Rwanda destroys 470,000 litres of ethanol as crackdown on illicit alcohol intensifies

RWANDA – Rwanda National Police has begun destroying more than 470,000 litres of ethanol that had allegedly been used in the production of substandard and illicit alcoholic beverages, marking a major step in the government’s ongoing campaign against illegal alcohol manufacturing. 

The disposal exercise commenced on August 5, 2026, at the Nduba dumpsite in Gasabo District, where authorities are destroying the confiscated ethanol to prevent it from re-entering the market. 

Speaking during the operation, Kigali City Police spokesperson Wellars Gahonzire said the ethanol had been seized during enforcement activities launched on August 2. 

“Since August 2, law enforcement agencies have seized more than 470,000 litres of ethanol that was being used to manufacture substandard alcoholic drinks. The ethanol is being destroyed at the Nduba dumpsite to ensure it does not pose any further risk to public health and safety,” Gahonzire said. 

The latest operation forms part of a wider government effort to eliminate unsafe alcoholic beverages from the market and protect consumers from potentially harmful products. 

Authorities have increased inspections of alcohol manufacturers and distributors this year, leading to the closure of numerous businesses accused of producing beverages that failed to meet national safety and quality standards. 

According to government officials, some producers were using industrial ethanol and other unauthorised ingredients to manufacture counterfeit alcoholic drinks, creating significant risks for consumers. 

The campaign has also included tighter regulations, expanded inspections and closer cooperation among law enforcement agencies, health authorities and regulatory bodies. 

Officials have continued to urge consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from licensed producers and to report any suspected cases of illegal production or distribution. 

The crackdown has extended beyond domestic producers. Rwanda has suspended imports and ordered the recall of several alcoholic beverages manufactured in Uganda, including Gilbey’s Flavoured Gin, Bond 7 Whisky, X5 Whisky and Club 5 Gin. 

The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) said the measures were introduced following regulatory inspections and compliance assessments. 

In a public notice, the regulator stated that the suspension was being implemented “in the interest of public health” and directed importers, retailers, distributors and consumers to comply immediately. 

Since the beginning of the enforcement campaign, Rwanda FDA has ordered the closure of more than 130 breweries and distilleries while revoking the licences of affected manufacturers. 

The intensified measures come as alcohol consumption continues to rise across the country. According to a survey conducted by the Rwanda Biomedical Center, alcohol consumption increased from 41% in 2013 to 48% in 2022, prompting authorities to strengthen efforts aimed at removing unsafe alcoholic products from the market. 

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