Rwanda National Police reminded people that leisure activities should not be used as an excuse to engage in actions contrary to Rwandan values, especially in bars, nightclubs, concerts, and other entertainment events.
This statement was issued as security agencies continue to urge citizens to avoid conduct that may disrupt security, culture, and social harmony during leisure.
Entertainers are asked to play a role in monitoring behaviour. According to IGIHE, Rwanda Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga addressed the issue on August 8, 2026, during a press briefing while RIB was presenting suspects arrested for various crimes.
Rwanda Police said that preventing inappropriate behaviour is not only the responsibility of individuals. Owners of bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues are also required to ensure that activities in their establishments do not undermine security or national values.
ACP Rutikanga stated that those in the entertainment industry can be held accountable if inappropriate behavior occurs in their venues. This emphasizes that providing entertainment services is not only about hosting and pleasing customers but also about respecting laws and regulations governing public safety and conduct.
Police also said it will work with event organisers, DJs, and others involved in gathering people for entertainment to establish measures to prevent misconduct.
Drinking alcohol should not be an excuse. Police pointed out that inappropriate behaviour can be caused or worsened by excessive drinking. When someone drinks heavily, their ability to control themselves and make decisions decreases, which can lead to actions they would not take under normal self-control. However, security agencies stressed that drinking does not remove the obligation to obey the law. Citizens are therefore asked to enjoy leisure in ways that do not disturb others, avoiding actions that may cause insecurity or disrespect.
Police emphasized that Rwanda does not need entertainment based on acts that degrade individuals or the Rwandan community. As entertainment activities increase, especially concerts and nightclubs, cooperation between participants, organizers, and security agencies is necessary to ensure smooth events. Organizers are required to plan ways to prevent problematic behavior, while attendees must respect laws and regulations.
The issue of alcohol remains a concern. This statement comes as national institutions continue to highlight the dangers of alcohol consumption, especially among youth. Government statistics show that excessive drinking is linked to various health and social problems. MINALOC recently reported that 95% of youth admitted to rehabilitation centers for substance abuse were there due to alcohol-related issues.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health figures show that in the first seven months of 2026, 50 people died after consuming substandard alcohol, while another 100 lost their sight. The same data indicates that about 11,000 people experienced alcohol-related problems during that period.
This makes alcohol consumption not just an individual issue but a matter affecting health, security, and social relations. As bars, nightclubs, and concerts remain popular among youth, national institutions continue to encourage them to avoid excessive drinking and risky behavior. Leisure itself is not the problem; the problem arises when it becomes an excuse to break laws, cause disorder, or disturb others.
Parents, entertainment organizers, and venue managers also have a role in guiding youth toward responsible leisure. Rwanda Police stressed that bar and nightclub owners must not ignore what happens in their establishments. Security agencies will continue working with the entertainment industry to establish measures against misconduct, which may require adequate security staff, monitoring activities, and the ability to stop actions that threaten safety or legality.
The key message from Police is that leisure does not remove a citizen’s responsibilities. A person may attend a concert, bar, or nightclub to enjoy themselves, but they must do so while respecting others, the law, and national values. Police said it does not want inappropriate behavior to become normalized in Rwandan society under the excuse of leisure.
This requires everyone to take responsibility: participants avoiding misconduct, organizers ensuring safety measures, and security agencies monitoring law enforcement. Preventing problems early is better than dealing with consequences. For those attending entertainment activities, simple precautions include drinking moderately, avoiding fights and conflicts, respecting others, avoiding disruptive behavior, and knowing when to leave potentially problematic places.
Entertainment service providers also have the responsibility to ensure their venues are safe and compliant with the law. Overall, Police’s message is that entertainment can continue and grow, but it must go hand in hand with respect for laws, culture, and the rights of others.
