Twenty officers from the Rwanda National Police’s Marine Unit have completed a two-week training program designed to strengthen the country’s capacity to ensure safety and security on its waters.
The course, conducted on Lake Kivu in Rubavu District, was organized in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). It was officially closed Friday by Commissioner of Police Rafiki Mujiji, Commandant of the National Police College.
Mujiji said the training was a major step in boosting the Marine Unit’s ability to protect Rwandan waters, safeguard lives, and secure activities carried out on lakes and rivers.
“This program is critical in enhancing officers’ skills, helping them to protect the water itself as well as those who use it,” Mujiji said. “Because water environments are dynamic and new security challenges continue to emerge with technological changes, specialized training like this is essential to ensure officers remain ready at all times.”
The commissioner stressed that technology alone is not enough to guarantee safety on water. Instead, he said, the effectiveness of boats and other equipment, along with officers’ professionalism, discipline, and integrity, make the real difference in marine security operations.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Butera, who heads the Marine Unit, said the unit’s responsibilities extend beyond enforcing regulations. “They include protecting lives, maintaining public order, and safeguarding natural resources in national waters by preventing and addressing threats,” he said.
During the 15-day course, officers received practical training in boat handling, maintenance and repair, firefighting, meteorology, water safety, marine communication, and the use of rescue equipment.
Mujiji urged the officers to apply their newly acquired skills in daily operations and continue learning to meet the growing demands of Rwanda’s water security. He also thanked UNITAR and the instructors for their commitment to the program.
