Young people in Nyaruguru District have been urged to set clear goals, avoid alcohol and drugs and adopt responsible behaviour as authorities step up efforts to prevent crime and protect communities.
The call was made on Saturday, August 29, during the monthly Umuganda in Ruheru Sector, where residents and officials discussed crime prevention, youth development and the fight against illicit and substandard alcoholic drinks.
Rwanda National Police spokesperson for the Southern Province, Chief Inspector of Police Hassan Kamanzi, urged young people to avoid idleness, loitering, drunkenness, prostitution and theft, and instead develop habits that contribute to safer communities.
“We urge young people to avoid idleness, loitering, drunkenness, prostitution and theft, and instead demonstrate sound thinking, attitudes, conduct and work habits aimed at preventing crime,” Kamanzi said.
Southern Province Executive Secretary Vedaste Nshimiyimana said Rwanda needs young people who have clear ambitions, think positively and are committed to improving their lives.
He warned that drug abuse can undermine young people’s future and limit their contribution to national development.
“Young people deserve the best. We should not have a generation held back by drugs. We need young people who think well so that they can build the country,” Nshimiyimana said.
Officials also urged parents to strengthen the upbringing of their children and take a more active role in guiding them towards responsible choices.
The messages came amid an ongoing national crackdown on illicit alcoholic drinks and other substances, with authorities calling on communities to help prevent their production, sale and consumption.
Residents in Ruheru said excessive drinking had affected young people’s productivity and contributed to tensions within some families.
Alfred Bizimungu, a resident, said some young people spent much of their time drinking instead of working.
“These drinks had become a serious problem for young people. Some spent much of their time drinking instead of working, and sometimes this led to conflicts in families,” he said.
Another resident, Solange Niyibigena, said drinking had also disrupted peace in some households.
“It affected families because some people would return home drunk, leaving no peace in the household. We welcome the strengthened efforts to fight these drinks because they help promote healthier and safer communities,” she said.
Authorities called on residents to work closely with security agencies to prevent crime and support efforts to remove substandard alcoholic drinks from their communities.
Residents were also encouraged to report people involved in producing, storing or distributing prohibited drinks so that the relevant authorities can investigate and take appropriate action.
