ukombozi, aliwasihi wanawake vijana: "Tumefanya muundo, tafadhali endelea na fanya miguso midogo ..." [2].
Joy, Mwanachama wa Ndabaga (chama cha wapiganaji wa zamani wa wanawake), anasimulia jinsi wanafunzi wenzake wa shule nchini Uganda, walivyomdhihaki kwa ajili ya kurudi kwa nchi yake ya Rwanda. Kanali Stella Uwineza, aliyepandishwa cheo mwaka wa 2023, alishiriki kwamba msukumo wake ulitoka kwa elimu ya uraia (Ingando), ambapo alishirikiana kwa mara ya kwanza na wanajeshi kabla ya kufuata mafunzo nje ya nchi kama mhandisi na kuhudumu katika misheni za Umoja wa Mataifa [4] .
Uongozi kwa Vitendo
Viongozi wanawake katika sekta ya usalama ya Rwanda wameonyesha umahiri katika amri, uendeshaji na mageuzi ya kitaasisi. Kapteni Mutamba anawakilisha wanawake walioongoza kikosi wakati wa vita vya ukombozi. Michango kama hii katika kukabiliana na mzozo bado haijarekodiwa lakini ni muhimu. DIGP Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza inajumuisha makutano ya kijeshi na polisi, inayoongoza mipango ya ushirikiano wa kiraia na kijeshi na ushirikiano wa kimataifa katika utayari wa kulinda amani [5] .
Ushauri kama Urithi
Ushauri umefumwa kwa kina katika utamaduni wa uongozi wa RDF na RNP. Bagwaneza amekuwa kinara kwa maafisa wachanga, na taaluma yake imetoa ramani ya barabara kutoka kwa mashaka hadi uongozi. Tumwebaze, kupitia Ndabaga, inawahimiza wanawake waliokuwa wapiganaji kuendelea kujishughulisha na ujenzi wa taifa, maridhiano na ushauri wa jamii. Kanali Uwineza mara kwa mara huwashauri wanawake vijana kuchangamkia fursa za kijeshi, kutetea nguvu, uamuzi na uwezo [6] . Hata hivyo, ushauri unabaki kuwa usio rasmi, hasa ukiegemea juhudi za kibinafsi badala ya programu zilizopangwa.
Kusawazisha Huduma na Jamii
Viongozi wengi wa wanawake husawazisha huduma za kitaaluma na majukumu ya familia. Viongozi kama vile Uwineza na Ujeneza wanaonyesha azimio katika kushughulikia majukumu mawili, kuthibitisha kwamba uthabiti unavuka taasisi na kuenea katika maisha ya kila siku.
Wanawake katika Uongozi: RDF
Mnamo 2023, RDF ilifikia hatua ya kihistoria kwa kuwapandisha wanawake kadhaa hadi cheo cha Kanali kwa mara ya kwanza. Maafisa hawa sasa wanahudumu katika maeneo muhimu kama vile ushirikiano wa kiraia na kijeshi, uhandisi, kamandi na mafunzo ya wafanyakazi, na Jeshi la Wanahewa, kuonyesha dhamira inayoendelea ya Rwanda ya kujumuisha jinsia na ujumuishaji wa wanawake katika moyo wa ulinzi na mkakati wa kitaifa [7] .
Wanawake katika Uongozi: RNP
