English
Kinyarwanda
The mayor of City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva has called on truck drivers to exercise caution and be responsible when using the road, to prevent road carnage.
While addressing truck drivers, moto-taxi operators and pedestrians at MAGERWA in Gikondo, Kicukiro District on Monday, November 17, as part of the ongoing countrywide “Turindane Tugereyo Amahoro” road safety campaign, he commended the efforts in making the road safer for all.
"Thank you all for being here today. This campaign will be successful and make live saving changes, if you make it your own, and that is what Turindane is all about," mayor Dusengiyunva said.
He emphasized that the theme reflects strong collaboration between the government, security organs, local administrative entities and all categories of road users, all working together to promote the well-being of Rwandans.
As Kigali continues to expand its road network, he noted that these investments must be matched with responsible behaviour from all users.
"It is not just the responsibility of the Police; it is the responsibility of drivers and everyone using the road, to protect what we have and protect one another," he said.
He observed that accidents cause significant financial losses to the government that could otherwise be allocated to other development projects.
He emphasized that the intended enhancement of critical road intersections, including Masaka and Giporoso, is designed to improve mobility.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, DCG Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, reminded motorists and pedestrians that while road-safety sensitization has become part of community life, renewed individual and collective responsibility will reinforce the culture of road safety.
"In our families, villages, and in all the places we travel to, we want to make sure that road safety awareness evolves into a tradition. Under Turindane, we are making renewed efforts to remind ourselves of the necessity for heightened will and commitment," DCG Ujeneza said.
She noted that the message had been echoed across all districts since the campaign resumed last month, reminding everyone to own the initiative.
“Road accidents are not selective—they can happen anywhere and to to anyone… It is a problem that we all share as a country,” she added.
The DIGP emphasized that Turindane Tugereyo Amahoro underscores a shared obligation; to protect and to be protected.
She reiterated that many road accidents stem from human behaviour, highlighting the responsibility of every driver—holding a valid licence, avoiding distractions, respecting speed limits, obeying road signs, keeping off the phone while driving, and never to drive under the influence or fatigue.
She also reminded pedestrians to do away with careless behaviors, use designated walkways and ensure safe guidance of children on the road.
Justin Kanyagisaka, President of the Association of Carriers and Professional Heavy-Vehicle Drivers (ACPLRW), thanked the Police for giving heavy-truck drivers a platform to contribute to the campaign, recognizing the critical role they play in national development.
“I am grateful that we, truck drivers, have been given the floor contribute to this campaign. We all know that large vehicles play a significant role in the development of our country, but we must also remember that their heavy weight means that in the event of an accident, the consequences are greater,” he said.
He stressed that safe driving requires both knowledge and discipline.
Kanyagisaka echoed the same message that the road belongs to everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, small vehicles and trucks alike—and called for humility and courtesy from heavy-truck operators.
Yibukije kandi abanyamaguru cyane cyane mu gihe cyo kwambukiranya umuhanda, kunyura ahagenwe no gutegereza ko itara ryo gutambuka ricana ibara ry'icyatsi, kandi bakayobora abana neza mu mutekano.
Justin Kanyagisaka, uyobora urugaga rw'abashoferi b'amakamyo aremereye (ACPLRWA) yashimiye Polisi kuba yarabahaye urubuga rwo kugira uruhare mu bukangurambaga bw'umutekano wo mu muhanda bufite uruhare rukomeye mu iterambere ry’igihugu.
Kanyagisaka yibukije abashoferi by'umwihariko abatwara amakamyo kumva ko umuhanda ari uw'abantu bose; abanyamaguru, abatwara amagare, abamotari, ibinyabiziga bito ndetse n'andi makamyo abasaba kubahiriza ibyo amategeko n'amabwiriza y'umuhanda ateganya no kurangwa n'ubworoherane nk'iby'ibanze mu kwirinda no kurinda abandi impanuka.
