Police and Southern Province authorities have urged young people in Nyaruguru District to avoid alcohol abuse, drug use and other forms of behaviour that could expose them to crime, and instead adopt positive values and contribute to the country’s development.
The message was delivered in Ruheru Sector, Nyaruguru District, during the community work programme (Umuganda) held at the end of August 2026. The activity brought together residents and representatives from various institutions to raise awareness about crime prevention and strengthen efforts to eliminate substandard alcoholic beverages.
During the community work, residents were reminded that the fight against drug abuse and illicit or substandard alcoholic drinks should not be considered the sole responsibility of security organs. Authorities stressed that it requires concerted efforts involving families, communities, local leaders and security institutions.
CIP Hassan Kamanzi the Rwanda National Police Southern Region Spokesperson urged young people to stay away from behaviours that could lead them into conflict with the law.
“We urge young people to avoid idleness, loitering, alcohol abuse, prostitution and theft. Instead, they should demonstrate sound thinking, positive attitudes and responsible behaviour as a way of preventing crime,” he said.
Kamanzi stressed that young people have an important role to play in building families and the nation. He encouraged them to use their energy, talents and abilities in productive activities that can improve their lives rather than engaging in drug use and other behaviours that could jeopardise their future.
Vedaste Nshimiyimana, the Executive Secretary of Southern Province also urged young people to stay away from drugs, saying Rwanda needs a generation capable of making sound decisions and working towards self-reliance and national development.
“Young people deserve better. We have moved beyond the saying that there will be no one hundred years; instead, we are looking ahead to the next hundred years. Young people must stay away from drugs. We should not have a generation held back by drug abuse. We need young people who are healthy-minded and capable of thinking clearly so that they can build the country. That is the Government’s vision,” he said.
He added that protecting young people from drug abuse is essential to building a society whose members can improve their livelihoods and actively contribute to national development.
Residents said the consumption of substandard alcoholic beverages had negatively affected young people and families in the area. Alfred Bizimungu, a resident, said some young people used to spend much of their time drinking instead of engaging in productive activities.
“These alcoholic drinks had become a serious problem for young people. Some would spend a lot of time drinking instead of working, and in some cases, alcohol contributed to conflicts. We are pleased that efforts to eliminate these drinks have been strengthened because this allows young people to focus more on work and other productive activities,” he said.
Solange Niyibigena said alcohol abuse also affected families, particularly when people returned home while intoxicated.
“It affected families because some people would come home drunk, creating an environment without peace. We are pleased that efforts to combat these drinks have been strengthened because this contributes to healthier and safer communities,” she said.
Authorities and security institutions called on residents to continue playing an active role in preventing and ultimately eliminating substandard alcoholic beverages and drug abuse.
Residents were also encouraged to report people involved in producing, selling or distributing illegal or substandard alcoholic drinks so that the relevant authorities can take action in accordance with the law. The community work program also highlighted the important role of parents in raising children. Parents were encouraged to closely monitor their children, communicate with them regularly and help them grow up with strong values and responsible behavior.
Authorities stressed that protecting young people from drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption and other behaviours that could lead to crime is a shared responsibility. Families, communities, local authorities and security institutions must work together to ensure that young people become a driving force for Rwanda’s development rather than a source of social problems.
