On June 16, 2025, the Ministry of Health, the Rwanda National Police, and the National Rehabilitation Service (NRS) launched a 10-day awareness campaign aimed at preventing and combating drug abuse and its consequences. This initiative is part of preparations to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which will be celebrated on June 26, 2025.
Under the theme “Fighting against Drug abuse is Everyone’s Responsibility,” the campaign began with a press conference where officials from the involved institutions highlighted the continuing damage drugs are inflicting on families.
Prof. Darius Gishoma, Division Manager of Mental Health department at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), emphasized that drug use causes severe harm to the body, and everyone has a role to play in the fight against it.
He stated, “There is no part of the body that is not affected, from the brain, liver, stomach, to the heart. All these organs suffer consequences. That’s why our key message is prevention, and we are urging everyone to put in more effort.”
Prof. Darius Gishoma, Division Manager of Mental Health department at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), the one between the Director General of the NRS and the Rwanda National Police spokesperson
Fred Mufulukye, Director General of the NRS, noted that drug abuse hinders Rwanda’s development, as many people abandon productive activities that could support their livelihoods.
He stated, “Some have dropped out of school. Currently, in rehabilitation centers, we have 521 individuals who left school due to alcohol abuse and were expelled. In additional 776 were expelled due to drug use. We also have 861 individuals who lost their jobs due to excessive drinking and drug use, they’re now in rehabilitation centers. Another 846 lost their jobs because of drug addiction.”
Fred Mufulukye, Director General of the NRS
Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, added that beyond harming the user, drugs also cause national economic losses.
He stated, “Drugs also damage the country’s human capital, particularly the youth who are the primary users. That’s why the police and other agencies work hard to combat drug abuse, we want to raise awareness among the youth and all Rwandans to prevent it.”
ACP Rutikanga revealed that since the beginning of 2025, police have uncovered 2,073 drug-related offenses, leading to the arrest of 683 individuals, including traffickers, transporters, and users.
Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga
According to RBC, in the 2023–2024 period, 3,129 people received medical care due to a serious health consequences caused by drugs addiction. The National Rehabilitation Service (NRS) reports that across its four rehabilitation centers in the country, there are 6,215 individuals currently undergoing treatment for addiction to various substances.
Aline Nyampinga