A young man from Gicumbi District has shared how overcoming alcohol and drug addiction helped him rebuild his life, learn a trade and compete in a national youth entrepreneurship programme.
Shimirwa Palemo shared his story with President Paul Kagame and fellow young people during the “Meet the President” dialogue held at BK Arena on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The event brought together young people from across Rwanda to discuss their experiences, ambitions and contribution to the country’s development.
Shimirwa, a resident of Rubaya Sector in Gicumbi District, said his life took a wrong turn after he became involved in drug use and the illegal trade in locally known as kanyanga, an illicit alcoholic drink.
“I was a good child, but I ended up disappointing my parents,” he said.
He explained that his problems began when he started working with smugglers who illegally brought alcohol into Rwanda from neighbouring countries. His role was to inform them about the whereabouts of security personnel so they could transport the alcohol without being caught.
“They gave me a job of informing them where security officers were so they could get the alcohol through without being arrested,” he said.
As he spent more time with the smugglers, Shimirwa began drinking the alcohol they sold, eventually developing a serious addiction. His relationship with his parents deteriorated, and he eventually left home to live on his own.
“I reached a point where I could not even drink water from a bottle and recognise it as water,” he said, describing how deeply alcohol had affected him.
He spent his savings on drinking until the money ran out, leaving him struggling to support himself. He later began investing his own money in the illegal alcohol trade but was eventually arrested and sent to a rehabilitation centre.
Shimirwa said the experience marked a turning point in his life. After rehabilitation, he began rebuilding his future and enrolled in a one-year carpentry course. The skills he acquired enabled him to earn money and raise Rwf230,000 in capital.
He later entered the YouthConnekt competition, which promotes young people’s talents, business ideas and entrepreneurship. Although he was unsuccessful in his first attempt, he tried again and progressed through the district and provincial stages to reach the national level.
“I won at the district level and then at the provincial level. But when I reached the national stage, I met young people who had not wasted their time on alcohol. That was when I realised what I had lost,” he said.
Today, Shimirwa says he is focused on work and improving his livelihood through several business initiatives.
He encouraged fellow young people to take responsibility for their futures, work hard and avoid destructive habits, including drug use.
“They told us not to be lazy. I am no longer among those who waste their time, and neither should you be. I have changed,” he said.
