Four Rwandan Female Soldiers Graduate in Military Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma Christian University

Four Rwandan female soldiers have graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in the United States, where they completed a military vehicle mechanical engineering program. Colonel Raoul Bazatoha, Rwanda’s military attaché at the Embassy in Washington, attended the graduation ceremony and represented Rwanda’s military interests.

The graduates are Commander Bwiza Dianah, Benegusenga Anita, Ishimwe Teta Cynthia, and Bakareke Urujeni Cynthia. Their studies in Mechanical Engineering included subjects such as technical drawing, scientific principles for designing and manufacturing machinery, and maintenance and repair of equipment.

Graduates of such programs often work in industries related to aerospace, automotive manufacturing (both civilian and military), shipbuilding, and energy processing, among others.

As is standard in professional armies worldwide, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has a specialized unit responsible for equipment maintenance, known as the RDF Engineering Brigade, based in Rebero. These four women will now join their fellow soldiers—both male and female—working in this unit, which was recently placed under the command of Colonel Marie Claire Muragijimana, the first woman to lead it.

Colonel Muragijimana was promoted alongside several other high-ranking female officers in the RDF, including Colonel Belina Kayirangwa (RDF Headquarters), Séraphine Nyirasafari (MINADEF), Lydia D. Bagwaneza (Republican Guard), Lausanne N. Ingabire (Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College – Musanze), and Stella Uwineza (Air Force). They are the first women in Rwanda’s history to achieve the rank of Colonel.

Oklahoma Christian University (OC), located in Edmond, Oklahoma, is a private institution established in 1950 by a group of Christians. It is recognized among the top universities in the U.S., known for providing robust technology support to students. As early as 2001, the university had installed internet access even in restrooms, and full-time students were provided with personal laptops. By 2008, students were receiving MacBooks along with a choice between an iPhone or iPod Touch. Later, iPads were introduced to enhance their learning experience.

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