Rwanda National Police Urges Road Users in Northern Province to Exercise Caution to Prevent Road Accidents

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) in the Northern Province has urged drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and all other road users to exercise greater caution and strictly adhere to traffic regulations in a bid to curb the rising number of road accidents that continue to claim lives across the region.

The appeal comes amid growing concern following recent statistics that show an increase in road accidents in the Northern Province over the past three months, a trend that has alarmed security agencies, local authorities, and residents alike.

According to figures released by the Rwanda National Police, a total of 32 road accidents were recorded in the Northern Province during the last three months, resulting in 17 fatalities. Gakenke District registered the highest number of accidents with nine cases, followed by Musanze District with seven. Rulindo and Gicumbi recorded seven and six accidents respectively, while Burera District reported three cases.

Several road users who spoke to the media blamed the accidents on negligence and failure to respect traffic laws, particularly among some drivers and motorcyclists.

Jean Paul Niyonzima, a taxi driver operating in Musanze town, said that reckless driving and speeding remain major causes of accidents.“Some drivers ignore road signs and speed excessively, especially at night when roads seem free. Others overtake carelessly without considering pedestrians or motorcyclists. This behavior puts many lives at risk,” .

Marie Claire Mukamana, a pedestrian from Gakenke District, said pedestrians are often endangered by drivers who fail to slow down in populated areas. “There are places where vehicles should reduce speed, such as near markets and schools, but some drivers do not respect those rules. As pedestrians, we feel unsafe when crossing the road,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Eric Habimana, a motorcycle taxi rider in Rulindo District, pointed out that mobile phone use while driving has also contributed significantly to accidents. “You see drivers checking their phones while driving, and that distraction causes serious accidents. Everyone using the road needs to stay focused and respect the law,” Habimana said.

The Governor of the Northern Province, Mugabowagahunde Mourice, called on all citizens to use roads responsibly and comply with traffic regulations, emphasizing the national road safety campaign ‘Turindane Tugereyo Amahoro’ (Let us protect one another and arrive safely). “The road belongs to all of us, and using it properly is everyone’s responsibility. When we obey traffic laws, we prevent accidents and protect our own lives as well as those of others. I urge every citizen to be vigilant and help prevent accidents that continue to take innocent lives,” Governor Mugabowagahunde said.

He added that district and sector authorities across the province are working closely with the police to implement preventive measures, including intensified road safety awareness campaigns, vehicle inspections, and continuous public education on traffic rules.

On its part, the Rwanda National Police reminded drivers that traffic law enforcement goes beyond visible roadside checks. RNP spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga noted that police use various monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with traffic regulations. “Some drivers think that police enforcement only applies when officers are physically present on the road. However, we use multiple methods to monitor traffic violations, and anyone who breaks the law will be held accountable,” ACP Rutikanga said.

The Rwanda National Police has once again urged all road users to prioritize safety, respect traffic laws at all times, and play their part in creating safer roads across the Northern Province and the country at large.