The Minister of Internal Security, Dr. Vincent Biruta, has called on newly graduated police officers to uphold discipline and professionalism, place citizens at the centre of their work, and actively combat crimes that threaten public safety.
He made the remarks on Monday, 22 December 2025, during the official pass-out ceremony marking the completion of nine months of basic police training for new recruits.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Dr. Vincent Biruta, the Inspector General of Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye, and other leaders, most of whom were drawn from the security sector.
A total of 1,903 recruits successfully completed the training, comprising 1,544 men and 359 women.
Dr. Biruta reminded the graduates that Rwanda has experienced difficult periods marked by insecurity, a history that should always guide their sense of responsibility.
“I would like to remind you that our country’s historical journey has taught us the importance of always prioritizing security,” he said.
He added that the consequences of insecurity had once been severe, but unity and collective effort had enabled Rwanda to rebuild and progress over the past 31 years.
“When we lost security, we experienced its devastating effects. Thirty-one years ago, Rwandans came together, and today our country stands as a positive example of stability and sustainable development,” he noted.
The Minister urged the new officers to demonstrate exemplary conduct and integrity in the course of their duties.
“These achievements are the result of good leadership and working together as Rwandans,” he said.
He stressed that sustaining Rwanda’s development requires safeguarding national security through an adequate number of well-trained, professional police officers with strong ethical values—qualities fostered through trainings such as the one concluded today, as well as continuous capacity-building programmes.
Dr. Biruta further called on the officers to work closely with other institutions in preventing and combating crimes that continue to affect communities.
“While we are pleased that the overall security situation remains stable, there are still crimes that disrupt citizens’ lives, including excessive alcohol consumption and its effects, theft, assault and bodily harm, drug abuse, and road traffic accidents. You have a duty to prevent and fight these crimes so that the citizens we serve can continue to live in a safe and peaceful country,” he said.
He also urged the officers to consistently put citizens first in their daily operations.
“I am confident that you will play a visible role in ensuring that the end of the year and the beginning of the next pass smoothly. Be guided by discipline, professionalism, dedication, integrity, and a commitment to upholding the dignity of Rwanda and its people wherever you serve,” he added.
The recruits underwent nine months of training, which began on 17 April 2025.
Of the 1,903 graduates, 40 will be deployed to the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), while 178 were trained at the National Police College in Musanze, where they are also pursuing university studies in various disciplines.
At the Gishari Police Training School, 1,748 trainees were initially enrolled, but 1,725 completed the programme, as 23 failed to graduate due to health-related issues and misconduct inconsistent with the values of the Rwanda National Police.
The graduates received comprehensive training in core policing skills, including weapons handling, drills, ethics and discipline, crisis management, physical fitness, public order and community safety, law, community policing, road safety, and other essential professional competencies.