Tangu kuanzishwa kwake mwaka 2000, RNP imeongeza uwakilishi wa wanawake kutoka 0.5% hadi karibu 25%. DIGP Ujeneza ni miongoni mwa wanawake wa ngazi za juu zaidi katika sekta hiyo, huku wengine wakiongoza katika masuala ya anga, uhandisi, na polisi jamii. RNP pia hupanga Makubaliano ya kila mwaka ya Polisi Wanawake, ikisisitiza maendeleo ya uongozi, mafunzo yanayozingatia jinsia, na ushauri [8] .
Marekebisho ya Taasisi na Ushirikiano
RDF na RNP zimeunda mifumo ya kujumuisha jinsia na kusaidia ustahimilivu. Dawati la Jinsia la RDF, lililoanzishwa mwaka wa 2007, linakuza uajiri wa wanawake, linajumuisha usikivu wa kijinsia katika mafunzo, na kusaidia kuzuia UWAKI. Mnamo Mei 2025, RDF ilitoa mafunzo kwa wenzi wa kijeshi 100 katika Wilaya ya Nyamasheke kuhusu ustawi wa familia na kuzuia vurugu [9] . RNP ina Kurugenzi ya Kukuza Jinsia ambayo inahakikisha wanawake wanajumuishwa katika uongozi, uundaji wa sera, na shughuli za amani [10].
Kinachokosekana: Kuelekea Ushauri Uliorasimishwa
Licha ya maendeleo, mapungufu bado. Ushauri si rasmi na haufuatiliwi kwa utaratibu, na mitandao yenye mipaka kati ya wanawake kwa wanawake. Ushauri wa taasisi mbalimbali kati ya RDF na RNP ni nadra; ushauri wa mpito kwa maafisa wanaostaafu haupo kwa kiasi kikubwa. Kurasimisha mifumo ya ushauri kungehakikisha uendelevu na kuimarisha uthabiti katika vizazi vyote.
Hitimisho
Masimulizi ya Bagwaneza, Mutamba, Uwineza, Kaka, Ujeneza, na Joy yanafuma mkanda mwingi wa ukakamavu, uongozi na ushauri. Wanawake hawa wanaonyesha uongozi madhubuti, kuanzia kupigania ukombozi hadi kutumika katika misheni za kulinda amani, mageuzi ya kitaasisi, na utetezi wa jamii. Rwanda imepiga hatua za ajabu katika ujumuishaji wa jinsia ndani ya taasisi zake za usalama, na kutoa mfano kwa bara hilo. Hata hivyo, kujenga mitandao ya ushauri iliyopangwa na programu mbalimbali za taasisi itakuwa muhimu ili kuendeleza maendeleo haya. Ustahimilivu unapokutana na ushauri, uongozi unakuwa wa mabadiliko, na kupitia ujasiri na mwongozo wao, wanawake hawa wanathibitisha kwamba kila msichana wa Rwanda anaweza kuinuka kuongoza.
Marejeleo
- 1 The New Times (2023). Mahojiano na Luteni Kanali Lydia Bagwaneza.
- 2 Igihe (2022). Hadithi ya Meja (Rtd) Nuriat Kaka.
- 3 Igihe (2022). Hadithi ya Joy Tumwebaze
- 4 Africa Press (2023). Wanawake katika Uongozi wa RDF.
- 5 RNP (2024). Ushirikiano wa Kiraia na Kijeshi na Mashirikiano ya Ulinzi wa Amani.
- 6 Nyakati za Kigali (2024). Maelezo mafupi ya Kanali Stella Uwineza.
- 7 HCN Times (2023). Ukuzaji wa Kihistoria wa Kanali Wanawake.
- 8 RNP (2024). Mkataba wa Polisi Wanawake na Ukuzaji wa Jinsia.
- 9 RNP (2024). Kongamano la Polisi Wanawake na Ukuzaji wa Jinsia.
- 10 ¹² Rwanda Dispatch (2025). Warsha za Kuzuia UWAKI za RDF Nyamasheke.
Resilient Leaders, Powerful Mentors: Women in Rwanda’s Security Institutions Inspiring Change

