The Bishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Byumba Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Ngendahayo, has called on residents of Gicumbi District, particularly those living along the Rwanda-Uganda border, to avoid illicit drugs, including the locally known spirit Kanyanga, warning that they pose a serious threat to people’s health and future.
He made the remarks on Saturday during a public awareness campaign organized by the Byumba Diocese to encourage residents to fight drug abuse, enroll in community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), and actively support government programs aimed at improving community welfare.
Gicumbi District is one of Rwanda’s border districts with Uganda, where the illicit alcoholic drink known as Kanyanga is often smuggled into the country.
Although local authorities and residents continue to work together to combat drug trafficking, the illegal beverage still occasionally crosses the border.
He urged residents, especially young people, to stay away from all forms of drug abuse, noting that such substances destroy lives, hinder development, and jeopardize the future of individuals and their communities.
Bishop Ngendahayo emphasized that God has given people the wisdom and ability to work for their own development, stressing that prayer should go hand in hand with hard work rather than replacing personal responsibility.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Ngendahayo referred to the biblical principle that “a healthy spirit dwells in a healthy body,” emphasizing that protecting one’s health is both a personal and moral responsibility.
“God created us to live healthy and productive lives. Drugs such as Kanyanga destroy not only the body but also the future of our young people. I urge everyone, especially those living along the border, to reject drugs, protect their health, and work hard for a better future,” Bishop Ngendahayo said.
He further reminded residents that faith should inspire action.
“Prayer alone is not enough. God has given us wisdom, strength, and opportunities to work. We must combine prayer with hard work if we want our families and communities to develop,” he added.
Some young people who attended the event testified that they had previously consumed Kanyanga and other drugs but had abandoned the habit after receiving guidance and counseling through programs run by the Anglican Church’s Byumba Diocese.
Some young people who attended the event testified that they had previously consumed Kanyanga and other drugs but had abandoned the habit after receiving guidance and counseling through programs run by the Anglican Church’s Byumba Diocese.
One youth beneficiary Munyaneza Alphonse yes the Diocese’s awareness campaigns had transformed his life.
“I used to drink Kanyanga because I thought it was normal among my peers. Through the Diocese’s counseling and awareness sessions, I realized it was destroying my health and my future. I stopped using drugs, and today I encourage my friends to make the same decision”.
The Diocese has also continued supporting vulnerable families through livestock distribution programs, providing both small and large livestock as a way of improving household incomes and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The Executive Secretary of Byumba Sector, Théoneste Mbanzendore, praised the Diocese for its contribution to improving the well-being of local residents, describing it as one of the government’s most reliable development partners.
He says “The Anglican Church, through Byumba Diocese, has consistently supported government programs that improve the lives of our citizens. Their efforts in fighting drug abuse, promoting health insurance, supporting vulnerable families, and investing in education complement our development agenda, and we are grateful for this partnership.”
The day also featured the Run with Rwanda initiative, during which residents of Byumba Sector joined Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in the United States (Colorado Springs) in a community run aimed at promoting physical exercise and preventing non-communicable diseases.
Funds raised through the initiative help finance community development projects in Byumba Sector. Through its partnership with the Diocese, the community has already benefited from the construction of a health center, a football Pitch, and a multi-purpose community hall (Salle Polyvalente).
Plans are also underway to build additional classrooms to improve learning conditions for children and invest in the community’s future.
NTAMBARA Garleon
RADITV10