Rwandan Minister Warns Youth Against Drug Abuse

Kigali, Rwanda March 9, 2026 - Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and Arts Development, Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, has urged young people to prioritize their health and avoid drug abuse, warning that substance addiction undermines both personal potential and national development. Speaking at Lycée de Kigali during the launch of the third phase of the Ndi Umunyarwanda program, the minister stressed that Rwanda’s youth-who make up the majority of the population-are central to the country’s future and must act responsibly. “The country needs you, and if you are found to be addicted to drugs at a young age, you have betrayed it,” he said, emphasizing the link between individual choices and national progress. Utumatwishima warned that risky behaviors, including drug use and poor health decisions, could permanently limit young people’s ability to contribute to society. He also highlighted unity as a core value of the Ndi Umunyarwanda program, urging students to reject divisive groups and instead promote solidarity. “The first value is unity. We must avoid anything that separates us and instead build groups that bring us together,” he said. As part of this effort, he noted that school-based clubs-such as those under AERG-have been merged with unity and solidarity groups to foster cohesion among students. The Director General of the Rwanda Basic Education Board, Nelson Mbarushimana, said the program complements formal civic education by instilling values such as integrity, truth-telling, and responsibility among students. “We want students who stand for truth, who can denounce wrongdoing, and who are committed to building the country,” he said. Students attending the event said the program has helped deepen their understanding of Rwanda’s history and their role in addressing misinformation, particularly on social media. Irakoze Cyusa Prince Louis, a final-year student, said the discussions equip them to challenge narratives that distort the country’s past. “We are encouraged to confront those who rewrite history. With the knowledge we gain, we are able to respond and defend the truth,” he said. Another student, Mugisha Falhat, noted that the program also enables young people to engage their families and peers in conversations about unity and the dangers of divisive ideologies. Officials say Ndi Umunyarwanda remains a key platform for promoting national unity, civic responsibility, and resilience among Rwanda’s youth.