#Umuganura2026: Drug abuse, unsafe alcohol raise concern over youth and family welfare

Drug abuse and the use of unsafe alcohol were highlighted as major challenges affecting young people, families and community development during Umuganura celebrations in Gicumbi District.

The celebrations were held in Bwisige Sector under the theme “Umuganura: Source of Unity and Foundation for Self-Reliance.” The event brought together residents and local leaders to celebrate the harvest while reflecting on family welfare, youth development and the importance of working together for self-reliance.

The guest of honour, NTAGUNGIRA Alexis, Chairperson of the Gicumbi District Council, urged parents and communities to take greater responsibility for protecting young people from drugs, unsafe alcohol and other harmful behaviours.

He said Umuganura should not only be a time to celebrate and share the harvest, but also an opportunity for families and communities to discuss challenges affecting society, particularly young people.

He described the youth as one of Rwanda’s most important resources because of their energy, skills and ability to contribute to the country’s long-term development.

He said : “The greatest resource the country has is its people, especially the youth, because they have the strength to work for the country over the long term.”

However, he warned that drug abuse, alcohol consumption and other harmful behaviours could prevent young people from reaching their full potential.

More than 50 deaths linked to unsafe alcohol

The impact of unsafe alcohol was one of the main concerns raised during the celebration. According to figures cited by NTAGUNGIRA Alexis, more than 50 people had died after consuming unsafe alcohol during the first six months of 2026.

He also linked drug abuse and other harmful behaviours to school dropouts and unintended pregnancies among teenage girls. Drug use, alcohol abuse, prostitution and other harmful behaviours were mentioned as some of the challenges affecting young people and families.

“We must recognise the seriousness of this problem facing our families and the future of our country.”

Parents urged to strengthen child upbringing

NTAGUNGIRA also called on parents to become more involved in their children’s lives. He urged parents to talk regularly with their children, follow their education and know the people they spend time with. He also warned that conflicts within families can negatively affect children’s behaviour, education and development. The message was linked to the traditional values of Umuganura, including patriotism, hard work, unity, cooperation and respect for life.

On health, NTAGUNGIRA stressed that healthy people are more productive. “Umuganura begins with production, and production begins with good health.”

Mayor calls for unity and hard work

Gicumbi District's Mayor NZABONIMPA Emmanuel linked this year’s Umuganura theme to the need for communities to improve their livelihoods through unity, hard work and self-reliance.

He said residents can increase production and strengthen their ability to become self-reliant when they work together and support one another.

“When we work together with determination and support one another, we achieve better production, become self-sufficient and build a country founded on self-reliance.” He stipulated

NZABONIMPA thanked Gicumbi residents, particularly those in Bwisige, for their contribution to agriculture, livestock farming, business and development activities.

He said Umuganura should not only be a celebration of achievements, but also an opportunity to renew the commitment to productive work and sustainable development.

“This Umuganura celebration is an opportunity to share our joy, but also to renew our commitment to work harder so that we can achieve sustainable development, enjoy good health and build our country in unity and love.” Added the Mayor.

Youth encouraged to join holiday programmes

Authorities also encouraged young people to take part in educational and development programmes organised during school holidays. The programmes are designed to keep young people engaged, promote positive values and prepare them to return to school ready to continue their education.

Residents were also encouraged to help prevent the use and sale of unsafe alcohol and drugs, which authorities said had already caused many deaths.

Health and family welfare linked to development

The Umuganura celebration also highlighted development achievements made by Gicumbi residents. Officials pointed to participation in Mutuelle de Santé, Rwanda’s community-based health insurance programme, and EjoHeza, a savings programme that helps citizens prepare for the future.

Progress in agriculture, livestock farming, environmental protection, sanitation, security and national unity was also highlighted.

Authorities said these achievements are important for building healthy and productive communities, increasing household incomes and contributing to national development.

NTAGUNGIRA urged residents to use the values associated with Umuganura to address challenges facing families, with patriotism, hard work, unity, cooperation and respect for life at the centre.

Residents were encouraged to increase production, protect their achievements, save for the future and take care of their families’ health.

They were also urged to support government programmes designed to improve livelihoods and, above all, protect young people as the future of families and the country.

The Umuganura celebration in Bwisige therefore combined the traditional celebration of harvests with a wider call to protect families and young people.

For local authorities, fighting drug abuse and unsafe alcohol, strengthening parental responsibility and protecting young people’s health are key to building strong, self-reliant families and supporting Rwanda’s long-term development.