The Minister for Sports and Culture, Julienne Uwacu, has urged parents to fight against drug abuse among the youth by counselling their children on the dangers of drug abuse.

Uwacu was speaking yesterday in Rubavu District, where she attended activities to mark the Rwanda National Police anniversary launched on Tuesday in the Northern Province.

The Rubavu event attracted thousands of residents.

The ongoing activities, dubbed ‘Police Week-2015- 15 Years of Partnership in Policing’, seek to strengthen awareness against crime, sensitise on trends and impact of crime to close existing gap and improve the Police-public engagement.

It is also a time to celebrate achievements, support communities in socio-economic activities and appreciate the support of different players in policing.

Presiding over the ceremony, Minister Uwacu, urged residents to be proactive in ensuring peace and security at all times by collaborating with Police through the timely sharing of information.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana, local officials and senior RNP officers graced the event.Uwacu reminded residents to provide timely reports against criminals who smuggle drugs into the district.

Rubavu is among the districts, where cases of banned drugs are considerably high due to its proximity to DR Congo.

"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 through strong partnership between the residents and police,” she said.

"Police has demonstrated a high level of professionalism in overcoming crime to ensure peace and security. This achievement is hinged on strong partnership with the public which is built on trust, accountability as well as good leaders who value cooperation and patriotism.”

IGP Gasana noted that the Police-public information sharing has created an environment that rejects criminality and facilitates apprehension of suspected criminals.

"Since its establishment in 2000, RNP has grown both in numbers and capabilities with officers that are skilled to perform effectively and efficiently during crime prevention and detection operations conducted throughout the country,” IGP Gasana said.

"After years of insecurity that culminated with the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda’s current good leadership and RNP’s partnership with the public has led to a harmonious and sustainable environment for socio-economic growth and prosperity.”

The Mayor of Rubavu, Jeremie Sinayobye, commended Police for engaging citizens in crime prevention and for actively participating in the wellbeing of communities through its support to cooperatives.

During the event, IGP Gasana gave out two cheques, each worth Rwf1 million, to fishing cooperatives operating in Rubavu and Rusizi, as part of RNP’s support to communities and promotion of security in the area.

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