Ian Kagame, 29, the third-born son of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, is a member of the elite presidential guard, a prestigious unit within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) responsible for protecting the country’s top leadership.
A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, Ian's military journey has drawn widespread public interest, with many viewing his rise as a continuation of the Kagame family’s deep-rooted ties to national security.
Ian Kagame’s journey into the military formally began in 2021 when he joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, one of the most prestigious military institutions in the world.
After two years of intensive training in leadership, strategy, and combat, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in November 2022.
His parents, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Nyiramongi Kagame, attended the proud moment, celebrating their son’s achievement.
“Such a proud moment. Congratulations Ian, thank you for the joy you brought us, this ceremony was one for the books,” Jeannette Kagame tweeted after his graduation.
Such a proud moment!
— First Lady of Rwanda (@FirstLadyRwanda) November 4, 2022
Congratulations Ian, thank you for the joy you brought us! This ceremony was one for the books! pic.twitter.com/qYtk5KwWXm
Sandhurst has produced some of the world’s top military leaders, and Ian’s successful completion of the programme positioned him among Rwanda’s elite officers.
In January 2023, Ian Kagame made his first public appearance while taking on his new assignment at the Annual National Prayer Breakfast in Kigali.
Photos of him standing alongside other RDF officers quickly circulated on social media, sparking discussions about his role and future within Rwanda’s military.
President Paul Kagame's son, 2nd Lieutenant Ian Kagame has been enrolled into the Rwandan Defense Force Presidential Guard.
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) January 17, 2023
He guarded his father at a National Prayer Breakfast in Kigali.
He is an officer at Rwanda Defence Force.
He graduated from Royal Military Academy, UK. pic.twitter.com/oQ1yMS7ZK0
His position in the security unit places him at the heart of Rwanda’s security operations, tasked with ensuring the safety of the country’s top leadership, including his father, President Kagame.
Ian Kagame’s enlistment has drawn comparisons to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
Muhoozi served as the commander of Uganda’s Special Forces Command (SFC), an elite unit equivalent to Rwanda’s elite presidential guard, from 2008 to 2017 and again from 2020 to 2021 before being elevated to Commander of Land Forces.
His military career positioned him as a key figure in Uganda’s security and governance, fuelling speculation that he was being groomed for leadership.
Similarly, Ian’s presence in an elite security unit has led to speculation about his future in Rwanda.
While there is no official indication that he harbours political ambitions, his military career will likely continue to attract attention.
The Kagame family's connection to the military is undeniable. President Paul Kagame’s rise to power was through military leadership, having played a key role in ending the 1994 genocide.
His governance has been shaped by a disciplined, security-first approach, and his sons appear to be following in his footsteps.
Ian’s older brother, Brian Kagame, also serves in the RDF but maintains a lower profile.
With both sons in the military, the Kagame family's influence within Rwanda’s security forces remains strong.
While some see Ian's enlistment as a sign of dedication to national service, others question whether he is being positioned for a future leadership role.
For now, Ian remains focused on his duties within the presidential guard, an elite unit known for its highly selective nature, rigorous training, and unwavering loyalty to the state.
Ian Kagame’s entry into Rwanda’s security forces is just the beginning of his journey. His role as an elite security guard places him in a position of great responsibility at a young age.
Whether his future remains strictly in the military or takes a different turn, one thing is clear: his career will continue to generate interest in Rwanda and beyond.
