The Rwanda National Police (RNP) on Saturday used the monthly Umuganda community exercise in Kicukiro District to intensify its campaign against illicit alcohol, vaping and drug abuse, with Inspector General of Police CG Felix Namuhoranye calling on young people to take responsibility for protecting their health and future.
CG Namuhoranye joined residents in cleaning and maintaining areas where trees have been planted to improve air quality, alongside former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Minister of Youth and Arts Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima and City of Kigali Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva.
Addressing residents after the community work, the Police Chief said public safety remains a central priority and linked the environmental exercise to the wider “Hehe n’Icyuma” campaign, which targets illicit brews, vapes, drugs and other substances considered harmful to public health.
Namuhoranye said the campaign requires more than enforcement by Police and other institutions, stressing that communities, families and particularly young people have an important role in preventing substance abuse.
He urged the youth to become agents of change by abandoning delinquent behaviour and choices that expose them to drugs and other harmful substances, saying maintaining a healthy lifestyle would give them a stronger foundation for a secure and productive future.
The Police message comes amid intensified government efforts to tackle illicit and substandard alcoholic beverages and other harmful substances, combining enforcement operations with public awareness and prevention campaigns.
Saturday’s Umuganda therefore provided Police with another platform to take the campaign directly to communities, placing prevention and individual responsibility alongside law enforcement in efforts to address substance abuse.