Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has urged religious denominations and churches in Rwanda to fight alcohol abuse, drug use and misleading teachings that discourage people from working and improving their lives.
He made the remarks on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during the installation of Bishop Dr. Manasseh Gahima as the fifth Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda (EAR). Gahima also serves as Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Gasabo.
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PM Calls on Churches to Fight Alcohol Abuse
Dr. Nsengiyumva urged religious leaders to take an active role in addressing alcoholism, drug abuse and the consumption of substandard alcoholic beverages commonly known as “ibyuma.” He said caring for the well-being of religious followers should go hand in hand with encouraging them to lead healthy lives.
he said: “We therefore call upon religious denominations and churches to play an active role in our ongoing struggle against issues such as alcoholism, drug abuse, the proliferation of substandard alcoholic beverages, known locally as ‘ibyuma,’ and other negative behaviors.”
Churches Urged to Promote Strong Families
Speaking on behalf of President Paul Kagame, the Prime Minister commended the Anglican Church of Rwanda for its contribution to rebuilding Rwandan society and supporting national development. He said faith-based organisations should play a greater role in building a strong and secure society by promoting positive values and helping families become more stable.
he said: “Our goal is to foster strong and stable families, where members embody the positive values befitting a Rwandan, so that our country may continue to progress. We urge religious denominations and churches to intensify their efforts in preparing individuals for marriage.”
PM Warns Against Teachings That Discourage Work
Dr. Nsengiyumva also expressed concern about teachings that mislead followers and discourage them from working or improving their living conditions. He called on church leaders to speak out against such teachings and encourage their followers to take responsibility for their personal development.
he said: “Help us to combat and denounce the various misleading teachings that prevent people from working and developing themselves. Especially now, as our country celebrates the significant progress made in building the unity and resilience of Rwandans, we call upon religious denominations and churches to continue playing an active role in efforts to build and safeguard that unity.”
Anglican Church Praised for Its Contribution
The Prime Minister recognised the Anglican Church of Rwanda’s contribution to the country’s reconstruction and development. He noted that its work extends beyond spiritual guidance to supporting communities.
Religious organisations in Rwanda also contribute to national development through activities in education, healthcare and social welfare. Dr. Nsengiyumva encouraged churches to continue teaching the Gospel while promoting behaviours that protect people’s health and support the country’s progress.
Gahima Installed as Fifth Archbishop
Bishop Dr. Manasseh Gahima was elected to lead the Anglican Church of Rwanda on September 11, 2026, succeeding Bishop Dr. Laurent Mbanda, who served as Archbishop for eight years.
Gahima will serve a five-year term, which is renewable. The installation ceremony in Kigali brought together government officials, Anglican Church leaders, members of the congregation and visitors from abroad. Government officials in attendance included Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana and Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Consolée Uwimana.
Government and Churches Share Development Goals
The Prime Minister said the government wants religious organisations to continue contributing to the well-being of Rwandans and strengthening national unity.
In Rwanda, religious denominations and churches are overseen by the Ministry of Local Government. They also contribute to development initiatives in education, health and social welfare. The government called on church leaders to combine spiritual guidance with efforts to promote healthy living, responsible behaviour, productive work and unity among Rwandans.
