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Kinyarwanda
- Gave out four houses built for vulnerable families in Nyanza District
- Donated 19 cows, financial support to fishing cooperatives, eight motorcycles and vehicle
On June 16, every year, Rwanda National Police (RNP) is joined by high ranking government officials, citizens, partners, heads and representatives of regional and international friendly police institutions and organization to marks its anniversary since its creation in the year 2000, and to celebrate the journey of success in policing.
Prior to this day that has since been termed as ‘Police Day,’ RNP conducts countrywide awareness and outreach activities in what is best known as ‘Police Week.’
On its 6th edition of celebrations this year, the ‘Police Week 2015’ activities were conducted under the theme: ’15 Years of Partnership in Policing.”
This year’s edition was a moment to strengthen awareness against crime, educate people on trends and impact of crime to close the gap and improve the Police-public engagement.
It is also a time to share best policing practices, reassure people living in Rwanda, contribute to the well-being of communities, and appreciate support from partners and an opportunity to account to the community in line with safeguarding the fundamental rights
Official launch of Police Week 2015
The activities to mark the RNP 15th anniversary were launched on June 9 in the Northern Province, where the force gave out nine cows to the disadvantaged families in Musanze and Rulindo districts.
Photos: Police week in Musanze District
The Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka officiated at the official launch in an event held in Musanze and attended by thousands of residents and partners in policing.
Minister Kaboneka, in his speech advised residents to teach children values of patriotism so that they can grow up with virtues that promote national safety and security.
“The main problem today is that parents and guardians do not spend enough time with their children to talk about the values of patriotism and thus, they do not become susceptible to a life of crime when they grow older. We need to reemphasis our traditional values of nurturing children so that our country can have a better future,” Minister Kaboneka said.
The Governor of Northern Province, Aime Bosenibamwe, commended RNP for “tirelessly enforcing security and safety.”
“Community policing has been fruitful ever since it was introduced by RNP – and it has enabled residents to practice it in their neighborhoods to promote safety and security. Only together we can achieve a common goal of a safer and better place to live,” he said.
Photos: Police Week in Rulindo District
The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, commended the role played by different partners in policing in the last 15 years.
“In this modern period, effective response and stopping crimes before they happen is paramount – therefore, through community policing, citizens are given a more direct role to play in crime prevention and watching over the quality of life in their communities,” he said.
Western Province
The activities to mark the RNP -police week continued in the Western Province on the second day where the Minister for Sports and Culture, Julienne Uwacu, who presided over the ceremony held in Rubavu District, urged residents to be proactive in ensuring that their district is peaceful and secure at all times, by collaborating with Police through the timely delivery of information.
Photos: Police Week in Rubavu District
“Rubavu is a border district – and this makes it more susceptible to smugglers who increase the risk of insecurity. This calls for proactive crime-prevention measures spearheaded by strong partnership between the residents and police,” Minister Uwacu said.
During the event, RNP handed over two cheques, each worth Rwf1 million, to fishing cooperatives operating in Rubavu and Rusizi, as part of RNP’s socioeconomic support to communities and promotion of security in the area finishing.
Southern Province
In the Southern Province, where the activities were held on June 11, RNP gave out four houses, each worth Rwf9 million, it built for vulnerable Genocide survivors in Nyanza District.
“Today, I have a house and a place to call home. I have no words to express my gratitude to Rwanda National Police and our President, Paul Kagame. This is my turning point…I am no longer a vulnerable,” Immaculee Nyirampore, one of the beneficiaries, said.
Photos: Police Week in Nyanza District
The Governor of Southern Province, Alphonse Munyenwari, who presided over the event, called upon religious and local leaders to support residents in combating gender and domestic violence, child and spousal abuse, which are still common in communities.
“Religious leaders have a great influence on the behavior of their congregation, therefore, they should be key actors in promoting peacefulness in families, mutual respect and security in their communities,” he said.
“President Paul Kagame has guaranteed safety through professionalized security organs – and this is highly exhibited in RNP. Therefore, we should embrace collaboration and deliver timely information to police to combat crime.”
The Mayor of Nyanza, Abdullah Murenzi, noted that security is the foundation of national growth and development – which calls for more collaboration between residents and security organs to foster safety.
“In many countries of the world, people do not see eye to eye with police. But in Rwanda we have a different story, where patriotism brings all of us together to develop our nation. Therefore, residents and local leaders should adhere to Rwandan spirit and community policing by being constantly active against crime,” Murenzi said.
Eastern Province
On June 14, activities continued in the Eastern Province where RNP donated ten cows to the disadvantaged families in Ngoma and Rwamagana districts.
One of the residents, who received the cow, Aisha Sugira said: "I can't express my happiness and how grateful I am today for Rwanda National Police to reach out to me. May The Lord bless them."
Photos: Police Week in Ngoma District
The Minister for Natural Resources, Dr. Vincent Biruta, who presided over the activities in Ngoma and Rwamagana, the same day, said: "These outreach activities depict the value Rwanda National Police attaches to the well-being of citizens but it should also challenge you to work harder but putting security forward as a foundation for your development. These cows should be a starting point to the well being of your families."
He urged them to be security agents in their localities, desist from illegal and criminal activities and provide quick information on individuals or groups that could be involved.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda commended various stakeholders in policing including residents in the province.
"Exchange of information in time is crucial in crime prevention. Partnership and ownership will deliver to the best of our expectations in ensuring sustainable security and development," said DIGP Marizamunda.
He singled out tendencies of drug abuse like trade and consumption of cannabis and Kanyanga, an illicit gin as major crimes in the Eastern province, which he asked them to fight.
He, however, lauded the role the community plays in community policing and urged them to strengthen the ideals of Neighborhood watch and fight challenges of theft of livestocks especially cattle, and environmental degradation activities.
The executive secretary of the Eastern Province Jean Marie Vianney Makombe and the Mayor of Ngoma Aphrodice Nambaje also attended the event.
These activities were climaxed on June 16 in celebrations held in Kigali where RNP in partnership with the City of Kigali, awarded best performers in security and hygiene campaign.
Kicukiro emerged the overall best district to walk away with a vehicle; Remera Sector in Gasabo District received two motorcycles as the best sector, while Kanombe in Kicukiro and Rwezamenyo in Nyarugenge received a motorcycle each after emerging second and third respectively.
At individual level, Adolph Mutangana, David Hategikimana of Kicukiro a resident was awarded a motorcycle for his contributions towards community policing initiatives, particularly on radio discussions where he provided regular input – and Adolph Mutangana of Gisozi who provided timely information during a specific police operation.
RNP also issued certificates of appreciation to its partners , regarded as police ambassadors in crime prevention,who also signed on one board as a sign of further commitment to work with Rwanda National Police in the years to come.
