Residents of Nyanza District have been urged to take a more active role in preventing crime and protecting children from drug abuse, with authorities stressing that keeping young people away from drugs is essential to building a safer society.
The call was made in Busasamana Sector during a community outreach campaign led by Rwanda National Police and other authorities to raise awareness about crime prevention and encourage residents to help maintain security in their communities.
Police in particular appealed to parents to pay closer attention to their children’s behaviour and upbringing, while encouraging traders and residents to report the illegal sale and misuse of substances.
CIP Hassan Kamanzi, Rwanda National Police spokesperson for the Southern Province, said parents have a particularly important role to play in preventing children from being drawn into drug abuse.
“Parents have a major responsibility to protect their children from drugs. They should raise them to love, build and protect their country and help create a Rwanda free from drug abuse. Children need a safe family environment and proper guidance rather than being left vulnerable to the dangers of the streets,” he said.
Police also warned traders selling construction materials about the misuse of products such as glue, thinner and essence, which can be abused as intoxicating substances.
Kamanzi urged traders to ensure such products are sold responsibly and not supplied to children or others who intend to misuse them. He said protecting children and preventing crime requires the involvement of the entire community.
Authorities also called for greater cooperation between residents and law enforcement, particularly through timely reporting of suspected drug dealers and users.
SP Harima Nyirimpuhwe, the Southern Province Police-community partnership coordinator, said information from residents is crucial in identifying people who sell, hide or distribute drugs.
“Residents have an important role in keeping their communities safe. We encourage them to report anyone involved in activities that threaten security, especially those who sell, use or conceal drugs. Information from the public helps authorities investigate such cases and disrupt the illegal trade,” she said.
At the local level, Busasamana Sector executive Bizimana Egide said cooperation between local authorities, police and residents had already produced results in tackling drug abuse and illicit alcohol.
“Working together has made a difference, particularly in dealing with drugs and illicit alcohol. We have seen positive changes in some areas. Although the problem has not disappeared, continued reporting and prevention efforts can help us eventually eliminate it,” he said.
Residents who attended the campaign also shared personal experiences of the consequences of substance abuse.
Nzayisenga Emmanuel said his dependence on illicit alcohol once led to frequent arguments and fights at home and affected his health to the point where he regularly sought medical treatment.
“I used to drink illicit alcohol and would spend much of my time fighting and arguing with my family. I was also frequently going to hospital. My life has changed significantly, and I am grateful to those who have helped fight the sale of these illegal drinks,” he said.
Construction-materials trader Munyambonwa John said some customers buy products such as glue, thinner and essence for purposes other than those for which they are intended.
He urged fellow traders to be vigilant, particularly when children attempt to purchase such products, and to alert authorities whenever they suspect misuse.
“Some people buy construction materials such as glue, thinner and essence and use them as drugs. We need to make sure these products go to people who genuinely need them for construction and be particularly careful when children are involved. If we notice misuse, we should report it,” he said.
Another Busasamana resident, Mukama Bosco, said his own experience with substance abuse left him with serious health problems affecting his limbs. He urged others to avoid drugs and other harmful substances.
Police and local authorities called on residents to maintain the cooperation and information-sharing needed to identify drug-related activities early and prevent them from developing into wider security and social problems, particularly among children and young people.
