Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Wednesday, January 21, concluded the first phase of the Turindane Tugereyo Amahoro road safety campaign in Rusizi District, marking the end of a three-month nationwide outreach aimed at promoting responsible road use and reducing road traffic accidents.

The campaign, implemented under the broader Gerayo Amahoro initiative, focused on engaging all categories of road users and reinforcing the message that road safety is a shared responsibility, requiring collective commitment to ensure that every journey ends safely.

The closing ceremony, held in Kamembe town, brought together drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, and passengers. Participants were reminded of the importance of respecting traffic laws, adopting responsible behavior, and protecting one another on the road.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye, singled out pedestrians as the most vulnerable category of road users, cautioning against the misconception that road safety concerns drivers alone.

“Many pedestrians cross roads while using their mobile phones or without properly checking for oncoming traffic from both directions. Such careless behavior increases the risk of being struck by a vehicle or forcing a driver to swerve suddenly, potentially resulting in serious or fatal accidents,” he said, urging pedestrians to be more cautious when crossing roads.

The IGP also raised concern over unsafe practices among cyclists, particularly those riding downhill at high speed with heavy loads and faulty or no brakes, as well as those who hold onto trucks while climbing uphill.

“These practices often end in loss of life, leaving families in suffering and affecting the country,” he warned, adding that disciplined cyclists who demonstrate good road behavior can be supported to progress to taxi-moto.

CG Namuhoranye also cited reckless overtaking as a major cause of accidents and urged strict adherence to traffic regulations. 

He further warned drivers who fail to stop when ordered by police, especially those attempting to evade arrest due to offenses such as drunk driving, drug trafficking, or lack of valid documents.

“When such actions result in loss of life, those drivers are treated as having killed intentionally and are brought to justice,” he said.

Truck drivers were also cautioned against reckless driving, with the IGP noting that crashes involving heavy vehicles can be as devastating as hitting a building, often resulting in multiple fatalities.

The Governor of the Western Province, Jean Bosco Ntibitura, said the campaign is designed to help every road user clearly understand their role in preventing accidents.

“This campaign means that I protect you from accidents, and you protect me as well, regardless of the category of road user,” Governor Ntibitura said.

He noted that the Western Province hosts diverse economic activities, including trade, agriculture, and livestock farming, which bring many different road users onto the same routes. He added that the region’s terrain, characterized by sharp corners on some roads, requires heightened vigilance.

“If one drives carelessly on such roads, accidents are likely to occur. That is why everyone must be attentive and responsible so that we all arrive safely,” he emphasized.

Speaking to journalists, the RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said the Turindane Tugereyo Amahoro campaign has significantly improved awareness and compliance with traffic laws since its launch.

“Most road accidents are linked to poor behavior by both drivers and pedestrians. That is why this campaign targets all categories of road users to promote positive behavioral change,” ACP Rutikanga said.

He revealed that since the campaign began in early November 2025, the Western Province recorded only two fatal road accidents, compared to an average of five fatalities over a similar period before the campaign.

“This improvement is a result of combined efforts, including public awareness, strengthened police operations, and the use of technology such as road cameras,” he explained.

ACP Rutikanga also reminded the public that the Rwanda National Police remains mandated to enforce road traffic laws, urging road users to avoid offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to comply with lawful police orders.

SOMA NA: GERAYO AMAHORO: Polisi yakomereje gahunda ya Turindane mu Karere ka Rusizi