The government’s move against illicit alcoholic beverages has drawn reactions from different people. We spoke to health experts, parents, and people who have experienced the effects of alcohol misuse to hear their views on the decision. ALSO READ: Products worth Rwf2.6bn seized as crackdown on illicit alcohol widens Here is what they had to say: Emmanuel Ntidendereza, pharmacist The ongoing inspections and bans on illicit alcoholic beverages are, first and foremost, about protecting public health. A product may be licensed, but every batch must also meet approved quality standards. If the ingredients differ from what is declared or contamination occurs during production, people can suffer serious health effects, including poisoning and organ damage. Consumers cannot tell whether a drink is safe by its taste, smell, appearance, or brand. ALSO READ: Beyond the bottle: Healthier ways to heal emotional pain and lift your mood That is why regular inspections, laboratory testing, and proper manufacturing practices are important. Public health and consumer safety should always come first, with other benefits following. Liliane Gahima, communications expert As a mother of two sons, I commend authorities for banning these dangerous alcohol brands. Our children’s lives matter more than profit. Drug and alcohol abuse is stealing the future of too many young people and teenagers, breaking families, destroying dreams, and costing lives. This decision gives me hope that we are choosing to protect the next generation. Let’s keep our homes, schools, and communities safe. Let’s raise children who choose life, health, and purpose. Janvier Muhire, clinical psychologist The ongoing crackdown on illicit alcohol should also help people better understand the dangers of alcohol misuse. Alcohol use disorder is a health condition, not a sign of weak character or a lack of self-control. Alcohol affects the brain, changing the way people think, behave, and make decisions, and some people become dependent on it over time. Long-term drinking can have lasting effects on the brain, while suddenly stopping after heavy alcohol use can be dangerous. The campaign should also correct common myths, including the belief that alcohol helps people sleep better, when in fact it affects the quality of sleep. Dr. Gilbert Mbaraga, medical doctor Alcohol abuse is not only a health concern; it can also increase the risk of HIV transmission. Excessive alcohol use can affect people’s decision-making, leading to risky sexual behaviour, reduced condom use, and poor adherence to HIV treatment. Tackling illicit alcohol use is therefore important in reducing health risks, supporting efforts to prevent HIV infections, and ensuring that people living with HIV remain on treatment. Dr. Eric Niyongira, medical doctor The ban is the right call, and it should also be a wake-up call. Illicit alcohol does not wait for the long term to punish you; it has killed and blinded people within hours. Even legal alcohol carries no health benefit. What you enjoy today is something your body may have to pay for later, and that cost can be high. It is also not a burden carried by you alone; it affects your family, your loved ones, and the country, all of whom have other priorities. If you drink, start reducing now. Emertha Kaminka, pastor This ban is lifesaving because dangerous, cheap alcohol has already caused harm, including deaths. Unfortunately, some lives have already been lost, but we hope this crackdown will make a positive impact. The misuse of alcohol is worrying, especially among young people. We need a generation that can think clearly, understand its purpose, and contribute to the future of the country. For businesses affected by the crackdown, the government should help identify gaps, support recovery where possible, and ensure that such inspections are carried out consistently, not only when problems arise. This is not an issue for the government alone. Everyone has a role to play in fighting alcohol misuse and promoting responsible drinking. Ismail Sibomana, carpenter I appreciate what the government is doing. Many young people are losing their lives to alcohol, yet some of these deaths could have been prevented. Alcohol misuse has become a challenge in society, affecting people’s ability to work, support their families, and take responsibility for their lives. It has also contributed to mental health challenges. I was once among those whose lives were affected by alcohol and drug use. I received help through rehabilitation, and I am now fully recovered. I work as a carpenter, and I am using my experience to support others who are heading down the same path. Evans Mwendwa, deejay The government’s action against unsafe alcoholic beverages should be understood as a necessary step to protect the lives and health of Rwandans. No business interest or temporary pleasure should be placed above human life. I don’t drink alcohol but I think enforcement should go hand in hand with public education, rehabilitation, and support for people struggling with alcohol dependency. We should not only remove dangerous products from the market; we must also address the social and economic conditions that make young people and vulnerable communities turn to harmful alcohol. Protecting life must come first.
