PM Calls on Churches to Fight Substance Abuse

Rwanda’s Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has urged churches and other religious organisations to step up efforts to tackle alcohol and drug abuse among young people.

Speaking at the Rwanda Shima Imana 2026 thanksgiving gathering at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday, he called for closer cooperation between religious organisations and the Government to address social challenges facing communities.

“In particular, as you know, across the country, problems of alcohol abuse, drug use and the distribution of illicit and substandard alcoholic beverages continue to emerge,” Dr. Nsengiyumva said.

He urged religious leaders to support government efforts to combat illicit alcohol and address behaviours associated with alcohol abuse among young people.

“We ask you to help us fight illicit alcohol,” he said.

The Prime Minister said religious organisations also had an important role to play in Rwanda’s continued development, including efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and address the consequences of the country’s past.

He called on churches and religious leaders to maintain their cooperation with the Government, saying progress made in rebuilding the economy, healing wounds and promoting peaceful coexistence was encouraging but required continued effort.

Dr. Nsengiyumva, who represented President Paul Kagame at the gathering, also praised the event as a demonstration of national unity, with believers from different churches and denominations coming together for a common purpose.

He conveyed the President’s greetings and appreciation for the invitation to the annual thanksgiving gathering.

He also commended the organisers for including Rwanda’s progress over the 32 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi among the reasons for thanksgiving.

By Elisa UWINEZA