Rwanda police have warned that people engaging in public indecency, excessive drinking and other behavior deemed harmful to society could face legal action as authorities step up enforcement against illicit alcohol and related offenses.
Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga issued the warning Saturday during a media briefing in Kigali, where police and the Rwanda Investigation Bureau presented 16 suspects arrested in connection with offenses including the production of substandard alcoholic drinks.
Rutikanga said authorities were also concerned about behavior in bars, nightclubs, house parties and on social media, particularly TikTok.
He warned that operators of entertainment venues could be held responsible for misconduct taking place on their premises.
“Businesses have a responsibility to protect society,” Rutikanga said, urging bar and nightclub owners to ensure their establishments do not become venues for behavior that violates the law.
Authorities are also monitoring social media activity involving sexually explicit content and other conduct they consider indecent, he said.
Rutikanga urged residents to report suspected offenses to police and warned that public figures who use their platforms to promote such behavior could also face prosecution.
He stressed that the campaign against illicit alcohol does not mean people can consume legally sold alcohol without limits, warning against public drunkenness and conduct that puts others at risk.
Under Article 135 of Rwanda’s penal law, indecent assault involves an indecent act against another person’s body without consent. When committed in public, it is punishable by two to three years in prison and a fine ranging from 500,000 to 1 million Rwandan francs.
The warning comes as authorities intensify efforts to curb illicit alcoholic drinks, which they say are linked to serious health and public safety concerns.
