Youth representatives in Rwanda’s Northern Province have raised concerns over the growing use of Kanyanga and other alcoholic drinks they say are replacing banned substandard beverages known locally as “ibiyuma.”
The concerns were raised on Thursday, September 24, in Musanze during discussions on family challenges and possible solutions, held as part of Sober Week, a campaign promoting awareness about alcohol and drug abuse.
Youth representatives from Musanze, Burera, Gakenke, Gicumbi and Rulindo said the government’s ban on ibiyuma had helped reduce alcohol-related problems in some communities, but they were now seeing young people turn to other products.
They said Kanyanga, an illicit locally made spirit commonly associated with areas near the Uganda border, was among the products increasingly causing concern.
Ruth Dusabimana, a National Youth Council coordinator in Nyankenke Sector, Gicumbi District, said young people aged between 18 and 30 were particularly involved in transporting Kanyanga from Uganda.
She said some traders disguise the spirit by mixing or hiding it in energy drinks, Novida and juice containers, making it harder to detect.
According to Dusabimana, the availability of Kanyanga has been linked by residents to school dropouts, unplanned pregnancies, theft and conflicts within families.
Moses Habihirwe, the National Youth Council coordinator for Cyeru Sector in Burera District, said the trade in Kanyanga had become more visible after ibiyuma were removed from the market.
He said some adults send children to obtain the illicit drink, a practice he said can contribute to children dropping out of school.
Youth representatives also raised concerns about other alcoholic products they said had entered the market following the ban on ibiyuma. One representative from Musanze said some of the drinks were reportedly imported from France and were being sold cheaply.
The representative asked authorities to provide guidance on the quality and safety of the products being sold to consumers.
Northern Province Police Commander ACP Edmond Kalisa said authorities were already working with a list of more than 110 alcoholic drinks targeted for removal from the market.
He said police and other authorities would determine whether the newly reported products were already on the list or whether additional action was required.
Kalisa also urged residents to report the transportation, concealment or consumption of Kanyanga, saying the fight against illicit alcohol required cooperation from communities.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde said the province wanted families to be free from drug and substance abuse, linking family wellbeing to discipline and positive values.
The four-day Sober Week activities in Musanze include discussions with parents, young people and students, alongside sports activities and community work. The campaign is being implemented by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion and the Ministry of Sports through the youth campaign “Irinde Ibiyobyabwenge, Wiheshe Agaciro,” translated as “Stay Sober, Stay Dignified.”
The campaign is being conducted in Musanze and Gakenke districts.
