Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda National Police (RNP), in collaboration with other government institutions, on Monday, March 9, launched the 2026 Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme.
The initiative, which aligns with activities marking Liberation Day in July, is expected to provide support valued at over Rwf2.5 billion. Intervention is focused on social welfare projects across the country, including infrastructure development and medical services.
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The launch on Monday was marked by the laying of foundation stones for the projects expected to be completed within three months.
Linking security and development
In Rugalika Sector of Kamonyi District, the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, who officiated at the launch of construction works for classrooms, thanked citizens for their participation in the annual initiative.
"Security and development go hand in hand, there can be no development without security, and it is difficult to sustain security in a country that does not address the welfare of its people,” Marizamunda said.
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Other projects in Southern Province include building houses in Nyamagabe and Gisagara, constructing a bridge in Ruhango.
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Sylvere Nahayo, Mayor of Kamonyi, welcomed the programme, saying it would help residents and their children access quality education, by addressing overcrowding at Groupe Scolaire Masaka, GS Ruramba, and Masaka Primary School.
Construction works are ongoing in phases. Phase One saw 10 classrooms, an administration block, a girls’ dormitory, a laboratory, and toilets built, employing over 300 local residents. Phase Two will add eight more classrooms, along with basketball and volleyball courts, at an estimated cost of Rwf480 million.
Projects launched in Kigali
In the City of Kigali, the launch took place in Kinyinya Sector of Gasabo District, where the foundation stone was laid for the construction of 15 classrooms.
The Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, said the initiative demonstrates how security institutions contribute not only to national security but also to development.
"The military and police are responsible for the security of the country, but they also contribute to the wellbeing of citizens,” Nsengimana said.
He noted that the construction of classrooms would help reduce overcrowding in schools and improve the learning environment.
"When security is ensured, people work with confidence, students study safely, and the country continues to develop,” Nsengimana added.
The Mayor of the City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, said they continue to invest in education infrastructure to ensure young people acquire skills that match the demands of a growing labour market.
He also highlighted achievements of last year’s Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme, including the construction of homes for vulnerable families, establishment of ECD centres in Rutunga, Kinyinya and Jali sectors, as well as sanitation awareness campaigns.
Dusengiyumva noted that the growing population of young people in Kigali calls for expanded education infrastructure.
"We must continue increasing classrooms and improving school infrastructure so that children remain in school and acquire the skills they need for the future,” he said.
Strengthening community collaboration
CIP Wellars Gahonzire, the Police spokesperson in Kigali, said several activities are planned under the programme.
one ECD centre will be built in Ndera Sector, while ond farmer in Masaka will receive support for poultry farming. In Kinyinya Sector, 15 classrooms and 18 toilets are being constructed.
Gahonzire said the activities help strengthen collaboration between security organs and the public.
"When we engage communities directly, it strengthens trust. This means when citizens have information to share with security organs, they are able to do so more quickly,” he said.
He urged residents to protect the infrastructure developed through the programme, noting that the initiatives benefit the entire community.
Housing for vulnerable families
In Western Province, Governor Jean Bisco Ntibitura and the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner General Felix Namuhoranye, launched the construction of 30 homes for vulnerable households.
A total of 80 homes will be constructed across the country, each valued at Rwf30 million.
"We are grateful for these efforts to improve the livelihoods of our people,” said Ntibitura.
"This year’s initiative will support 30 households by providing them with homes. We appreciate the joint collaboration between the Rwanda National Police, the Rwanda Defence Force, and the community.”
In Kayonza District, Eastern Province, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Solange Uwituze, officiated the handover of livestock, including cows and goats, to 32 vulnerable families.
The support is intended to help improve the livelihoods of the beneficiary households and promote sustainable socioeconomic development in the area.
In Gicumbi District, Northern Province, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Yvan Butera, together with the Mayor of Gicumbi District, Emmanuel Nzabonimpa, and the RDF Chief of Staff for Health Services, Maj Gen Dr Ephrem Rurangwa, launched specialised medical services at Byumba Level Two Teaching Hospital.
The medical services are being provided by military medical specialists working alongside their civilian counterparts at the hospital.
The services include internal medicine, paediatrics, general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology and obstetrics, ear nose and throat treatment, dermatology, and dental care.