Rwanda National Police (RNP) has warned people organizing parties against serving alcoholic drinks that have been banned from the Rwandan market after 20 young people were arrested at a house party in Kigali while consuming such drinks.
The warning was issued by Kigali Police spokesperson CIP Wellars Gahonzire, who said some people continue to be found at parties consuming alcoholic beverages recently removed from the market, commonly known as “ibyuma.”
He urged party organizers and other citizens to avoid using the banned drinks, warning that those who violate the directive will face legal consequences: “For example, those arrested in Niboyi Sector were holding a party but drinking alcohol that had been banned from the market. We want to warn citizens, especially those organizing parties, to avoid using alcohol removed from the Rwandan market. Those who do so are defying the law and must be punished.”
More Than 38,000 Cartons of Substandard Alcohol Targeted
Meanwhile, in Kicukiro District, two recently closed factories were found with alcoholic drinks that did not meet required standards.
At Yego Manufacturers and Kasesa Gin, more than 38,000 cartons of substandard alcoholic beverages were ordered to be removed from the market.
The developments come as authorities continue efforts to prevent the production, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages that do not meet required standards.
Police Targets Youth Misconduct Linked to Alcohol
Rwanda National Police has also announced measures to tackle what it describes as inappropriate behaviours increasingly associated with drunkenness among young people.
Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga, speaking during a recent media briefing, addressed misconduct involving young men and women at entertainment events: “We will not allow people with bad behavior to be driven by what they call ‘gutwika,’ and then claim that this is how today’s youth behave.”
He said the Police would continue working to prevent behaviours that undermine public order and responsible conduct among young people.
Bars and Nightclubs to Be Held Responsible
Bar and nightclub owners will be given guidelines to follow in their businesses as authorities seek to address inappropriate behaviour associated with entertainment venues.
Rutikanga warned that business owners would also be held accountable for misconduct occurring on their premises: “Those running bars and nightclubs will also be held responsible for inappropriate behavior occurring in their premises.”
The warning places greater responsibility on entertainment business owners to ensure that activities taking place at their premises comply with the law.
Police to Work With Event Organizers and DJs
The Police spokesperson also said the institution will work with event organizers and DJs to combat indecent behaviour that continues to be reported at entertainment events.
The measures form part of broader efforts by Rwanda National Police to address alcohol-related misconduct, enforce regulations governing alcoholic beverages and promote responsible behaviour among young people.
Authorities are urging citizens, particularly party organizers, bar and nightclub owners, event organizers and other entertainment stakeholders, to comply with regulations and avoid activities that could result in legal penalties.
