On September 26, 2026, Dr. Utumatwishima attended a special community service event in Kayonza, Eastern Province, to mark the end of the month-long campaign against substance abuse. The event's theme was "Building a strong family to produce capable youth." The minister emphasized that the government has launched a campaign to eradicate substandard alcoholic beverages, known as "ibyuma," which have been linked to numerous deaths.
Dr. Utumatwishima expressed his appreciation for the youth who are part of the "Sober Generation" initiative, which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. He noted that these young people have taken a bold step in rejecting the influence of substance abuse and are instead promoting a healthy lifestyle. The minister also commended other stakeholders who are working to combat substance abuse across the country.
The minister highlighted that substance abuse is a significant challenge facing Rwanda's youth, with many being lured into consuming "ibyuma" and other substances. He emphasized that consuming such substances is a crime and urged the youth to report anyone involved in their sale or consumption. Dr. Utumatwishima also warned that the government will not tolerate substance abuse as a normal part of life in Rwanda.
In addition to "ibyuma," Dr. Utumatwishima mentioned that the government is also concerned about the consumption of other substances, including tobacco and marijuana. He urged the youth to be aware of the dangers of these substances and to report anyone involved in their sale or consumption. The minister emphasized that the government is committed to fighting substance abuse and will work with communities to prevent its spread.
During the community service event, Dr. Utumatwishima joined residents of Kayonza in cleaning up the area and promoting a healthy environment. He also encouraged the youth to take an active role in promoting a substance-free lifestyle and to report any instances of substance abuse they may encounter. The event was attended by local leaders and residents who are committed to fighting substance abuse in their community.
The minister's remarks were echoed by the youth of Kayonza, who expressed their commitment to shunning substance abuse and promoting a healthy lifestyle. They vowed to work with the government and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and to support those who are struggling with addiction. The event concluded with a call to action, urging the youth to take a leading role in promoting a substance-free lifestyle in their community.
Key to the government's efforts to combat substance abuse is the "Sober Generation" initiative, which aims to empower the youth to make informed choices about their health and well-being. By working together with stakeholders and communities, the government hopes to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse and promote a healthier, more productive youth population.
Key points
- The Rwandan government has launched a campaign to eradicate substandard alcoholic beverages, known as "ibyuma," which have been linked to numerous deaths.
- The minister urged the youth to report anyone involved in the sale or consumption of substances, emphasizing that substance abuse is a crime.
- The "Sober Generation" initiative aims to empower the youth to make informed choices about their health and well-being and promote a substance-free lifestyle.
