Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has called on the Anglican church and other faith institutions to step up efforts to fight drug abuse, alcoholism and other harmful behaviours that undermine families and community welfare.

He made the call on Sunday, October 25, during the installation of Manasseh Gahima as the new Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, in a ceremony held in Kigali.

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Nsengiyumva, who represented President Paul Kagame at the event, said religious institutions need to work more closely with the government to address social challenges, strengthen families and improve the welfare of Rwandans.

"We therefore call on religious institutions to play an active role in the fight against challenges such as alcoholism, drug abuse, the distribution and consumption of substandard alcoholic drinks known as ‘ibyuma’, ku and other harmful behaviours,” he said.

He added that such problems contribute to family breakdown, weaken household economies and can result in crime and conflict.

The Prime Minister urged faith organisations to strengthen programmes that prepare couples for marriage and promote stable families founded on Rwandan values.

He said religious institutions should complement their spiritual teachings with practical efforts to discourage harmful practices and help build stronger communities.

"This is an important responsibility we share as development partners because these problems destroy families, undermine household economic well-being and contribute to other crimes and conflicts,” he said.

The Prime Minister said this amid an ongoing campaign against production, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages, which has seen more than 140 companies closed and hundreds of alcohol brands recalled from the market since August. A parallel campaign dubbed Sober Gen is underway to encourage young people to lead healthier lifestyles.

Churches urged to promote unity

Nsengiyumva also called on religious leaders to promote national unity and resilience, warning against teachings that discourage people from working and improving their lives.

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He urged the Anglican Church and other religious institutions to help change the mindsets of their followers and speak out against misleading teachings that undermine personal and community development.

The call comes as Rwanda continues to emphasise unity and social cohesion as part of its national development agenda.

The Prime Minister said religious institutions should strengthen unity among their members, across different denominations and among Rwandans in general.

He also encouraged church leaders to ensure that worship activities take place in appropriate and safe facilities that meet safety requirements.

‘Focus on productivity’

Nsengiyumva further urged Rwandans to increase productivity and participate in government programmes aimed at improving living standards.

He called on families to send their children to school, enrol in community-based health insurance, maintain hygiene, and improve children&039;s nutrition.

He also encouraged citizens to develop a savings culture and make use of government initiatives designed to improve their welfare.

The Prime Minister said achieving Rwanda's Vision 2050, which targets a middle-income economy, requires cooperation between government institutions, the private sector, civil society, religious organisations and citizens.

"The government continues to commend the Anglican Church for its contribution to national development, particularly in improving citizen welfare through education, psychosocial support, healthcare and other services,” he said.

He added that the church had contributed beyond its spiritual mission by supporting the country's reconstruction and development.

During the ceremony, Nsengiyumva congratulated the new archbishop, saying his election reflected the confidence the church had placed in his leadership abilities.

He also commended outgoing Archbishop Laurent Mbanda for his eight years of service, acknowledging his contribution to the development of the Church and the country.

The Prime Minister assured Gahima of the government's continued cooperation as he takes on his new responsibilities.

Gahima was elected Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda on September 11. He previously served as Bishop of Gahini Diocese and president of the Council of Protestant Churches of Rwanda.

He succeeds Mbanda, who led the church since 2018.

The Anglican Church began its work in Rwanda in 1925, and it has 13 dioceses in the country.