Police and authorities in Rwanda’s Southern Province have urged young people in Nyaruguru District to avoid drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption and other behaviours that could lead them into conflict with the law.
The message was delivered in Ruheru Sector during a community work programme, Umuganda, held at the end of August 2026. The activity brought together residents and representatives from different institutions to raise awareness about crime prevention and strengthen efforts to eliminate substandard alcoholic beverages.
Authorities encouraged young people to make responsible choices, develop positive values and use their abilities in activities that can improve their lives and contribute to Rwanda’s development.
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Fighting Drug Abuse Requires Collective Effort
During the community work, residents were reminded that preventing drug abuse and the consumption of illicit or substandard alcoholic drinks should not be left to security institutions alone.
Authorities emphasized that families, communities, local leaders and security organs all have a role to play in protecting young people and preventing behaviours that could contribute to crime and other social problems.
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Southern Province Calls for a Responsible Generation
Vedaste Nshimiyimana, the Executive Secretary of Southern Province, urged young people to stay away from drugs, saying Rwanda needs a generation capable of making sound decisions and working towards self-reliance and national development.
he said: “Young people deserve better. We have moved beyond the saying that there will be no one hundred years; instead, we are looking ahead to the next hundred years. Young people must stay away from drugs. We should not have a generation held back by drug abuse. We need young people who are healthy-minded and capable of thinking clearly so that they can build the country. That is the Government’s vision.”
He added that protecting young people from drug abuse is essential to building a society in which citizens can improve their livelihoods and actively contribute to national development.
Police Warn Against Behaviours That Lead to Crime
CIP Hassan Kamanzi, the Rwanda National Police Southern Region Spokesperson, also urged young people to avoid behaviours that could bring them into conflict with the law.
he said: “We urge young people to avoid idleness, loitering, alcohol abuse, prostitution and theft. Instead, they should demonstrate sound thinking, positive attitudes and responsible behaviour as a way of preventing crime.”
Kamanzi stressed that young people have an important role to play in building strong families and contributing to the development of the country.
He encouraged them to use their energy, talents and abilities in productive activities that can improve their lives instead of engaging in drug use and other behaviours that could jeopardize their future.
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Residents Describe the Impact of Substandard Alcohol
Residents said the consumption of substandard alcoholic beverages had negatively affected young people and families in the area.
Alfred Bizimungu, a resident, said some young people used to spend much of their time drinking instead of engaging in productive activities.
he said: “These alcoholic drinks had become a serious problem for young people. Some would spend a lot of time drinking instead of working, and in some cases, alcohol contributed to conflicts. We are pleased that efforts to eliminate these drinks have been strengthened because this allows young people to focus more on work and other productive activities.”
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Alcohol Abuse Also Affected Families
Solange Niyibigena said alcohol abuse also affected families, particularly when people returned home while intoxicated.
she said: “It affected families because some people would come home drunk, creating an environment without peace. We are pleased that efforts to combat these drinks have been strengthened because this contributes to healthier and safer communities,” .
Her comments highlighted the wider impact of alcohol abuse, which authorities say can affect not only individuals but also family relationships, community safety and economic productivity.
Residents Urged to Report Illegal Alcohol Trade
Authorities and security institutions called on residents to continue playing an active role in preventing and ultimately eliminating the production, sale and distribution of substandard alcoholic beverages and drugs.
Residents were encouraged to report people involved in producing, selling or distributing illegal or substandard alcoholic drinks so that the relevant authorities can take action in accordance with the law.
Parents Have a Role in Protecting Young People
The community work programme also highlighted the important role of parents in raising and guiding children.
Parents were encouraged to closely monitor their children, communicate with them regularly and help them develop strong values and responsible behaviour from an early age.
Authorities stressed that early guidance and close communication between parents and children can help young people avoid harmful influences and make better decisions about their future.
Young People as a Force for National Development
Authorities emphasized that protecting young people from drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption and other behaviours that could lead to crime is a shared responsibility.
Families, communities, local authorities and security institutions must work together to ensure that young people develop into responsible citizens and become a driving force for Rwanda’s development rather than a source of social problems.
