The City of Kigali has intensified efforts to combat unsafe alcohol and substance abuse by calling on youth volunteers to help eliminate the production, distribution, and consumption of illicit homemade alcoholic beverages while raising public awareness about the serious health consequences of excessive alcohol use. The initiative was announced during a general assembly of youth volunteers held on July 31, 2026, where city leaders and public health experts emphasized that preventing alcohol abuse is essential to protecting lives, strengthening communities, and supporting national development.
Speaking at the gathering, Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva urged young volunteers to become active partners in the fight against dangerous homemade alcoholic drinks commonly known by names such as Dundubwonko, Yewe Muntu, Umumanurajipo, Bareteta, Akajinga, and Beyurawihe. These beverages have been associated with numerous deaths and severe illnesses due to the hazardous substances used in their production. The mayor challenged the volunteers to help identify illegal production sites and educate their communities about the dangers posed by these products.
“Have you seen these images? Is this the future we want? You have now been trained, and we are going to share this responsibility. We pledged that such scenes should no longer be seen in Kigali, and you are the ones who will help make that happen. You know where these drinks are produced because you live in those communities. Be courageous and report this information,” Mayor Dusengiyumva told the volunteers.
Health specialists from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) warned that many of the illicit alcoholic drinks contain highly dangerous ingredients, including industrial methanol, illicit distilled alcohol, brick powder, tobacco, excessive sugar, detergents, battery acid, and other substances that are unsafe for human consumption. According to Antoine Hagenimana, a mental health specialist at RBC, methanol is particularly dangerous because it acts as a powerful poison capable of causing sudden death.
“Methanol added to these alcoholic drinks acts like an immediate poison. It damages the brain and causes the kidneys to stop functioning, which is why someone who appeared healthy can suddenly die after drinking it,” Hagenimana explained.
Medical experts caution that the dangers of alcohol extend far beyond unsafe homemade beverages. Excessive alcohol consumption remains one of the leading preventable causes of disease worldwide, affecting nearly every organ in the human body. Long-term heavy drinking can permanently damage the liver, leading to fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Alcohol also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, pancreatic disorders, digestive illnesses, and several forms of cancer, including cancers of the liver, mouth, throat, esophagus, colon, and breast.
The brain is also particularly vulnerable to alcohol-related harm. Health professionals note that prolonged alcohol misuse can impair memory, concentration, judgment, and decision-making while increasing the likelihood of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and alcohol dependence. In severe cases, chronic alcohol abuse may cause irreversible brain damage, affecting cognitive function, emotional stability, and coordination.
Beyond its medical consequences, alcohol misuse can undermine family relationships, education, employment, and community safety. Excessive drinking has been associated with road traffic crashes, workplace injuries, violence, domestic conflict, financial hardship, and declining productivity. Many individuals struggling with alcohol dependence experience social isolation and reduced quality of life, while their families often bear emotional and economic burdens.
RBC further highlighted that unsafe alcohol is only one aspect of the country’s broader substance abuse challenge. Other commonly abused substances include marijuana, tobacco, cocaine, rwiziringa, Mugo, and injectable narcotics. According to health officials, many young people begin experimenting with drugs because of peer pressure, curiosity, family conflict, poor communication with parents, hopelessness, or negative influences within their social environment. Substance abuse can result in serious physical illnesses, mental health disorders, kidney disease, cancer, unemployment, and other long-term social consequences.
Mayor Dusengiyumva reminded the volunteers that preventing substance abuse requires collective action and encouraged them to serve as ambassadors for healthier communities. The volunteers pledged to support awareness campaigns and report illegal activities whenever they encounter them.
One of the volunteers, Cyiza Joseph, affirmed the group’s commitment, saying, “We have realized that drug abuse is hindering our country’s development. We have therefore committed ourselves to educating our fellow youth and reporting any illegal activities whenever we encounter them.” He added that youth volunteers should report information promptly and without fear, describing their service as a continuation of Rwanda’s tradition of patriotism and selfless community service.
Public health experts emphasize that choosing to avoid alcohol—or significantly reducing its consumption—can provide immediate and lasting health benefits. Limiting alcohol intake lowers the risk of chronic diseases, strengthens the immune system, improves sleep, enhances mental clarity, and promotes emotional well-being. Medical professionals say individuals who stop drinking often experience higher energy levels, stronger family relationships, greater financial stability, and an improved quality of life.
Health authorities continue to encourage families, schools, community leaders, and healthcare providers to work together to educate young people about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. They stress that prevention, early intervention, and informed decision-making remain the most effective strategies for protecting public health and building healthier, safer communities for future generations.
