The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has said it is working closely with other government agencies, including the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), to investigate reports that some traders may be committing fraud involving the “Salama” juice brand, which was recently banned from the Rwandan market.
The allegations suggest that some traders are relabeling bottles of the banned juice produced by Joyland Company Ltd. with new stickers from other juice brands to avoid business losses after the product was outlawed.
Last week, on October 20, 2025, the Rwanda Police, RIB, and the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) revealed several products seized during Operation Usalama XI 2025, a campaign aimed at identifying sub-standard, counterfeit, and smuggled goods in Rwanda.
Among the seized goods was “Salama” juice, which authorities said failed to meet national safety and quality standards. Traders were immediately instructed to destroy all remaining stock and remove the juice from shelves across the country. Consumers who had purchased it were advised to seek medical check-ups to ensure they suffered no adverse health effects.
After this announcement, discussions arose online, with some reports claiming that certain traders had started removing the “Salama” brand labels and replacing them with logos of juices from other East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania, in an effort to sell their remaining stock.
A social-media user named Jackson Dushimimana posted on X that he was concerned some traders were disguising the banned juice. He asked whether Rwanda Police would continue inspections to prevent fraudulent sales of the product that had already been prohibited.
In response, the Rwanda Police stated that such actions are illegal and will not be tolerated, adding: “The Rwanda National Police, in collaboration with the Rwanda FDA, RIB, and other relevant institutions, will follow up on this matter.”
Authorities previously confirmed that inspections at the factory where the Salama juice was produced revealed poor hygiene and unsanitary production processes that failed to meet Rwanda’s quality standards.
Official Police Statement: Operation Usalama XI 2025
In an official statement released on October 20, 2025, the Rwanda National Police said it had conducted a joint operation, code-named USALAMA XI 2025, in collaboration with RIB, Rwanda FDA, and other partner institutions.
The purpose of the operation was to target counterfeit, assorted sub-standard, and outlawed products in various districts across the country.
According to the statement: Large quantities of counterfeit and sub-standard products, including food and beverages, were seized.
The operation focused on items that pose a direct risk to public health and safety.
The Police emphasized that the sale, distribution, or relabeling of goods that fail to meet national standards is against the law and will not be tolerated.
The RNP pledged to continue inspections and enforcement activities, together with RIB and Rwanda FDA, to safeguard consumers and maintain the integrity of Rwanda’s markets.
The joint statement concluded that such operations will remain ongoing as part of efforts to protect citizens from dangerous or fake products and to promote ethical business practices across Rwanda.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
