Rubaya: Rwanda Sports Minister Urges Youth to Shun Drugs, Embrace Sports

Rwanda's Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire has urged young people to reject illicit alcohol and drugs and turn to sport and hard work, as authorities step up efforts to promote healthy families and youth development.

Mukazayire made the call on 26 September during Community Work in Rubaya Sector, Gicumbi District, attended by Rwanda National Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga, Members of Parliament, Gicumbi District leaders and security officials.

“Let us build safe families and an empowered generation. We do not want citizens who continue drinking illicit substances. Let us work together to build the Rwanda we want,” Mukazayire said.

She said sport plays an important role in keeping young people healthy, helping them use their time productively and developing their talents.

Gicumbi District Mayor NZABONIMPA Emmanuel thanked the national leadership for providing the district with a stadium, describing the facility as an important boost to sports development and opportunities for athletes.

He highlighted the early performance of Gicumbi FC, which has won all three of its opening BK Pro League matches and has nine points from nine after matchday three.

Mayor NZABONIMPA said the stadium and other sports facilities would be used to nurture young talent and strengthen teams representing the district.

ACP Rutikanga, meanwhile, urged residents to help combat Kanyanga, an illicit alcoholic drink, and other drugs by reporting those involved in their production, trafficking and sale.

“We are looking for the traffickers and we will not give up. Wherever they operate, they are damaging our families, and we will not accept it,” he said.

He linked illicit alcohol to family conflicts, violence and school absenteeism, and urged residents to share information with security authorities while assuring them that reports could be made confidentially.

The Community Work also focused on disaster prevention, with residents and local leaders digging anti-erosion trenches, clearing drainage channels and constructing water-harvesting pits to reduce runoff and the risks posed by heavy rainfall.

Residents in Rubaya were also supported to improve a local sports field, giving young people additional space to train and develop their talents.

The activities brought together messages on youth empowerment, sports development, drug prevention and disaster preparedness, as Gicumbi continues efforts to improve community well-being and sustainable development.