Many young people are suffering the consequences of alcoholism and drugs in general, yet drug abuse continues to be rampant among youth. According to a report that was recently released by Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Caraes Ndera, over 96,000 mental health cases registered in 2021-22 fiscal year, 70 per cent of these were youths linked to abuse of different psychotics including alcohol. When top government leaders under the Unity Club recently suggested for the minimum legal alcohol drinking age in Rwanda to rise from 18 to 21 years, their aim was to address these high numbers of youth affected by alcohol and drugs at a tender age. This move has been lauded by various stakeholders, including religious leaders, who note that the move will help address drug abuse and hence improve young people’s welfare. Speaking to The New Times, the Spokesperson of the Rwanda Muslims Council, Sheikh Suleiman Mbarushimana said that religious leaders have a big role to play in terms of moulding moral ethics. Mbarushimana said that this can be done in different ways, for example in the Islamic community, “we choose to initiate anti-drug clubs to mobilise youth to avoid using drugs.” Mbarushimana added that everyone has a role to play, especially families which play a bigger part in children’s upbringing. Pastor Jackie Mugabo, head of the Sisterhood Ministry, said that the issue of abusing alcohol among young people is a global challenge fuelling psychological problems either from people’s backgrounds or the stress they go through in the course of life. We all need supportive families and communities to be able to overcome life challenges. But most importantly, as a Christian and mother, I believe that Jesus Christ came to save those who are lost, those battling different forms of addictions. And if anyone accepts Jesus as Lord and Saviour they will be saved, she said. In an interview with The New Times, Pastor Joy Rucyahana said that the issue of drinking in society is a result of deeper issues; “you have to ask yourself why people choose to drink.”
