The Minister of Interior, Dr Vincent Biruta, stated that although Rwanda continues to enjoy a stable security environment, security institutions must keep pace with modern changes in order to effectively tackle emerging forms of crime.
He explained that in addition to traditional crimes such as assault, theft, drug abuse, and the use of illicit alcoholic beverages, there has been a rise in sophisticated technology-related crimes that require highly skilled law enforcement officers.\
He made the remarks on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during the graduation ceremony of the 22nd intake of basic police training.
The ceremony took place at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari in Rwamagana District.
The event saw Rwanda National Police welcome 1,652 new officers who graduated with the rank of Police Constable, including 337 women.
Among the graduates were also 60 personnel from the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and 40 officers from the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).
The newly graduated officers were urged to prepare themselves to confront emerging crimes, including those involving Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are increasingly becoming a global security concern.
Minister Dr Biruta said: “Today we are required to confront crimes committed through technology, cyber fraud, the misuse of information and artificial intelligence technologies, transnational crimes, terrorism, human trafficking, corruption, and other activities that can destabilise citizens and undermine the functioning of state institutions.”
He went on to explain that social media has become a powerful tool capable of either building or destroying.
He noted that it can be used to strengthen trust between citizens and the Police through the rapid dissemination of information, but can also be misused to spread rumours that threaten security if not properly managed.
He therefore called on the new officers to focus on preventing crime before it occurs, rather than merely investigating crimes after they have been committed.
Minister Biruta said: “We want a Police force that anticipates potential challenges rather than waiting for them to arise. A Police force that prevents crime instead of merely investigating crimes after they have occurred, and a Police force that works with citizens in finding lasting solutions rather than treating them simply as beneficiaries.”
He further explained that the Police must cultivate public trust and exercise the authority granted to it by law for the benefit of citizens.
He said: “This does not remove the obligation of the Police to exercise the powers granted to it by law in preventing crime and taking the necessary measures to maintain security. Rather, it requires those powers to be exercised fairly and in full respect of human rights.”
The new officers had spent nearly ten months in training, which began on January 30, 2026, during which they received various courses designed to enhance their knowledge and professional capabilities.
The Commandant of the Rwanda National Police Training School in Gishari, CP Rafiki Mujiji, explained that they were trained in weapons handling, discipline, physical fitness, public safety and security management, police operations, law and communication, among other subjects.
The skills they acquired were demonstrated through various exercises, including riot control tactics and other displays showcased during the graduation ceremony.
Outstanding trainees were also recognised during the event. Rct. Shema Moses emerged as the overall best performer, followed by Rct. Gatete Jimmy in second place and Rct. Musinga Abdallah in third place.
The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye, the Commander of the RDF 5th Division, Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi, the Governor of Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, representatives of NISS, RIB and RCS, as well as various local government leaders.
