Gakenke District Destroys More Than 3,500 Bottles and 54 Cartons of Substandard Alcohol

Gakenke District authorities have destroyed more than 3,500 bottles and 54 cartons of substandard alcoholic beverages confiscated from shops across the District as part of ongoing efforts to curb the sale and consumption of illicit and unsafe alcohol.

The destruction took place at five designated sites across Gakenke District on 12 August 2026, during activities marking International Youth Day, held under the theme: “Building Youth Capacity to Harness Available Opportunities.”

The exercise was also used as an awareness-raising opportunity for young people on the health and social risks associated with consuming substandard alcoholic beverages, which have been identified as a growing concern among some groups within the population.

Gakenke District Mayor, Vestine Mukandayisenga, said the destruction was deliberately conducted in the presence of young people to help them understand the dangers associated with consuming unsafe alcoholic products.

“We invited many young people so that they could witness the destruction and understand the dangers of these beverages. We want these harmful products to disappear and, most importantly, to prevent them from becoming increasingly common among young people. However, adults must also avoid consuming them,” she said.

Mayor Mukandayisenga warned that some traders had reportedly begun hiding substandard alcoholic beverages after learning about the enforcement campaign, intending to sell them secretly. She cautioned that anyone found continuing to trade in such products would face legal consequences.

Dr. Mbonyitwari Donatien, Director of Nemba Hospital, explained that consuming unsafe alcoholic beverages can have serious consequences for human health, particularly because alcohol affects the brain and other vital organs.

He noted that ethanol, the main psychoactive component of alcoholic beverages, rapidly affects the brain, impairing judgement, coordination and normal behaviour. This can cause people who have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol to speak incoherently, lose coordination and become physically unstable.

Dr. Mbonyitwari further warned that prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can cause severe damage to the liver and digestive system and increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and other chronic health conditions.

CIP Ignace Ngirabakunzi, Police spokesperson for the Northern Province, said similar enforcement operations are being conducted in different parts of the country because substandard alcoholic beverages have been linked not only to serious health consequences but also to public safety concerns.

He said such operations are intended to prevent further harm and protect communities from the consequences of consuming unsafe products.

At the national level, the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has intensified regulatory measures against manufacturers and distributors of non-compliant alcoholic beverages. According to the information presented during the campaign, more than 140 facilities producing non-compliant alcoholic beverages have been closed, their operating licences revoked, and 52 imported alcoholic products temporarily suspended.

The campaign in Gakenke underscores the District’s commitment to protecting public health, strengthening enforcement against illicit and unsafe alcoholic products, and empowering young people to make informed decisions that support healthy and productive lives.

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