Rising Alcohol Prices Raise Concern as Some Turn to illegal Brews Despite Police Warning

As the prices of food and beverages continue to rise across various markets in the country, the increasing cost of legally sold alcoholic drinks has become a major concern for consumers. Some drinkers say the situation is pushing them toward illegal alcohol, despite being aware of its health risks and the legal consequences associated with its production and consumption.

Residents who spoke to Radio Salus from different parts of the country noted that alcoholic beverages which were previously affordable have become increasingly expensive in recent months, making them inaccessible to many consumers.

Habimana Olivier, a resident of Huye District, says the rising prices of alcohol have greatly affected him as a regular drinker. “In the past, you could buy a bottle of alcohol at a reasonable price, but today it has become so expensive that people with low incomes can no longer afford it. This situation forces some to turn to illegal brews like igikwangari because they are cheaper,” Habimana said.

On the other hand, Mukamana Béatrice, a resident of Ngoma Sector, warns that although illegal alcohol may be cheaper, it has serious negative effects on both health and family life. “People who drink illegal alcohol often change their behavior, leading to conflicts within families. There are cases where a man drinks igikwangari and ends up causing serious problems at home,” Mukamana explained.

Ndayishimiye Eric, a young man from the City of Kigali, says economic hardship is one of the main reasons why young people resort to illegal alcohol. “Many young people have limited financial means. When legally sold alcohol becomes too expensive, some choose illegal brews, even though they know the risks involved,” Ndayishimiye said.

Residents also point out that illegal alcohol lacks quality control, which exposes consumers to various health problems, including diseases affecting the liver, kidneys, and brain.

In response to this issue, the Rwanda National Police continues to urge citizens to avoid illegal alcoholic beverages and to provide information about individuals involved in their production, transportation, or sale.

The spokesperson of the Rwanda National Police in the Western Province, SP Twajamahoro Sylvestre, called on the public to prioritize their health, emphasizing that illegal alcohol poses a serious threat to public health.  “Illegal alcoholic beverages are produced without proper standards and often contain harmful chemicals. Manufacturing, selling, or consuming them is a crime punishable by law,” SP Twajamahoro Sylvestre warned.

He added that there have been cases in which people lost their lives due to the effects of illegal alcohol, urging citizens to avoid this dangerous practice and to work closely with security organs to curb it.

Economic analysts say the rise in alcohol prices is driven by several factors, including increased costs of production materials, taxation, and transportation.

This is supported by data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), released in December 2025, which show that prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 3.6%, while prices of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and related products rose by 16.7%.

Citizens are encouraged to take responsibility for protecting their own health and that of others by avoiding illegal alcohol, choosing legally approved beverages, or reducing alcohol consumption altogether in the interest of public health and safety.

The Rwanda National Police emphasizes that the fight against illegal alcohol requires the collective effort of all citizens, particularly through the timely reporting of those involved in its production and distribution.