As Christmas celebrations draw near, Rwanda National Police (RNP) has echoed the importance of adhering to road safety and traffic regulations to ensure safe festivities.
ALSO READ: Passengers in Kigali start scramble for buses ahead of Christmas, New Year
Boniface Rutikanga, the RNP spokesperson, told The New Times, "Key messages for the end-of-year festivities mainly focus on road safety and responsible drinking.”
Rutikanga urged drivers and public transport operators to refrain from drinking and driving, over speeding, and other reckless behaviours. He stressed the importance of following traffic rules to avoid accidents during this busy festive period.
ALSO READ: Kigali businesses look to cash in on Christmas fever
On the measures being implemented to enhance road safety, Rutikanga said RNP reinforced static and mobile police patrols along major roads across the country.
Additionally, he said that public awareness campaigns were intensified to remind road users of their responsibilities.
Meanwhile, bus parks in Kigali were busy with activity on Tuesday, as commuters headed to various upcountry destinations to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
ALSO READ: Stay safe this festive season: Why road safety is everyone's responsibility
Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) announced new boarding locations in Kigali to ease congestion at Nyabugogo bus station during the festive season. The changes, announced on December 17, aim to address long queues and ensure smooth travel for passengers.
From December 23-24 and December 30-31, passengers traveling to the southern corridor—including Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Nyamasheke, Karongi, Ngororero, Gisagara, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and Nyaruguru districts —are required to board buses at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo.
Those heading to the eastern corridor, including Rwamagana, Kayonza, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Ngoma, and Kirehe districts, will board from Kabuga bus park. Travelers using the northern corridor—covering Gicumbi, Rulindo, Musanze, Rubavu, Burera, Gakenke, and Nyabihu districts—will continue to use Nyabugogo bus park.
Passengers traveling to Bugesera will board buses at Nyanza bus park in Kicukiro District.