Rwandan lawmakers have raised fresh concerns over a growing rise in alcohol and drug abuse among young people, warning that the increasing availability of illicit alcohol and cheap high-strength alcoholic beverages is fueling addiction and posing a serious public health threat.
The warning was issued by members of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs after an oversight mission to 15 districts across the country to assess the implementation of parliamentary resolutions on substance abuse and mental health.
The committee reported that alcohol abuse and drug use are becoming increasingly prevalent among young people, with some communities witnessing widespread consumption of illicit alcoholic drinks alongside legally marketed beverages with high alcohol content that are sold at low prices.
Lawmakers said the trend is exposing more young people to addiction, preventable illnesses and other social and health consequences.
While commending the government’s investment in rehabilitation centres and treatment facilities for people struggling with substance dependence, the committee called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, local leaders, families and communities to tackle the problem more effectively.
Members of Parliament also expressed concern over the continued circulation of substandard and illegally manufactured alcoholic drinks, warning that they have caused severe health complications, permanent disabilities and deaths.
The nationwide assessment, conducted across all four provinces and the City of Kigali, was aimed at evaluating progress in implementing resolutions adopted by the Chamber of Deputies to strengthen the country’s response to alcohol abuse, drug use and mental health challenges.
The lawmakers’ warning comes as Rwanda intensifies efforts to combat illicit alcohol.
On Wednesday, Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana revealed that 44 people died between January and June 2026 after consuming unsafe alcoholic beverages, describing the products as a major public health threat.
The minister said some illegally produced drinks contain toxic substances, including methanol and other hazardous chemicals, which can cause blindness, brain damage, organ failure and death.
The latest parliamentary findings are expected to reinforce calls for stricter enforcement against illicit alcohol production and trafficking, expanded prevention campaigns targeting young people and greater investment in addiction treatment and mental health services.
