Rwanda National Police

Various faith-based groups, on October 21, converged in Tabagwe Sector of Nyagatare District in a crusade organized to jointly raise awareness against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

The campaign is spearheaded by the former Bishop of Gahini Diocese, Rt. Rev Alexis Birindabagabo, who heads the inter-religious efforts against drugs.

The event was also attended by local leaders and other government officials, security organs and thousands of believers and residents.

Rt. Rev Birindabagabo emphasized that “churches have a big role to play in addressing the problem of illicit drugs” calling for the commitment and ownership of all clerics in their respective churches.

“Drugs are destroying our children and that means affecting the future of our country; we need to build hearts of our followers especially the young people towards the right path,” he said.

It was also characterized with the public destruction of assorted contrabands that include Zebra gin and waragi, African gin, Suzi and crude gin commonly known as Kanyanga valued at over Rwf2.3 million. The substances were seized in various operations conducted in Tabagwe alone.

Birindabagabo observed that faith-based organizations are also part of the national development agenda adding that fighting illicit drugs falls among the top government efforts for youth development.

The mayor of Nyagatare District, Claudian Mushabe said the issue of illicit drugs remains one of the major challenges to youth development affecting the education and health sectors, and social welfare especially in families where they are blamed for majority domestic conflicts and child abuse.

Majority people in rehabilitation centres belong to the age bracket of those either supposed to be in school of in labourforce.

More than 4000 addicted youth are currently undergoing rehabilitation at Iwawa Rehabilitation and Vocational Skills Development Centre (IRVSDC) and Gitagata rehabilitation centre.

The District Police Commander, Senior Supt. Pierre Tebuka commended the role of the public and other groups in community policing including faith-based groups in fighting drug abuse.

He said that efforts against the vice are mainly into breaking chains of supply, raising awareness and educating especially the young people on dangers of abusing drugs to prevent new users, but also to support the national rehabilitation efforts.

The awareness against drugs in Tabagwe is part of the campaign launched more than a week ago in Rwimiyaga Sector also in Nyagatare, and will continue to all prone sectors in the district before continuing in other districts.

Nyagatare is mapped as one of the major transit routes for contrabands due to its strategic location.