Rwandans join ‘NtabeAriNjye’ campaign

Police  spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera

Kigali: A fortnight ago, Rwanda National Police (RNP) started ‘NtabeAriNjye’ (loosely translated as ‘I shouldn’t be the one’) challenge. It is a campaign on social media aimed at influencing individual positive choices while preventing to be the source for COVID-19 infections where you live, walk, in the vehicle or at work.

Over the past two weeks, many Rwandans including senior government officials, media personalities, professionals, academicians and influencers, among others, have joined the challenge to educate and influence the general public on safer practices to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera (@RNPSpokesperson), twitted: “So far, the only solution we have for fighting Coronavirus is to follow the instructions! Those placed under #GumaMuRugo (lockdown), be compliant; those in different tasks and errands, respect the safety directives.

I respect it too; #NtabeAriNjye to be infected or to infect others with Coronavirus. Be responsive, add your voice.”

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye (@BusingyeJohns), said: “Covid-19 statistics are available every night. We know how the virus is spread.

The reason why cases continue to be detected in new places is because you and I did not comply with the recommended precautionary measures. Watch out! Beware! Beware! Beware. #SimbeariNjye.”

The Minister of Sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju (@AuroreMimosa), reminded the general public to respect the sports guidelines.

“Fight Covid-19, #NtabeAriNjye; don’t be the reason for sports activities, once again, to be allowed only indoor. When you are in sports activities, follow the directives; leave at least one-meter distance between two people. Remember, sports in groups are prohibited,” Minister Munyangaju said.

Mugisha Nathan (@nathism2), the founder and Chief Executive Officer at Bliss creations produced a 45-second video that educates the public on safety practices.

“I produce 45 seconds video every day in [an] initiative that I called 45 stories for change. Today (June 28), I made a video on @Rwandapolice program called #ntabearinjye,” Mugisha twitted.

Robert McKenna Cyubahiro (@RobCyubahiro), a presenter at Magic FM, said: “… help Police in #NtabeAriNjye. Help your Akagali (Cell) in sensitizing youth on the need to protect themselves against Covid-19…”

Sushona (@Charitebrown) observed that most people wear facemasks because they are forced rather than making it an individual safety choice.

He said: “[The] fact is… people wear masks because of police not [because of] Covid-19. Much respect to POLICE. #NtabeAriNjye.”

“#NtabeAriNjye, let’s keep the spirit and we shall overcome,” one Isaiah (@Isaiah80721250), twitted.

To Yves Emmanuel Turatsinze (@Turatsinze_Emma), he reminded Rwandans to keep on exercising caution and keeping measures intended to restrain the spread of this virus. “#NtabeAriNjye, who continues spreading Covid-19 in Rwanda.”

RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera commended the role the public continues to play to make NtabeAriNjye campaign a reality.

“Every voice counts. We laud those, who have made NtabeAriNjye campaign their responsibility to supplement national efforts in combating the pandemic of Coronavirus. It is through such responsive spirit of ownership that we will win,” CP Kabera said.

He added: “The campaign reminds each and every one of us to wash our hands with soap and clean water regularly or to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer; to avoid unnecessary movements and journeys; to respect social distance. (End)