Govt renews efforts to tackle alcohol abuse among youth

Ministers, chiefs of security organs and local government officials met in Kigali on Wednesday, July 29, for discussions on the need to strengthen efforts to tackle alcohol abuse among young people. Officials described the problem as a growing threat to public health, family wellbeing and the country's long-term development. ALSO READ: Alcoholism, absence of family time threaten stability of Rwandan families The meeting, co-chaired by Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana alongside Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Interior Vincent Biruta and Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda, brought together senior officials from other ministries, security agencies, regulators and provincial governors to discuss measures to address excessive alcohol consumption and its wider social consequences. Minister Habimana told reporters that the discussions were driven by the need to protect Rwanda’s young population, which is central to achieving the country’s Vision 2050 development agenda. “Our vision depends on citizens who are healthy, productive and guided by strong values. We cannot achieve the Rwanda we want if a significant number of young people are trapped in alcohol abuse and other destructive behaviours,” he said in an interview following the meeting, which was held at the headquarters of Rwanda National Police. ALSO READ: Poor parenting root of family challenges, says gender ministry He warned that excessive alcohol consumption is increasingly becoming normalised despite having no place in Rwandan culture. “Drinking simply to get drunk is becoming accepted by some people as though it were part of our way of life. It is not. We must prevent such behaviour from becoming part of our identity because it undermines both individual potential and national progress,” Habimana said. The minister noted that impacts of alcohol abuse go beyond health concerns, saying the vice contributes to child stunting, domestic conflicts, school dropouts, unemployment and poor workplace performance. “When alcohol or drug addiction takes hold, people lose their focus on education, work and their responsibilities. These are the kinds of challenges that slow development and weaken families,” he said. ALSO READ: Family disputes fuelling children's mental health crisis - experts The renewed government effort follows President Paul Kagame’s warning to young people against alcohol and drug abuse. Speaking on Tuesday, July 28, during an engagement with members of the 16th cohort of Itorero Indangamirwa at Rwanda Defence Force Combat Training Centre in Gabiro, Kagame urged young people not to allow alcohol to destroy their future. “I ask you as young people: we need you, we love you, but please, first and foremost take care of yourselves,” Kagame said. Describing alcohol abuse as “a religion” that appears to be recruiting more followers, the President warned that excessive drinking has already claimed many lives and risks cutting short the ambitions of many more young people. “This thing will kill you before you realize your ambitions, if you have them, because you must have ambitions first of all. Do not cut your life short,” he said. ALSO READ: Kagame tasks Itorero youth to protect Rwanda’s progress Wednesday's meeting also comes months after authorities renewed awareness campaigns against illegal alcohol production and consumption following a series of fatal incidents involving people believed to have consumed illicit brews. According to Rwanda National Police, at least 50 people have died since the beginning of 2026 after consuming illicit alcoholic beverages, while more than 100 others developed vision problems. The victims were reported in various districts, including Bugesera, Rwamagana, Gisagara, Nyabihu and Ngoma. ALSO READ: Why homemade beverages now require village approval Investigations found that some illegal producers had mixed methanol, a substance used in industrial production, into alcoholic beverages, leading to the deaths and injuries. Authorities have shut down several breweries and arrested suspects linked to the cases, as a crackdown on the illegal alcohol production intensified. Government also released guidelines for non-commercial production of homemade beverages, including the requirement to get approval from village leaders. This includes production beverages such as urwagwa, ikigage, ubushera, and fruit juices for events such as weddings or community celebrations. ALSO READ: Illicit alcohol linked to over 40 deaths in six months, health minister says Minister Habimana said tackling alcohol abuse requires more than law enforcement, stressing that it is closely linked to values, culture and responsible citizenship. He said government institutions will continue strengthening prevention campaigns, expanding public awareness and working together to discourage harmful drinking habits, particularly among young people. ALSO READ: Homemade beverages now require village approval under new rules The minister also warned manufacturers who prioritise profits over public health by producing unsafe alcoholic beverages. “We will continue to confront those who endanger people’s lives in pursuit of profit while also reinforcing education on prevention and personal responsibility. No one should destroy their future through alcohol or drugs,” he said. Officials also examined broader issues affecting Rwandan families, with institutions agreeing to reinforce joint interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, protecting young people and preserving family values.

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Govt renews efforts to tackle alcohol abuse among youth