Africa-Press – Rwanda. The government plans to spend Rwf3 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year to acquire fire and rescue equipment, including a modern aerial latter truck, according to the Ministry of Interior.
While addressing the Parliamentary Committee on National Budget and Patrimony on May 9, Minister of Interior Dr Vincent Biruta said the investment is part of a broader effort to modernize Rwanda’s emergency response capabilities.
“To date, Rwf2.8 billion has already been invested in this initiative to enhance the country’s emergency response capacity. An additional Rwf3 billion is earmarked for the 2025/2026 fiscal year,” Biruta told MPs.
He noted that the modernization of the Police Fire and Rescue Brigade began in 2017 and is expected to be completed by June 2028, with a total budget of Rwf9 billion.
“For the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the government allocated Rwf1.5 billion to this project, which was fully utilized. By June 2028, we expect Rwanda to be well-equipped with adequate fire and rescue trucks, as well as a modern Bronto Skylift truck, to respond effectively to emergencies,” he added.
Internal security and police
Beyond emergency services, Biruta highlighted other key initiatives under the ministry aimed at strengthening internal security and public safety and the capacity of Rwanda National Police.
These include community awareness campaigns on crime prevention, training 3,000 community policing actors, and supporting cooperatives of former offenders known as Imboni z’Impinduka.
“To reinforce our internal security strategy, we are reviewing and drafting laws, orders, and regulations, while also conducting assessments on key challenges and developing the Ministry’s strategic plan. This legal and policy reform project is currently at 85% completion,” Biruta said.
On gender equality within Rwanda National Police, Minister Biruta revealed that 4,305 women have received training and that 25.8% of female police officers have been deployed in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
The Ministry plans infrastructure projects in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, including the construction of 15 police stations across the country, which will cost Rwf7.7 billion, the Marine Police headquarters in Karongi District at Rwf17.2 billion, and the Kigali Metropolitan Police unit in Nyarugenge District, expected to cost Rwf56.5 billion.
During the session, MP Venuste Icyitegetse raised concerns about the accessibility of police stations in some rural areas.
“In several districts, especially in certain sectors, there are too few police stations, and those that exist often operate in poor conditions. This needs urgent attention in terms of construction and renovation,” he said.
Minister Biruta said that the government is working to address these gaps, including the ongoing project for the construction and rehabilitation of three police stations in Gicumbi, Nyabihu, and Ngororero districts, projected to cost Rwf3.3 billion.
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