Police and other public institutions in Rwanda’s Southern Province are urging residents to embrace digital financial services for storing, receiving and making payments, saying the use of electronic transactions can reduce the risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash.
The call was made during a public awareness campaign held in Rusatira Sector of Huye District, where authorities highlighted the role of technology in improving the security and management of money.
CIP Hassan Kamanzi, The Rwanda National Police Southern Province spokesperson, said digital payments offer greater security by reducing the need for people to carry cash in their pockets.
“Using digital financial services helps improve the security of money because people no longer have to move around carrying large amounts of cash. This reduces the risk of theft and robbery,” he said.
However, authorities cautioned residents that the increased use of digital financial services also requires vigilance, particularly against fraudsters who attempt to obtain confidential information.
SP August Habimana, the Huye District Police Commander warned residents never to disclose personal identification numbers or other security details that could give someone access to their money.
“We warn residents against giving anyone the confidential codes that allow access to their money. Those who use technology to steal other people’s money should also be aware that such actions constitute criminal offences, and security organs will continue to pursue them,” he said.
Ange Sebutege, Huye District Mayor also encouraged residents to make greater use of digital platforms when receiving and paying money, noting that such systems can reduce the likelihood of cash being lost or stolen.
“We encourage residents to use technology to receive and make payments because it helps them keep and manage their money more securely. Unlike carrying cash, where someone can lose it or have it stolen, digital transactions provide an additional layer of security,” she said.
Wilson Niyobuhungiro, an official from the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation, said the shift towards digital financial transactions could benefit both citizens and security institutions.
He explained that technology could reduce the burden of physically protecting cash and allow security efforts to focus more on preventing and investigating financial crimes carried out through digital platforms.
“Technology-based financial services will make the work of security institutions easier. Some of the efforts previously required to protect money physically can increasingly be supported through technology, while citizens will also find it easier to manage the security of their money,” He said.
The National Bank of Rwanda, through Nsabimana Gerard, Head of the Consumer Protection Division, said the eKash platform is expected to further strengthen the security of financial transactions.
“eKash will help people improve the security of their money, which in the past could be stolen after being taken out of a pocket or withdrawn from where it was stored. We are working with security institutions to address fraud, while also urging citizens to remain vigilant and protect themselves from people who try to deceive them,” he said.
Ose Irihose, a resident of Rusatira Sector, said digital financial services could help communities deal with thieves who target people carrying cash.
“The eKash system will help us deal with thieves who used to steal from us or rob us of our money,” he said.
The awareness campaign continues to encourage residents to use digital financial services when storing, receiving and making payments. At the same time, authorities are stressing the importance of protecting confidential information, particularly personal identification numbers, passwords and other security details linked to financial accounts.
