Rwanda National Police

Church leaders, transporters and owners of hotels, restaurants and bars and commercial motorcyclists in Ruhango district have vowed to play an active role in the awareness against crimes and community policing.

The commitment was among the resolutions they adopted during their meeting held on December 22 and attended by local leaders and security organs.

Over 200 owners of hotels, restaurants and bars, church leaders, clerics from varied religious denominations and transporters, attended the meeting held in Nyamagana cell to discuss various issued related to policing.

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation with Police and other security organs in order to prevent crimes and detect criminals.

The meeting was also attended by the district Mayor François Xavier Mbabazi, alongside the District Police Commander (DPC), Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Thomas Twahirwa.

CIP Twahirwa, who commended them for the noble initiative, appealed to drivers and cyclists to respect road traffic rules especially in this festive season to avoid likely accidents.

He singled out careless driving, over-speeding, over-taking in sharp corners, driving under the influence of alcohol and speaking on phone as some of the things drivers should avoid to prevent accidents and ensure road safety.

He further urged participants to be keen in the awareness and fighting drugs abuse and singled out drivers to be vigilant especially with passengers’ luggage, where some of the narcotics are concealed and trafficked from one place to another.

Mayor Mbabazi said: “People operate their businesses and beliefs freely and safely because the country is safe and secure but we need to prevent and fight anything that may disrupt their peace and security.”

He added,” Every citizen should feel responsible and engaged in ensuring security by not only averting wrongdoings and reporting those involved in illegal acts in time.”

“Collaboration between local administration and security organs and the public is vital in making sure crimes are prevented and evil acts detected and foiled.”

Mbabazi lauded Police for the advices and urged the participants to continue collaborating with security organs in ensuring and sustaining security in the District.

He appealed to the motorcycle taxi operators to be hygienic and value their profession.