The Government of Rwanda has introduced a toll-free telephone line, 9001, through which citizens can report locations where substandard alcoholic drinks known as “Ibyuma” are being hidden.
Under an awareness campaign carrying the message “Wihisha Ibyuma” (“Don’t hide Ibyuma”), citizens have been urged to promptly inform the relevant authorities whenever they know where the drinks are concealed.
The hotline was introduced after authorities indicated that although large quantities of Ibyuma alcohol have already been removed from circulation, some stock remains hidden in different locations. Rwanda National Police has previously warned that some people were continuing to keep prohibited alcoholic beverages in homes, shops and warehouses.
Authorities Call for Hidden Alcohol to Be Reported
On September 20, 2026, the Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, called on people still in possession of the drinks to voluntarily hand them over to the authorities.
Habimana said some individuals had hidden the alcohol believing that search operations would eventually stop. He warned that anyone found still concealing the drinks would face punishment and called on citizens who know where they are stored to provide information so they can be removed from communities.
The call comes as authorities continue nationwide operations against illicit and substandard alcoholic beverages, including products locally known as “Ibyuma.”
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About 20 Million Litres Seized
The Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, also stated that since the campaign against Ibyuma alcohol began, about 20 million litres had been seized.
He explained that the problem had reached a significant scale and indicated that additional quantities of the alcohol could still be hidden in people’s homes.
Reports indicate that in the first six months of 2026, more than 500 people sought medical treatment after consuming these drinks, while more than 50 people died.
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Citizens Urged to Cooperate
Based on the reported consequences, authorities are calling on citizens to cooperate with responsible institutions to prevent any remaining stock from continuing to circulate.
Rwanda National Police has also urged people in possession of prohibited alcoholic beverages to hand them over for destruction and provide information on where such products are being kept.
Anyone with information on where Ibyuma alcohol is hidden can report it by calling 9001, the Ibyuma alcohol hotline announced as part of the Government’s public awareness campaign.
