The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène, has warned that it would be tragic for Rwanda, a country that rebuilt itself from the devastation caused by the Genocide against the Tutsi, to once again lose its people to harmful practices such as alcohol abuse.
He made the remarks during celebrations to mark the 2026 Umuganura Festival, held in Rwimbogo Sector, Rusizi District, on August 7, 2026.
Minister Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène said Rwandans should view Umuganura as an opportunity to celebrate life and well-being, something that is difficult for people who are consumed by illicit alcohol and other drugs.
Upholding Rwandan Cultural Values
Dr. Bizimana highlighted Rwandan cultural values such as patriotism, integrity, hard work, self-respect, avoiding alcohol abuse, avoiding prostitution, promiscuity and treachery, as well as refraining from producing poisonous substances. He said these are the values every Rwandan should uphold in order to build a strong and stable country.
He said: “Those who make illegal alcoholic drinks such as dundubwonko, muriture, mukubitumwice and others, as well as those who drink them, are engaging in disgraceful behaviour. We cannot tolerate it because both producing and consuming them is disgraceful and shows no integrity. Our country emerged from the devastation of the Genocide; we should not allow it to die again because of alcoholism, drugs, prostitution and other vices. Let us stop degrading ourselves and making ourselves worthless; instead, let us respect ourselves.”
Police Highlight Impact of Illicit Alcohol
The Rwanda National Police Commissioner in charge of coordinating police and community activities, ACP Ruyenzi Theddy, said that celebrating Umuganura should be accompanied by appreciation of the fruits of one’s labour. However, this is not possible for people who have become addicted to drugs and have failed to achieve any meaningful productivity.
She said: “Consuming illicit alcohol damages the mind, reduces productivity and can also lead to the squandering of what one has earned. That is why we encourage people to avoid it.”
Rusizi District Raises Concern Over Drug Abuse
Rusizi District Mayor Sindayiheba Phanuel said there are signs that drugs and substandard alcoholic beverages remain a problem in the district, including illegal breweries that have been shut down.
He said young people are particularly affected, citing a case in which a student assaulted a teacher in Giheke Sector, an incident he said was fueled by alcohol abuse.
He added that this year, 46 young men and women have been released from rehabilitation centres, while more than 20 others have been taken to such facilities. He said many of them were addicted to substandard alcoholic beverages that had affected their mental health.
Personal Testimony on the Effects of Alcohol Abuse
Ngendahayo Japhet, a resident of Mushaka Cell in Rwimbogo Sector, shared how he grew up in a family affected by alcoholism. His father was involved in selling various drugs and had five wives, with whom he fathered 32 children, including Ngendahayo. He said this contributed to the children being unable to pursue their education.
Ngendahayo also grew up drinking substandard alcoholic beverages, eventually becoming addicted. After getting married, his addiction contributed to mistreatment of his wife and conflicts and violence with neighbours, which eventually led to his imprisonment. When he was released, he found that his wife had left him.
He commended the Government of Rwanda for taking the lead in combating these illicit alcoholic beverages, which he said had claimed the lives of 50 people over the previous seven months.
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Umuganura Returns to Kinyaga After 132 Years
The Umuganura Festival was celebrated again in the Kinyaga region, comprising Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts, after a 132-year hiatus. The celebration had last been held there during the reign of King Rwabugiri in 1894, when the area was known as Kinyaga, and it took place in Shangi.
