On Friday 19th June 2020, Rwanda National Police (RNP) gained 1354 new members, who completed the “Basic Police Course” at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari in Rwamagana District.   At least 218 of the trainees are female.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Busingye Johnson presided over the pass-out ceremony of the 16th Basic Police Course intake. The Minister awarded the new Police officers the rank of 'Police Constable.'

The pass-out event held in consideration of the national guidelines to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, was also attended by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza and the Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda.

Minister Busingye formally welcomed the new Police officers into the RNP family.

“The pass out, signifies Rwanda's commitment to continue to build an able and professional Police force capable of effectively accomplishing its policing mandate to reassure the safety and security of people living in Rwanda and their property. Training is the foundation of professionalism and a determinant for quality services expected from every trained Police officer to implement what they were trained to do.” He said.

He mentioned that RNP plays a crucial part in the implementation of government development programmes and has built a strong bond with the citizenry through community policing to further ensure homeland security and uplift the wellbeing of the people.

"This requires Police officers to exhibit exemplary service in compliance with the law and supplement the government development agenda so as to create the same culture among all Rwandans," Minister Busingye emphasized.

He highlighted the role that RNP continues to play in this period of the global COVID-19 pandemic, to educate Rwandans on prevention measures.

He further lauded the RNP efforts invested in fighting all sorts of corruption, domestic and gender based violence, cybercrimes and terrorism, among others. "In this endeavour, every Police officer should feel the responsibility to fight crimes, and community policing is one of those effective strategies adapted to be ahead of crime to prevent lawlessness. This empowers the public to play their part as their right to share information to facilitate crime prevention." Minister said.

Police Constables Vedaste Nkurunziza, Eriya Iyakaremye and Devota Iradukunda,in that order, were awarded as the best overall trainees.