Musanze residents took to the streets on Friday, September 24 for the Sober Night Run, combining sport, entertainment and messages urging young people to stay away from alcohol and drugs.

The event brought together residents and various officials including the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Consolee Uwimana, Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde, Gender Monitoring Office Chief Nadine Umutoni, Senator Mureshyankwano Marie Rose, Rwanda Investigation Bureau spokesperson Thierry Murangira, the city Mayor, security officials and other participants.

It was part of the Sober Weekend initiative organised by MIGEPROF, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, under the youth-focused campaign Irinde Ibiyobyabwenge, Wiheshe Agaciro (Stay Sober, Stay Dignified).

The campaign sought to bring young people, parents and leaders together to raise awareness about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse and its consequences for families.

The evening programme featured music performances and other entertainment, adding to the sporting activities as participants continued to engage with the campaign’s message.

Addressing participants after the run, Uwimana reminded young people that sport is not only about physical fitness, but can instil values needed in everyday life.

"We know that sport is life; it teaches adherence to rules, discipline, setting goals and striving to achieve them, effective time management, and the use of both heart and mind,” she said.

"Above all, it teaches you that you are not alone, as you inevitably have to work with others.”

Uwimana linked the message to Family Week being observed in the Northern Province, urging participants to see sobriety as part of efforts to build secure and resilient families.

"We liken a family to a team, a family cannot achieve anything if every member goes their own way, with each person playing their own separate game, because that leads to no progress for the family unit,” she said.

"The kind of family we desire as Rwandans is one that is capable and secure, meeting key standards regarding economic well-being, social welfare, and good governance,” Uwimana said.

She challenged participants to reflect on the choices they make and whether they contribute to the kind of society Rwanda seeks to build.

"I want everyone here to reflect and consider where you stand, in light of the kind of Rwandan society we aspire to build,” she said.

Murangira, the RIB spokesperson, similarly urged young people to avoid behaviour that could expose them to crime, with particular emphasis on alcohol and drug abuse.

He said excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of criminal behaviour and noted that some areas have recorded reduced crime after illicit alcohol was eliminated.

"If you cannot give up alcohol entirely, then drink in moderation, excessive consumption significantly increases the risk of committing crimes,” Murangira said.

"We have observed a decrease in crime in areas where illicit alcohol has been eliminated... many offenses were previously linked to drug use.”

Jean-Claude Twizeyimana, a youth participant, said the message on alcohol and drugs was important because of their impact on families.

"When you abstain from alcohol, the family unites and prospers, you accomplish things and move forward,” he said.

"Conversely, especially for the youth, drinking leads to conflict at home, clashing with parents and siblings because alcohol impairs your judgment.”

Deborah Umuhoza, said the campaign gives young people information they can use to advise their peers against substance abuse.

"When young people get caught up in alcohol abuse, they often drop out of school or engage in violence and fighting,” she said.

She added that alcohol abuse among parents can affect children when responsibilities such as paying school fees are neglected.

Earlier in the day, the Sober Weekend programme also brought together hundreds of students at Ecole Secondaire Saint Vincent Muhoza for discussions on reproductive health, drug and alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and building resilient families.

Students from Ecole Secondaire Saint Vincent Muhoza, GS Muhoza I, GS Muhoza II and Ecole des Sciences de Musanze took part in games, dance and sports activities before the discussions.

Uwimana urged the students to remain committed to sobriety and positive choices.

"Hold fast to Rwandan culture, embrace sports, and commit to whatever ensures that a Rwandan child remains a sober Rwandan,” she said.

"You the youth are the strength of Rwanda, thank you for the zeal you continue to demonstrate in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse.”

The Sober Weekend began in Musanze on September 24 and will conclude with the special Umuganda activity on September 26.