Rwanda National Police

Rev. Emmanuel Rurangirwa of Nyakabanda Pentecostal Church of Rwanda (ADEPR) has called upon believers and the youth in general to rise up against drug abuse.

He made the call on May 15 while speaking to about 460 youth members of the Church during their general assembly held at the cathedral in Nyarugenge district.

The campaign started with a walk against the vice from Kimisagara youth centre to the church in Nyakabanda sector.

“Drug abuse is a sin and as Christians, it’s our responsibility to guide other people to the right path and to forego things that might turn them away from God,” Rev. Rurangirwa said.

“You will be serving the Lord if you stand up and advise your fellow youth involved in these unholy acts on the dangers associated with its consumption, pray for them and show them the right path,” he noted.  

He also thanked Rwanda National Police (RNP) for engaging public in insuring own safety and appealed to all churches and believers to partner with the force to ensure sustainable security in the country.

The youth pledged to be agents of change among fellow youngsters and to report security threats in their localities.

Athanase Mbarushimana, a former drug addict explained to fellow youth how the substance was driving him to commit other crimes like theft.

“In reality, I didn’t know what I was doing. Beating someone or stealing with like a usual thing to me without even thinking of the consequences. Today, I thank God that He got me out of it and made me a better and focused person,” Mbarushimana said.

Chief Inspector of Police Claude Kabandana, head of sensitization in RNP outline cannabis, kanyanga, chief waragi and other brew made out of sugarcane residues as some of the common drugs in Rwanda.

On the same day, Police also sensitized students of Net Hope and Muhazi technical institutes on the dangers of drug abuse and urged them to provide information on individuals involved in these illegal practices.