Kagame Draws a Red Line on ‘Ibyuma’ Alcohol: Rwanda Puts Lives Ahead . President Paul Kagame has issued a strong warning to people involved in producing and distributing substandard alcoholic drinks, saying Rwanda will not stand by while unsafe products continue to claim lives. Speaking to journalists on Monday August 24, 2026 Kagame said the government’s decision to crack down on beverages commonly known as “ibyuma” was driven primarily by public-health concerns. He said the reported deaths linked to unsafe alcohol had reached a level that demanded decisive action, noting that some incident

Kagame Draws a Red Line on ‘Ibyuma’ Alcohol: Rwanda Puts Lives Ahead . President Paul Kagame has issued a strong warning to people involved in producing and distributing substandard alcoholic drinks, saying Rwanda will not stand by while unsafe products continue to claim lives. Speaking to journalists on Monday August 24, 2026 Kagame said the government’s decision to crack down on beverages commonly known as “ibyuma” was driven primarily by public-health concerns. He said the reported deaths linked to unsafe alcohol had reached a level that demanded decisive action, noting that some incidents had involved 20, 30 or 50 people, with some days reportedly approaching 100 deaths. “They kill people, they have killed people, and without number,” Kagame said. ‘Lives must come first’ Kagame rejected arguments that shutting down non-compliant producers could negatively affect businesses and workers, saying such economic concerns cannot come before the protection of human life. He questioned whether the country should prioritise industries and jobs when products from those industries are allegedly contributing to deaths. For the President, the government's responsibility is first to protect citizens and prevent dangerous products from reaching the market. Regulators also facing scrutiny Kagame also raised questions about the role of officials responsible for enforcing safety standards, including personnel within Rwanda FDA and the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB). He suggested that some officials could face legal scrutiny over possible links to factories involved in producing unsafe beverages or failures in regulatory oversight. However, he stressed that those accused would have to explain themselves through the courts. The comments follow the presentation by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) of factory owners, employees and regulatory officials being investigated over alleged involvement in the production of substandard alcohol and related offences. ‘Those involved should expect us’ Kagame extended his warning beyond unsafe alcohol to other substances he said are harming Rwandans, particularly young people. He said the government would continue confronting those involved in the production and distribution of illicit drugs and dangerous substances. “Those involved should expect it. We are going to fight them,” Kagame said, signalling that Rwanda intends to intensify enforcement against activities considered a threat to public health. A tougher public-health approach The President's remarks position the crackdown as more than an economic or regulatory issue. They frame it as a public-safety challenge requiring stronger enforcement, accountability and closer oversight of the production and sale of alcoholic beverages. As investigations continue, attention will also turn to the responsibilities of manufacturers, regulators and other officials involved in ensuring that products on the Rwandan market meet safety standards.

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