President Paul Kagame has urged members of the 16th cohort of Intore Indangamirwa to stay away from drugs and excessive alcohol consumption, warning that substance abuse destroys lives, weakens families and slows national development.
Speaking during an interactive session with the youth on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, President Kagame encouraged them to pursue education, hard work and discipline instead of habits that could jeopardize their future.
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“Have You Ever Seen Anyone Developed by Marijuana?”
To emphasize his message, President Kagame challenged the young participants to provide a single example of someone whose life had improved because of marijuana use.
He said: “Tell me the truth, have you seen anyone who has been cured by marijuana? If you have, tell me. I will reward the one who finds him. I will be the one who will help him.”
He added that anyone who could prove marijuana had helped them achieve success or development would deserve recognition.
He said: “A person who comes forward and gives that evidence and says, ‘Look where I came from, look where I have come from, look what I have achieved because of marijuana,’ I have indeed searched for it and found it.”
Drug Abuse Harms Individuals, Families and the Nation
President Kagame said drug abuse is not only harmful to the individual but also affects families and the country’s overall development.
He noted that people who abuse drugs often lose the ability to work productively and contribute positively to society.
According to the President, substance abuse undermines the human capital needed to drive Rwanda’s development agenda.
Development Comes Through Hard Work, Not Substance Abuse
President Kagame stressed that throughout his life he has never seen an individual or a nation achieve progress through drug use.
Instead, he said drug abuse is often associated with illness, poverty, conflict and insecurity.
He urged the young Intore to build their lives on values such as integrity, hard work, patriotism and commitment to serving the country.
Youth Called to Lead the Fight Against Drug Abuse
The President reminded the participants that they represent Rwanda’s future and should become role models in preventing drug abuse among their peers.
He encouraged them to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and help build a healthier, more productive society.
Kagame said that by rejecting substance abuse and embracing positive values, young people will play a vital role in building a stronger Rwanda with healthy citizens capable of driving sustainable national development.