October 10, 2025
Introduction
The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) are security institutions and platforms of transformation, resilience, and mentorship. Women within these organisations have transcended barriers to becoming leaders, role models, and change agents. From the liberation struggle to peacekeeping missions and institutional reforms, their stories illustrate how resilience and mentorship produce transformative leadership that inspires future generations.
Breaking Barriers in Uniform
Women have long played an integral role in Rwanda’s armed struggle and post-genocide reconstruction. Lt. Col. Lydia Bagwaneza began her journey as a young fighter amidst skepticism. In a 2023 New Times interview, she recalled: “At first, even some of my male colleagues doubted us…” [1].

Her perseverance has since resonated throughout the RDF. Maj. (Rtd) Nuriat Kaka, leader of the all-women Yankee Mobile Unit during the liberation war, urged younger women: “We’ve done the structure, please go on and do the small touches…” [2].

Joy, a Member of Ndabaga (the association of women ex-combatants), recounts how her schoolmates in Uganda mocked her for being Rwandan, fueling her determination to return and fight for her country [3] . Col. Stella Uwineza, promoted in 2023, shared that her inspiration came from civic education (Ingando), where she first engaged with military personnel before pursuing training abroad as an engineer and serving in UN missions [4] .

Leadership in Action
Women leaders in Rwanda’s security sector have demonstrated competence in command, operations, and institutional reform. Capt. Mutamba represents women who commanded a platoon during the liberation war. Such contributions in crisis response remain under- documented but essential. DIGP Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza embodies the intersection of military and policing, leading civil–military cooperation initiatives and international engagements in peacekeeping readiness [5] .

Mentorship as a Legacy
Mentorship is deeply woven into RDF and RNP leadership culture. Bagwaneza has become a beacon for younger officers, and her career has offered a roadmap from skepticism to leadership. Tumwebaze, through Ndabaga, encourages women ex-combatants to remain engaged in nation-building, reconciliation, and community mentorship. Col. Uwineza consistently advises young women to seize military opportunities, championing strength, determination, and capability [6] . Yet, mentorship remains informal, mainly relying on personal initiative rather than structured programs.
Balancing Service and Society
Many women leaders balance professional service with family roles. Leaders like Uwineza and Ujeneza exemplify determination in navigating dual responsibilities, proving that resilience transcends the institution and extends into everyday life.
Women in Leadership: RDF
In 2023, the RDF reached a historic milestone by promoting several women to the rank of Colonel for the first time. These officers now serve in key areas such as civil–military cooperation, engineering, command and staff training, and the Air Force, demonstrating Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to gender inclusion and integration of women at the heart of national defence and strategy [7] .
Women in Leadership: RNP
Since its establishment in 2000, the RNP has increased women’s representation from 0.5% to nearly 25%. DIGP Ujeneza stands among the highest-ranking women in the sector, while others lead in aviation, engineering, and community policing. The RNP also organizes annual Women Police Conventions, emphasising leadership development, gender- responsive training, and mentorship [8] .
Institutional Reforms and Engagement
Both RDF and RNP have created frameworks to mainstream gender and support resilience.
The RDF Gender Desk, established in 2007, promotes women’s recruitment, integrates
gender sensitivity into training, and supports GBV prevention. In May 2025, the RDF trained
100 military spouses in Nyamasheke District on family well-being and violence prevention [9] .
The RNP has a Gender Promotion Directorate that ensures women are included in
leadership, policy-making, and peace operations [10].
What’s Missing: Toward Formalised Mentorship
Despite progress, gaps remain. Mentorship is informal and not systematically tracked, with limited women-to-women networks. Cross-institutional mentorship between RDF and RNP is rare; transition mentorship for retiring officers is largely absent. Formalising mentorship frameworks would ensure sustainability and strengthen resilience across generations.
Conclusion
The narratives of Bagwaneza, Mutamba, Uwineza, Kaka, Ujeneza, and Joy weave a rich tapestry of resilience, leadership, and mentorship. These women demonstrate decisive leadership, from fighting for liberation to serving in peacekeeping missions, institutional reforms, and community advocacy. Rwanda has made remarkable strides in gender inclusion within its security institutions, setting an example for the continent. Yet, building structured mentorship networks and cross-institutional programs will be essential to sustaining this progress. When resilience meets mentorship, leadership becomes transformative, and through their courage and guidance, these women prove that every Rwandan girl can rise to lead.
References
- 1 The New Times (2023). Interview with Lt. Col. Lydia Bagwaneza.
- 2 Igihe (2022). Story of Maj. (Rtd) Nuriat Kaka.
- 3 Igihe (2022). Story of Joy Tumwebaze
- 4 Africa Press (2023). Women in RDF Leadership.
- 5 RNP (2024). Civil–Military Cooperation and Peacekeeping Engagements.
- 6 Kigali Times (2024). Profile of Col. Stella Uwineza.
- 7 HCN Times (2023). Historic Promotion of Women Colonels.
- 8 RNP (2024). Women Police Convention and Gender Promotion.
- 9 RNP (2024). Women Police Convention and Gender Promotion.
- 10 ¹² Rwanda Dispatch (2025). RDF GBV Prevention Workshops in Nyamasheke.



