Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP), in partnership with the City of Kigali and Rwanda Development Board (RDB), held a joint press briefing on June 27, to address the pressing issue of alcohol and drug abuse, particularly among the youth.

As schools close for the holidays and a week-long public holiday approaches, it becomes increasingly vital to promote awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, and particularly serving alcoholic beverages to minors.

The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, emphasized the collective responsibility of the government, businesses, parents, and the broader community in safeguarding the youth from alcohol and substance abuse.

“We must work collectively—from government institutions and bar owners to parents—to create safe, healthy environments that keep our people especially the youth away from excessive drinking or drug use,” ACP Rutikanga said.

He urged operators of bars, nightclubs, hotels, and restaurants to strictly comply with licensing regulations, including obtaining permission from City authorities and the Rwanda Development Board. 

He stressed the importance of strict compliance with the operating standards set forth by the RDB.

The guidelines include not serving alcohol to intoxicated persons or minors, putting in place crowd control measures, ensuring proper hygiene, security measures and surveillance cameras; adherence to close and opening hours, minimizing noise, and providing parking.

Between January and June 2025, RNP arrested 778 individuals for drug-related offenses, including dealers and abusers.

Rwanda launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

The campaign conducted jointly by the Ministry of Health, RNP, and National Rehabilitation Service coincides with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

ACP Rutikanga encouraged parents to guide their children toward healthy activities—such as sports—and ensure they feel supported during these holidays.

He emphasized the importance of community vigilance: “Every citizen is urged to be vigilant and report any wrongdoing promptly.”

Rwanda’s legal framework on narcotics is anchored in Law No. 68/2018 of 30/08/2018, which imposes strict penalties ranging from seven years to life imprisonment and fines up to Frw30 million for drug-related crimes.

A complementary Ministerial Order, issued in 2021, further outlines the classification, enforcement procedures, and rehabilitation pathways.