July 31, 2026 – northern province governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde has called on residents of Gicumbi district to actively report the production, sale, or distribution of illicit and substandard alcoholic drinks, stressing that protecting public health is essential for sustainable development.
Speaking at a district consultation committee meeting themed ‘A strong and stable family, the foundation of good governance’, the governor emphasized that good governance begins in the home.
He urged leaders at every level to act with integrity, professionalism, and closeness to citizens, while addressing challenges that weaken families such as dangerous alcohol and drugs, domestic conflicts, and poverty.
“Development is a shared responsibility. Every citizen must participate in actions that concern their community and help build a more prosperous and safer society,” Mugabowagahunde said.
He stressed that citizens should not wait for the state to solve every problem but contribute wherever they can. A key focus of the meeting was the continued threat of adulterated alcohol, which has caused deaths and serious health problems across Rwanda.
The governor noted that even factory produced drinks can be expired, altered, or below standard. “The fact that a drink comes from a factory does not automatically guarantee its quality. That is why we ask citizens to quickly report any suspicious activity so the competent authorities can intervene before lives are lost.” he explained.
Local authorities were urged to intensify awareness campaigns so residents understand the dangers and cooperate with security and health services.
Gicumbi mayor Nzabonimpa Emmanuel confirmed that the district is working closely with police, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, health services, and communities. “We ask every citizen not to protect offenders but to pass information to the competent authorities,” he said.
Inspections of drinking establishments will also be strengthened. Health authorities reported that since the beginning of the year, 50 people have died after consuming unfit alcoholic drinks, while more than 100 others have lost their sight. Authorities have already destroyed over one million liters of poor quality alcohol nationwide.
Participants agreed that young people and rural residents remain especially vulnerable to cheap but dangerous drinks, and called for stronger sensitization in villages, schools, places of worship, and the media.
Naomi Irakoze Mugaragu.