The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has launched a nationwide campaign dubbed “SI ZO ZAWE, ZANGE” to combat the production, distribution, and consumption of illicit alcoholic drinks and other beverages produced under unsafe and substandard conditions that pose serious risks to public health.
Translated as “They’re Not Genuine. Reject Them,” the campaign complements the existing “TUNYWE LESS” initiative while placing greater emphasis on eliminating beverages adulterated with harmful chemicals and other dangerous substances that can cause severe illness, blindness, organ failure, and death.
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Campaign Follows Rising Deaths Linked to Adulterated Drinks
The campaign comes amid growing concerns over the health consequences of consuming unsafe beverages across different parts of Rwanda.
According to the Ministry of Health, 44 people died between January and June 2026 after consuming drinks contaminated with toxic substances. Many of the victims suffered serious complications, including blindness, organ damage, and poisoning caused by hazardous chemicals used during production.
Cases have been reported in several districts, including Bugesera, Rwamagana, and Nyabihu, while authorities say the consumption of illicit alcohol has also been associated with violence and other criminal activities.
Police Aim to Prevent Further Loss of Life
Rwanda National Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, Commissioner for Public Relations and Media, said the campaign seeks to prevent further deaths and health complications caused by unsafe beverages.
ACP Rutikanga said: “Our objective is to ensure that no one dies, falls ill, or suffers any other harmful effects after consuming beverages produced using prohibited materials, adulterated with harmful chemicals, or prepared under unhygienic conditions.”
He explained that the campaign will encourage individuals involved in producing and distributing illicit beverages to permanently abandon the practice while urging consumers to remain vigilant about the drinks they purchase or consume, whether from shops, bars, or homes.
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Authorities Warn Against Dangerous Ingredients
ACP Rutikanga warned that some illegal alcoholic drinks are adulterated with highly dangerous substances, including industrial chemicals, soap, brick powder, baking additives, improperly used yeast, drain-cleaning chemicals, and other toxic materials that can have fatal consequences.
He also urged the public to ensure that traditionally prepared beverages such as fruit juice (umutobe), sorghum drink (ubushera), and banana beer (ikigage) are produced using approved ingredients and prepared under proper hygienic conditions, whether for family consumption or public celebrations.
he said: “All beverages should be prepared using genuine ingredients only, without adding unauthorized substances. They should also be produced, handled, and served under proper hygienic conditions.”
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Police Warn Offenders of Legal Consequences
The Rwanda National Police reminded the public that producing or selling beverages that endanger people’s health is a criminal offence punishable under Rwandan law.
ACP Rutikanga called on all citizens to work together to eliminate dangerous beverages from communities by rejecting adulterated drinks and encouraging others to consume only safe, legally produced beverages.
he said: “It is everyone’s responsibility to eliminate these dangerous beverages. Protect others by encouraging them to stay away from unsafe and adulterated drinks.”
