Commissioner Emmanuel Kayigi, Spokesperson for the National Police’s Traffic Safety Division
Rwandan National Police data reveals that 92 individuals were detained nationwide for driving under the influence of alcohol during the critical Christmas and New Year holiday weekends of 2025/2026. This figure, while significant, emerges against a backdrop of a notable and encouraging trend: a marked reduction in fatal accidents during a period historically synonymous with road carnage.
This juxtaposition of persistent DUI offenses alongside improved overall safety outcomes presents a nuanced picture of Rwanda’s road safety landscape. It underscores a critical transition—from reactive law enforcement to a more holistic, preventative model that combines public awareness, stringent penalties, and targeted enforcement.
Decoding the Numbers: Arrests vs. Fatalities
Police spokesperson Commissioner Emmanuel Kayigi provided crucial context. “Only six accidents were recorded during the Christmas and New Year holidays, unrelated to the festivities themselves. This year, we recorded two serious accidents: one involving a truck with mechanical brake failure and another a pedestrian incident. This is a stark contrast to the past, where celebrations often directly led to catastrophic crashes,” Kayigi explained.
The arrest breakdown is telling: 45 individuals on Christmas weekend and 47 on New Year’s weekend. This consistent enforcement pressure is a key component of the strategy. The police attribute the overall safer period to a sustained, pre-emptive awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of drunk driving, the legal risks of non-compliance, and the often-uncontrollable consequences of impaired judgment behind the wheel.
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The Dual Strategy: Prevention and Enforcement
The Rwandan approach demonstrates a two-pronged strategy. First, the preventative pillar seeks to change social norms and personal behavior through education. Second, the enforcement pillar ensures deterrence. As Commissioner Kayigi noted, “Despite awareness efforts, some followed instructions while others ignored them.” The 92 arrests are a direct result of this unwavering enforcement, signaling that education alone is insufficient without consequence.
A significant development is the mention of a new, forthcoming law to be published in the Official Gazette. This legislation is poised to address a growing challenge: drivers who, once arrested for DUI, attempt to flee. This move indicates an adaptive legal framework seeking to close enforcement loopholes and impose stricter accountability.
The Broader Road Safety Ecosystem: Vehicles and Vulnerabilities
Beyond holiday DUI, the police assessment points to systemic risk factors. Heavy vehicles are cited as the main culprits in high-consequence accidents causing deaths, severe injuries, and major material damage. Meanwhile, motorcycles lead in the total volume of accidents. This distinction is vital for policy: it calls for targeted interventions for commercial transport (e.g., stricter mechanical checks, driver hour regulations) and for motorcycle safety (e.g., enhanced rider training, helmet laws, and separate lane infrastructure where possible).
Key Takeaways and Forward Outlook
The 2025/2026 holiday season data offers several insights:
- Enforcement is Non-Negotiable: High-visibility holiday patrols and checkpoints are effective in apprehending offenders and creating a general deterrent effect.
- Prevention Complements Punishment: Awareness campaigns lay the groundwork for public acceptance of enforcement and encourage voluntary compliance.
- Legislation Must Evolve: The upcoming law targeting fleeing offenders shows a proactive stance in strengthening the legal toolkit against impaired driving.
- Context Matters: While DUI remains a grave concern, addressing road safety requires parallel action on vehicle safety standards (especially for trucks and motorcycles) and infrastructure.
The 92 detentions are not just a statistic; they represent 92 potentially fatal incidents that were prevented. They highlight both the progress made and the stubborn persistence of risky behavior. Rwanda’s model—of blending communication, enforcement, and legislative agility—provides a compelling case study in the gradual, hard-fought journey toward safer roads for all.