The Rwanda National Police (RNP) on Tuesday, January 20, extended the Turindane, Tugereyo Amahoro road safety campaign to road users in Rusizi District, urging them to use the road safely to prevent road crashes largely caused by reckless human behaviors.

They were urged to take individual and collective responsibility in making the road safer for all.

The outreach held in Muganza sector brought together drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, passengers, and pedestrians to promote responsible road use, adherence to traffic laws, and shared responsibility for road safety.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye reaffirmed that road safety remains a national priorities calling on all residents to become ambassadors of safe road behavior.

“Road safety is inseparable from the safety of Rwandans in general,” IGP Namuhoranye said. “We urge drivers, motorcyclists, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians to act responsibly and set an example in preventing road accidents.”

“Pedestrians must also take responsibility for their safety by avoiding illegal road crossings,” he said. “Rights and freedom on the road does not guarantee your safety or ignoring safety rules.”

Rewarding best road users 

The Police Chief announced an incentive-based approach aimed at encouraging exemplary conduct among road users. 

Those who consistently respect traffic rules and regulations and prioritize road safety will be evaluated nationally and rewarded.

A cyclist who demonstrates outstanding discipline nationwide will be rewarded with a motorcycle. Likewise, the most exemplary motorcyclist will receive a car. The same principle will apply to other categories as well. 

To assess the impact of the campaign, RNP, in collaboration with other institutions, plans to evaluate and measure behavioral change and compliance with regulations. This will include checking whether bicycles are equipped with functional brakes and whether drivers possess valid and complete documentation.

“Across the Western Province, only two fatal road accidents have been recorded since the start of this awareness drive,” IGP Namuhoranye noted. “Compared to previous periods, this is a strong indication that the message is being understood and put into practice.”

Passengers were also urged to actively participate in ensuring road safety by speaking out against dangerous driving.

“If a driver is speeding, passengers should ask them to slow down,” the IGP said. “If the driver refuses, passengers have the right to ask the driver to stop, disembark, and report the matter to the police. The same applies to drunk-driving—stopping such a driver is an act of saving lives.”

The Governor of the Western Province, Jean Bosco Ntibitura, highlighted the strategic and economic importance of Rusizi District, noting that it hosts extensive commercial activities that cut across districts and neighboring countries.

“Rusizi is a hub of cross-border trade, leading to heavy movement of people and goods on our roads,” Governor Ntibitura said. “This campaign calls for greater responsibility from all road users, because road safety is a shared duty.”

He emphasized that respecting traffic laws is the foundation of protecting lives and sustaining development.

“When you use the road responsibly, you first protect your own life and also safeguard the lives of others,” he added. “There can be no development without road safety. Accidents destroy lives and livelihoods, and that is why each one of us must play a role in preventing them.”