DEFENCE AND SECURITY CITIZEN OUTREACH PROGRAMME 2025 LAUNCHED ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Kigali, 17 March 2025

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda National Police (RNP), in collaboration with the local government, have officially launched the nationwide three-month Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2025. This year’s program is held under the theme: “Rwanda Citizens with the Defence and Security Organs Celebrate Kwibohora 31 and 25 Years of Partnership with RNP.”

The launch event took place simultaneously across various districts, with senior government and security officials leading different activities aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

In Rulindo District, Dr. Patrice Mugenzi, Minister of Local Government, and Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, RDF Army Chief of Staff (ACOS), inaugurated the construction of the Cyinzuzi Health Center’s water supply system in the Ntarabana and Cyinzuzi sectors. Meanwhile, in Nyagatare District’s Gatunda Sector, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health, and Maj Gen Dr. Ephrem Rurangwa, RDF Medical Health Service Chief of Staff, launched medical services.

Elsewhere, in Burera District, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure, and Inspector General of Police Felix Namuhoranye, provided financial support to cooperatives formerly engaged in illegal cross-border trade. Similarly, in Nyanza District’s Muyira Sector, Maj Gen Alex Kagame, RDF Reserve Force Chief of Staff, and Nshimiyimana Vedaste, Executive Secretary of the Southern Province, oversaw the launch of a project to construct 10 houses for disadvantaged families.

In Kicukiro District, Hon. Claudette Irere, Minister of State for Education, and CP VB Sano, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, initiated the construction of a bridge connecting Niboye and Kanombe sectors. Meanwhile, in Nyabihu District’s Shyira Sector, Dr. Vincent Biruta, Minister of Interior, and DCG CJ Ujeneza, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration & Personnel, inaugurated new early childhood development centers.

Reflecting on previous initiatives such as Army Week, Police Week, and RDF Citizen Outreach programs, officials emphasized that the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme, which started last year, represents a more integrated approach. Bringing together the RDF, RNP, other security organs, and multiple ministries, this program delivers an even greater impact by addressing pressing human security challenges. Officials commended the RDF and RNP for their crucial role in improving citizens’ lives, particularly in enhancing access to healthcare, clean water, and shelter.

The launch ceremony was attended by local leaders, officers from RDF, RNP, and RCS, as well as community members who actively participated, demonstrating strong collaboration in driving Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation.

This year’s Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme prioritizes human security through key infrastructure and social initiatives, including:
    •    Construction of 70 houses for vulnerable families in various districts.
    •    Building of 13 bridges to improve connectivity.
    •    Establishment of 10 early childhood development centers (ECDs).
    •    Construction and rehabilitation of water supply systems.
    •    Provision of specialized medical services, including orthopedics, general surgery, urology, ENT, dental care, ophthalmology, dermatology, gynecology and obstetrics, internal medicine, pediatrics, and family planning.
    •    Financial support for cooperative development and economic empowerment initiatives.

The Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2025 underscores the commitment of Rwanda’s security organs and government institutions to sustainable development, ensuring that no citizen is left behind.