The Rwanda National Police (RNP) welcomed 2,256 new members on Friday, October 25, after they successfully completed the 20th intake of the Basic Police Course at the Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana District.

The graduation ceremony presided over by the Minister of Interior, Dr Vincent Biruta, was attended by dignitaries, including the Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, the Inspector General of Police, Felix Namuhoranye, Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional, Evariste Murenzi, among others.

ALSO READ: Security is the foundation for a strong nation – Kagame

This year&039;s intake, which graduated with the rank of Police Constable, included 479 women.

Minister Biruta commended the graduates for their dedication during the rigorous 10-month training program and challenged them to uphold the principles of professionalism, discipline, and patriotism in their duties, drawing from the lessons learnt from the Rwanda’s reconstruction after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

"The situation Rwanda passed through led the government to prioritise security. Over the past 30 years, Rwandans have united to rebuild the nation and achieve substantial progress through collaboration," Biruta said.

"To maintain this progress, we need to ensure safety by building a professional police force equipped with the necessary skills, strength, modern tools, and good behaviour shaped by continuous training, including the one we are concluding today.”

The minister noted that Rwandans are satisfied with the overall security situation. He added, however, road accidents, drunkenness, theft, physical assaults, drug trafficking, and other issues continue to disrupt public safety.

ALSO READ: Police warns against smuggling, illegal cross-border activities

He also highlighted the evolving nature of crime, saying that criminals are adopting new tactics and using technology.

"This [fact] challenges us to continually enhance our knowledge, increase the number of police officers, and improve the tools we use to prevent and combat crime effectively,” Biruta said.

"Be polite, act professionally, collaborate, persevere, and always take pride in representing Rwanda and its people, no matter where you serve.”

Out of the class, three graduands were recognized for their exceptional performance. PC Steven Mugisha earned secured top spot, followed by PC Liliane Mirembe and PC Pacifique Niyigena.

Commissioner of Police Robert Niyonshuti, Commandant of Police Training School, said that the new police officers were equipped with skills relevant to modern policing.

They have undergone intensive courses that will help them in policing roles, from public order management, law enforcement, to crime prevention and community engagement, he said.

The recruits also demonstrated practical skills in general martial arts including button exercise and Public Order Management during the ceremony, showcasing their readiness to handle public demonstrations and ensure peaceful gatherings.

Commissioner Niyonshuti said that the curriculum at training school is designed not only to teach professional skills but also to instil the values necessary for police officers.

"The coursework included skills at arms, physical training, and police drills, law enforcement techniques and crime management, community policing strategies and road safety measures, use of force and firearms, first aid, and communication skills,” Niyonshuti said.

In addition, 147 graduates selected for further education at the National Police College are pursuing university degrees in fields such as law, information technology, languages, and professional police studies.

"We are confident these officers are prepared for the tasks ahead. Discipline remains the foundation of their career, and ongoing training will ensure they meet the evolving challenges of law enforcement,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, PC Mugisha, the top-performer, expressed gratitude to the instructors and the RNP leadership for the opportunity to serve the nation.

"My goal now is to collaborate with my colleagues at work. As youth, we will work with our elders to help others, and I will contribute my strength as a young person,” he said.

The newly graduated officers will be deployed to various roles across the security services, including assignments within the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS).