Rwanda: No Backing Down in Fight Against Illicit Alcohol, Says Youth Minister

What the report says

Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and Arts, Dr Abdallah Utumatwishima, said the government will keep pressing ahead with efforts to curb illicit alcohol use and distribution, urging young people to avoid recalled brands and protect their health. The remarks were made on Saturday, Aug. 29, during Umuganda activities in Kigali’s Kicukiro District, where officials and residents discussed alcohol and drug abuse.

Utumatwishima warned that people keeping recalled alcohol in hopes of selling it later should expect the crackdown to continue. He also linked substance abuse to lost opportunities, saying poor health can interfere with education, jobs and skills development. He called on citizens to help identify illegal production sites and to share information about hidden stocks, including through anonymous reporting.

Inspector General of Police Félix Namuhoranye used the same forum to highlight the broader drug problem among youth. He cited a recent police intervention in Kicukiro where more than 50 young people, including minors, were found intoxicated at a house party and some were taken to hospital after fainting. He said the incident involved alcohol as well as marijuana, and pointed to access to harder drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

The renewed campaign comes as authorities intensify enforcement. According to the report, officials said since early August they have seized more than Rwf2.6 billion worth of illicit alcoholic beverages and shut down nearly 250 production sites. The article also notes that the awareness drive included community outreach and a performance by musician Riderman.