The Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana has urged 416 District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO) officers to put citizens’ interests and security at the forefront of whatever they do in executing their duties.

He was speaking during the graduation ceremony of the 416 DASSO officers who completed a nine-week training programme at Police Training School Gishari, Rwamagana District. Among them include 102 women and 314 men.

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Musabyimana reminded them that security job requires one to go beyond their demands and put forward the benefits of the people as well as the country, thus asking them to partner with citizens and assist the local government in implementing different plans that aim at maintaining national security.

The responsibilities, the Minister said, include ensuring that all school-aged children are in school, that problems of people are well solved, hence preventing injustice, corruption and bad service provision.

Musabyimana also asked the DASSO officers to uphold good values such us integrity, discipline and professionalism in their duties.

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Speaking during the graduation ceremony, CP Robert Niyonshuti, the Commandant of Police Training School Gishari said that the 416 DASSO officers who completed the training are part of the sixth cohort and are from 16 districts of, Bugesera, Gakenke, Gasabo, Gatsibo, Gicumbi, Kamonyi, Karongi, Kayonza, Muhanga, Musanze, Ngoma, Nyagatare, Nyaruguru, Ruhango, Rulindo and Rutsiro.

He added that they were provided with different courses that will help them to fulfill their duties better, specifying that they include using weapons, defensive tactics as well as first aid, among others that help them to lead, conduct basic investigation and share information.

CP Niyonshuti urged the graduates to use the lessons they have acquired to enhance their patriotism and keep training to grow themselves as well as their security organ.

Joselyn Iradukunda who comes from Muhanga District is one of the graduates.

She said that throughout the training, she has learned different things including using a gun as well as different defensive tactics she can use to save herself or other people in case of an attack.

Iradukunda asserted that she will avoid corruption and put forward what can help people thrive, including lending a hand the local government to bring back the children who dropped out of the school.

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Fred Nsengiyumva, another graduate from Nyagatare District said he is ready to implement what he and his fellows have learned, mainly related to maintaining security in the areas they operate from.

"We will have to behave so that people can trust us. We have well grasped the lessons we were given and were trained to put citizens at the frontline of what we do,” he said.