President Paul Kagame has shared how two of his sons chose to join the Rwanda Defence Force, while his eldest son, Ivan Cyomoro Kagame, opted for a different career path in business and investment.
He made the remarks while addressing leaders and members of the Unity Club Intwararumuri during its 18th annual gathering, where he emphasized that every child has the right to choose their own future, just like all Rwandans.
President Kagame said he is proud of the two sons who joined the army, even though he had initially asked them to complete postgraduate studies before enlisting. They insisted on joining early and later continuing their education while serving in uniform.
“Two of them joined the military. I had first told them to finish their Master’s degrees, but they asked to join the military while still young,” Kagame said. “They told me that learning also continues in the army. I agreed, and I understood anyone wanting to follow the same path I took, despite the challenges, would manage.”
He also spoke about Ivan Cyomoro Kagame’s decision not to pursue a military career.
“He told me, ‘That’s not how I want to live my life.’ I said, do what you want. If you don’t want the military, choose your own path,” Kagame explained.
“He said he wants to make money and that he will support his brothers because they will be busy doing other things.”
President Kagame stressed that every Rwandan, including his own children, should have the freedom to decide who they want to become.
“A child of any Rwandan, including mine, should become what they want to be and do what they want to do.”
He also addressed rumors circulating on social media suggesting that his daughter, Ange Kagame, is being groomed to become President in the future.
“Recently I saw on social media people saying I am preparing my daughter to be President. Who prepared me?” he said.
Kagame stated that his children are ordinary Rwandans who should live normal lives like everyone else.
“My family and my children are Rwandans like others. They are no different and will live as others do.”
He made it clear that the presidency is not something he can hand to someone.
“I cannot make someone President. It is not possible. Even they may not want it. Politics must remain within the will of the people and nowhere else.”
