RULINDO DESTROYS MORE THAN 22,000 LITRES OF SUBSTANDARD BEVERAGES

The beverages were destroyed publicly on August 9, 2026, in Buyoga Sector following a nearly week-long operation conducted by district authorities in partnership with residents and security organs, they have destroyed 22,027 litres valued at Rwf 94.56 million as part of an intensified crackdown on illicit and dangerous drinks.

The crackdown targeted beverages listed as prohibited by the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA). Authorities said four factories producing substandard beverages had also been closed in Rulindo during the operation.

Residents are appreciating the Government decision to crackdown, the alcohol saying  that the substandard alcoholic drinks had contributed to health problems, family conflicts and other social challenges, particularly among young people.

NTAMABYARIRO Madelene, a resident of Buyoga Sector, said the prohibited drinks had particularly affected young people and contributed to family problems.

“These substandard drinks are widely consumed by young people and have caused serious damage,” she added that alcohol abuse had contributed to conflicts in some households and affected children’s welfare and education.

NYINAWASE Domithilla said some families had been pushed into poverty and domestic difficulties by the consumption of the illicit drinks, while others had reportedly lost lives as a result of their use. She welcomes the government’s efforts to remove the beverages from the market.

Rulindo District Mayor MUKANYIRIGIRA Judith said the authorities, working with security organs, had carried out inspections across all sectors, with particular attention to major trading centres such as Bubangu and Base, where large quantities of the prohibited beverages were seized.

She said the four closed factories had supplied drinks not only to consumers in Rulindo but also to other parts of the country, increasing the potential impact on public health.

Mayor Mukanyirigira urged residents to refrain from producing, selling, distributing or consuming substandard beverages and called on the public to work closely with authorities by reporting people involved in the production and sale of such drinks.

She also urged residents not to shield anyone violating regulations aimed at protecting public health.

The seized beverages were collected and destroyed in Buyoga Sector. The district was also expected to consider new measures to strengthen the fight against substandard beverages at a council meeting scheduled for August 10, 2026.