Rwanda to introduce drones to monitor road accidents, traffic violations
A successful pilot exercise in remote areas, primarily targeting illegal mining activities and other security concerns, led to the decision to introduce drones for road safety.
The Rwanda National Police (RNP) is set to deploy drones to monitor road safety and traffic violations nationwide, a significant step in modernising law enforcement.
The initiative aims to prioritise public safety over punitive measures, according to RNP spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga.
More To Read
“This initiative is not about imposing fines or penalties; it is about ensuring public order, safety, and security for our citizens,” Rutikanga said during an interview with The New Times on January 3.
"Although drone technology has yet to be fully implemented across the country, it is expected to revolutionise road monitoring. Rutikanga highlighted that the drones will enable law enforcement to detect suspicious activities, oversee large gatherings, and respond swiftly to emergencies in remote areas. “Drones have already played a critical role in maintaining public order in various parts of the country, and they hold immense potential for traffic monitoring.”
Pilot exercise
A successful pilot exercise in remote areas, primarily targeting illegal mining activities and other security concerns, led to the decision to introduce drones for road safety.
“We’ve been using drones in public order management operations, such as identifying illegal mining activities. Now, we’re introducing them for road safety management and enforcement,” Rutikanga noted. “We intend to expand this capability nationwide.”
The adoption of drones aligns with Rwanda's broader policy of digitising services to enhance efficiency and accountability. “It’s not that there was a gap; it’s simply the right time to use this technology,” Rutikanga said.
“Technology achieves more than human efforts can accomplish. Deploying tools like drones addresses specific challenges with precision, significantly improving our operational outcomes.”
To address concerns over privacy and misuse, Rutikanga assured that strict protocols would govern the use of drones. “We abide by data protection laws and do not disclose information without the individual’s consent,” he emphasized. "If an accident or misconduct involves a vehicle, we solely use that specific information for policing and prosecution purposes. Nothing beyond that.”
Building public trust is central to the initiative. The RNP plans to engage communities through awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of drone technology and address any apprehensions.
“We will educate citizens about how we operate, addressing questions such as who enforces the rules and how they operate,” Rutikanga stated. “Additionally, we will maximise the use of evidence to ensure our actions are justifiable and transparent.”
