Minister Nsanzimana asks Kigali residents to eliminate the last traces of illicit alcohol

By The Inspirer writer.

Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana has said that a small amount of illicit alcohol known as “ibyuma” is still being produced in hiding, and urged young people to report where it is being made so that it can be eliminated completely.

He made the remarks during a community work exercise held in Rusororo Sector, Gasabo District, on September 26, 2026. The activity was combined with a campaign to build a youth population free from drug and alcohol abuse.

Minister Nsanzimana said that “ibyuma” alcohol has not yet been completely eradicated in the country.

He said, “There is still a trace of ibyuma. There are still a few of these substances left; let us work together to eliminate them as well… Those things damage the brain. If you hear that someone is brewing kanyanga, call 114 or 112, and they will come and deal with it because it destroys people’s lives.”

Young people who attended the event said that illicit alcohol is indeed still available in some places, but that awareness campaigns are helping them quit and that changes are already becoming visible.

Dufitimana Ismael, who attended the community work exercise, said, “There are a few places where these drinks are still available. In our area, for example, there are places where they are still found. But these awareness campaigns bring us young people together and help us learn about the many dangers of drug abuse, including some things we did not know about before.”

Ngizwenayo Jonathan said that eliminating “ibyuma” has enabled young people to save money, although the practice has not yet disappeared completely.

He said, “There are still a few people who have it, but they are now very few. However, the awareness campaign has already brought about some change. In the past, when people were drinking ibyuma, they did not have time to work. But after it was banned, you can see young people becoming much more engaged in work. When they were drinking ibyuma, someone might earn 15,000 Rwandan francs, and if they had managed to save even a little, they would spend that money on it.”

Minister Nsanzimana also reminded them to stop using other drugs, including those that are injected or smoked, because they also harm their health.