Rwanda National Police

Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye, has urged young people to be agents of positive change by rejecting harmful behaviours, including the use of illicit alcohol and drugs, and encouraging others to do the same.

He made the call on Saturday, August 29, at the conclusion of the monthly community work, Umuganda, in Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District, Kigali City. The activity brought together residents, security organs and national leaders to clear undergrowth in tree plantations, while also promoting a campaign against illicit alcohol, drugs and other harmful substances.

The community work was attended by former President of Botswana, HE Mokgweetsi Masisi, Minister of Youth and Arts, Dr Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah, IGP Namuhorany and Mayor of the City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva.

The Minister of Youth and Arts, Dr Utumatwishima, said the country needs a healthy, educated, skilled and responsible young generation capable of sustaining Rwanda’s development.

“We want a youth population that is healthy, educated, skilled and rooted in good values. Together, we must protect the Rwanda we inherited from those before us so that we can hand over an even better country to future generations,” he said.

He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to addressing practices that undermine the well-being and development of citizens, particularly illicit alcoholic beverages and drugs.

“The fight against illicit alcohol (ibyuma) has started and is ongoing, and we want those who still have these prohibited beverages in their shops or elsewhere to hand them over rather than wait for enforcement action. This is an opportunity to do the right thing before you face the consequences,” Dr Utumatwishima said.

IGP Namuhoranye said maintaining Rwanda’s safety and security requires collective responsibility, particularly from young people who constitute a significant part of the population.

“The security of Rwanda is at a very high level, and we must all contribute to keeping it there. If you use drugs, consume ibyuma or engage in excessive drinking, you are not helping to maintain that security; you are contributing to bringing it down,” IGP Namuhoranye said.

He urged young people to become agents of positive change, starting with their own conduct and extending the message to others in their communities.

“Anyone who wants to be an agent of change must first understand that they have to move from what is harmful to what is good and take others along. You cannot be an agent of change while involved in drugs or other harmful behaviours,” he said.

The special Umuganda was attended by a large number of young people and was also conducted across the country under the campaign message “Hehe n’Icyuma,” which raises awareness against illicit alcohol and substandard beverages, including those commonly known as ibyuma, as well as vapes, drugs and other harmful behaviours.