Young people in Ngoma District have been urged to avoid drug abuse, speak out against those involved in drug distribution, and refrain from remaining silent when they come across places where drugs are produced, sold, or distributed. Instead, they were encouraged to report such activities to the relevant authorities.
The message was delivered on Saturday, 19 September 2026, during a special youth Umuganda held in Kibungo Sector, Ngoma District. The activity was attended by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Arts Development, Ishungure Parfait; Eastern Province Governor, Pudence Rubingisa; and the leadership of Ngoma District, including Mayor Niyonagira Nathalie, alongside hundreds of young people.
The activity was organized under the SoberGen initiative, which seeks to raise awareness among young people about preventing drug abuse and other behaviours that can negatively affect their health, safety, well-being, and future development.
Youth Participate in Community Service
During the special Umuganda, young people took part in activities including cleaning road surroundings and clearing drainage channels. The activities were aimed at preparing communities for the rainy season and helping prevent flooding and other disasters that may result from heavy rainfall.
Ishungure Parfait, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Arts Development, commended young people for their active participation in the Umuganda, noting that such activities demonstrate the important role youth can play in addressing challenges affecting their communities.
He urged young people to protect their future by staying away from drugs and making responsible choices. Young people are an important force for the country’s development. It is important for you to stay away from drugs because they can affect your health and compromise your future.”
He also encouraged youth not to participate in the distribution of drugs but instead to report drug-related activities to the relevant authorities whenever they become aware of them.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/297-rwandans-repatriated-after-being-trafficked-abroad/
Governor Rubingisa Calls on Youth Not to Remain Silent
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, thanked the young people who participated in the Umuganda and encouraged them to continue playing an active role in addressing challenges affecting their communities.
He urged young people to particularly focus on preventing drug abuse and to avoid remaining silent when they encounter drug-related activities. “We encourage you to continue contributing to solving challenges affecting the well-being of citizens, especially by staying away from drugs. When you come across places where drugs are produced or distributed, do not remain silent; report the information to the relevant authorities.”
Governor Rubingisa emphasized that fighting drug abuse is not only the responsibility of security institutions, but also requires the participation of young people and communities through awareness, prevention, and timely reporting.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/volleyball-rwanda-defeat-dr-congo-3-1-at-african-championship/
Young People Commit to Fighting Drug Abuse
Mucyo Ishimwe Aline, one of the youth who participated in the Umuganda, said the messages shared during the activity helped them better understand the dangers associated with drug abuse. “Drugs can destroy a person’s health and prevent them from achieving their goals. As young people, we must avoid them and play our part in preventing drug abuse.”
Another participant, said young people should use their energy and abilities in activities that contribute to their development rather than engaging in drug abuse. “This Umuganda showed us that we can work together and make a difference in our communities. We will continue encouraging other young people to stay away from drugs and maintain positive behaviour.”
Another youth participant, Emmanuel Rukundo, called on young people not to remain silent when they witness activities that could harm others. “When we come across places where drugs are produced or sold, we should report them so that the relevant authorities can take action. Fighting drug abuse is everyone’s responsibility.”
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/president-kagame-and-benins-wadagni-take-a-walk-in-kigali/
SoberGen Promotes a Safe and Healthy Generation
The special youth Umuganda provided an opportunity to further promote the #SoberGen initiative, with a focus on preventing drug abuse, promoting positive behaviour, and encouraging young people to actively participate in community development.
Overall, the activity highlighted the important role young people can play in building safe and healthy communities. They were encouraged to stay away from drugs, avoid participating in their distribution, report drug-related activities, and actively contribute to building a responsible and productive generation.
