The Minister in Charge of Emergency Management, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira, has called on every citizen to play an active role in combating illicit alcohol and other substandard beverages, emphasizing that timely reporting can help save lives.
He made the remarks during the Nyaruguru District Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) Coordination Committee meeting held on 31 July 2026, where he reminded participants that the mere fact that a beverage is produced in a factory does not automatically mean it meets quality and safety standards.
“Citizens should understand that being manufactured in a factory does not necessarily mean a beverage is safe or meets quality standards. Although there are institutions responsible for inspections, public cooperation in reporting suspicious products is essential because these beverages endanger people’s health and can even cause death,” he said.
Local leaders who attended the meeting said they are continuing to strengthen efforts to eliminate illegal alcohol and other substandard beverages in order to protect public health.
Emmanuel Sindukubwabo, the Village Leader of Kimuzi Village in Nyabimata Sector, said the area had previously experienced challenges related to illegal beverages, but that intensified interventions have significantly improved the situation.
“We have stepped up public awareness campaigns and strengthened collaboration with residents in reporting suspicious activities. Our goal is to completely eradicate beverages that pose a threat to people’s health,” he said.
Adela Mukamwezi, the Village Leader of Ndatemwa Village in Busanze Sector, noted that although progress has been made, concerns remain over certain factory-produced beverages that residents suspect may still have harmful health effects.
“Some beverages are considered legal because they are manufactured in factories, but residents report that some of them appear to have adverse health effects. We would like such products to be thoroughly investigated to ensure the safety of the public,” she said.
Local authorities stressed that sustained public awareness campaigns, close cooperation with security agencies, and timely reporting by residents will be key to eliminating illegal and substandard beverages.
According to figures from health authorities, by July 2026, 50 people had died after consuming illicit alcohol and other substandard beverages, while more than 100 others had lost their eyesight due to drinking them. As part of ongoing efforts to address the problem, local authorities and security agencies have destroyed more than one million litres of substandard alcoholic beverages across the country.
Authorities maintain that tackling this issue should not be the responsibility of government institutions alone. Instead, every citizen should contribute by reporting suspicious products and avoiding the consumption or sale of questionable beverages, thereby helping to protect public health and save lives.
