The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye has urged youth to be the true strength of the nation by avoiding drugs, revealing that there is an ongoing operation to eradicate the alcoholic drinks known as Ibyuma, which have been destroying the lives of Rwandans.
He made these remarks on August 1, 2026, during the graduation ceremony of more than 2001 young people who completed rehabilitation at the Iwawa Rehabilitation Centre.
Alcohol Identified as the Leading Cause
At the ceremony, Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana noted that while there are many reasons people are sent to rehabilitation centres, alcohol remains one of the most alarming. He explained: “95% of the youth in these centres are there because of issues related to alcohol consumption. Many start with drinking, then escalate to excessive drinking and eventually to other drugs.”
Government Intensifies Crackdown on ‘Ibyuma’
In his speech, IGP Namuhoranye told the graduates that there is no benefit in drugs, as anyone whose mind is corrupted by them ceases to be a constructive force for the nation. He disclosed that the government has taken a firm stand against drugs, particularly the alcohol known as Ibyuma.
IGP Namuhoranye said: “Someone who has lost their mind is no longer a strength to the country. When you consume drugs, you are intoxicated. You have heard of the alcohol called Ibyuma? Let me inform you, we are eliminating it. You will find it no longer exists because we are in an operation to permanently eradicate Ibyuma in Rwanda.”
Fatal Consequences of Substandard Alcohol
According to the Ministry of Health, since January this year, substandard alcohol and drinks have claimed the lives of 50 people, while others have suffered serious consequences including blindness.
Nationwide Awareness Campaigns Underway
As a result, awareness campaigns are being conducted nationwide in collaboration with various institutions to prevent further deaths. Glass-bottled alcohol known as Ibyuma has been singled out as particularly harmful to youth due to misuse of ethanol in its brewing, which has caused severe health effects, including blindness, among consumers.
