ULK Joins Imbuto Foundation Campaign against Rising Youth Alcohol Consumption: Tunywe Less.
On December 15, 2023, a Kigali Independent University ULK delegation led by Dr. Kagabika Muyuku Boaz with 20 students represented ULK at the Imbuto Foundation Youth Forum in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Local Government, Rwanda National Police, and the Office of the Government Spokesperson (OGS).
The forum focused on the Tunywe Less (drink less) campaign which aims to sensitise young people to reduce alcoholic consumption.. The event witnessed the participation of around 1000 young individuals from various institutions, particularly higher learning institutions, with the First Lady serving as the Guest of Honor at Kigali Convention Center.
A survey conducted by the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) in June 2022, revealed a concerning trend in alcohol consumption in Rwanda. The study found that alcohol consumption had increased from 41% in 2013 to 48% in 2022. Delving deeper into regional variations, Kigali City reported a 42% alcohol consumption rate, the eastern province at 43.9%, the western province at 46.5%, the
Southern province at 51.6%, and the Northern Province topping the list with the highest rate at 56.6%. This escalating trend in alcohol consumption, particularly among the youth, is considered a significant societal issue in Rwanda.
Recognizing the severity of the issue, the Imbuto Foundation, in collaboration with various government ministries and agencies, initiated the Youth Forum: Tunywe Less (drink less). The goal of this forum is to address the rising rates of alcohol consumption among the youth population.
The presence of the First Lady as the Guest of Honor underscored the significance and commitment of the Rwandan government in combating the issue of alcohol consumption among the youth. Her involvement served to elevate the importance of the forum and highlighted the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in addressing this societal challenge.
The survey conducted by RBC clearly indicates the need for urgent and comprehensive measures to curb the rising trend of alcohol consumption in Rwanda, especially among the youth. Institutions responsible for the well-being of the youth were urged to take proactive steps in sensitizing and educating young individuals about the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Dr. Kagabika Muyuku Boaz’s leadership in representing ULK at the Imbuto Foundation’s Youth Forum highlights the university’s commitment to addressing societal challenges. The event served as a platform for fruitful discussions, bringing together various stakeholders to find viable solutions to the escalating issue of youth alcohol consumption in Rwanda.
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