Southern Province Starts Strong Action Against Illegal Alcohol

As illegal alcohol continues to put people’s lives at risk across Rwanda, leaders in the Southern Province have announced stronger measures to stop the production and sale of homemade illegal drinks. They are calling on local leaders to take firm and clear action to protect public health.

The announcement was made during a meeting that brought together district officials and other local government leaders from across the province. At the center of the discussions was a growing concern: the production and distribution of illicit brews and other substandard drinks that pose serious risks to consumers. Provincial leaders emphasized that the issue must not be underestimated, given its direct impact on citizens’ health and safety.

Residents from different districts in the Southern Province say the problem is evident in their daily lives. While they acknowledge ongoing efforts to combat illegal alcohol, they point out gaps in enforcement and monitoring.

Expressing concern and a desire for change, Nyiransabimana Odette, a resident of Huye District, said stronger commitment from leaders is needed. “These illicit brews are still widely available. Some of the sellers are known, yet they are not stopped. Local leaders need to put in more effort.”

Twagiramungu Alphonse from Nyanza District stressed the importance of sustained action rather than short-term operations. “When there is an operation, the drinks are seized, but after a few days, everything goes back to normal. What we need is continuous monitoring and exemplary punishment for those involved,” he said.

Nkundimana Emmanuel noted that poverty plays a role in the consumption of illicit alcohol, as it is often cheaper than regulated beverages. However, he emphasized that life should take precedence over cost. “Some people drink it because it is cheaper, but they don’t think about the consequences for their health. There should be more awareness campaigns to educate them about the dangers,” he explained.

Provincial authorities have made it clear that negligence or complicity will not be tolerated. In a strong warning, the Governor of the Southern Province, Alice Kayitesi, called on local leaders to take the lead in the fight against illegal alcohol. “We will not tolerate any leader who is found to be involved in, or turning a blind eye to, the trade in illicit brews and substandard drinks. Leaders have a responsibility to protect the lives of citizens,” she stated firmly.

Governor Kayitesi also urged residents to be cautious about what they purchase, advising them to buy beverages only from licensed and authorized traders. She encouraged the public to cooperate with authorities by reporting illegal activities. “We urge citizens to buy drinks from legally recognized vendors. Life comes first, and no amount of money should be valued above it,” she emphasized.

According to data from the Southern Province, at least 27 people across Rwanda have died after consuming illicit alcohol, while many others have suffered severe health complications. These figures underscore the gravity of the problem and the urgency of decisive action.

Illicit brews are often produced under unregulated conditions and may contain harmful substances such as methanol, a toxic chemical that can cause blindness, kidney failure, and other life-threatening conditions  and in some cases, death.

For years, Rwanda has implemented various strategies to combat drug abuse and illegal alcohol, including public awareness campaigns, security operations, and strict penalties for offenders. Authorities have repeatedly seized and destroyed large quantities of illicit drinks and arrested those involved in their production and sale.

Despite these efforts, the problem persists in some parts of the country, largely because production is carried out secretly and rapidly for financial gain, with little regard for consumers’ health.

The Southern Province leadership says it will strengthen regular inspections, intensify public awareness campaigns, and work closely with communities to eliminate illicit alcohol once and for all  with the ultimate goal of building a healthier and safer society.