The latest enforcement action, announced on Tuesday, August 4, follows two earlier waves of closures. Rwanda FDA first announced the shutdown of eight manufacturers on Sunday evening before revoking the licenses of another 101 facilities on Monday. With Tuesday's additional 27 closures, the number of manufacturers affected has risen to 136.

The sweeping crackdown comes amid growing concern over toxic alcoholic drinks, locally known as ibyuma, which the government says have caused dozens of deaths and left thousands battling alcohol addiction.

In a public announcement, Rwanda FDA said it had closed the manufacturing facilities and revoked all associated manufacturing licenses with immediate effect.

The regulator also ordered that every alcoholic beverage produced by the affected manufacturers be withdrawn from the market, instructing manufacturers to conduct an immediate recall through their distribution networks and submit recall reports within three working days.

Distributors and retailers have been directed to stop selling the affected products immediately and return remaining stock to suppliers, while consumers have been advised to stop consuming any products manufactured by the listed companies.

Rwanda FDA further ordered the immediate removal of all advertisements and promotional materials for alcoholic beverages produced by the companies.

The authority warned that additional manufacturing facilities could still face similar action as regulatory inspections and enforcement continue across the country.

Among the companies affected in Tuesday's announcement are Advent Group Ltd, Speranza Group Ltd, Unique Beverages Ltd, Gisagara Agro-Business Industries Ltd, Umuhonge Co. Ltd, Life Holistic Ltd, Ishya Brewing Company Ltd, Bwiza Coffee Group Ltd, NCWC Company Ltd, East Stone Beverage Ltd and 17 other manufacturers.

The recalled products include a wide range of spirits, wines and traditional banana- and ginger-based alcoholic beverages, including brands such as Mojo Gin, Marksman Whisky, Swag Vodka, Mambo Whisky, Speranza Waragi, Millenium Hills Blended Whisky, GABI Gin, OASIS Wine, Ganira Wine and several locally produced banana and ginger-flavoured alcoholic drinks.

The enforcement campaign follows revelations by Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana about the devastating impact of adulterated alcoholic beverages on public health.

Speaking to IGIHE, the minister said investigations launched by the government found that toxic alcoholic drinks have claimed more than 50 lives this year alone.

"From January through July, more than 500 people sought medical treatment after consuming these alcoholic drinks," he said.

"They arrived in critical condition, vomiting, suffering from severe diarrhoea; some had lost their eyesight, while others were brought to hospital on stretchers after collapsing at social gatherings, including weddings. Investigations consistently found links to adulterated alcoholic drinks."

According to Dr. Nsanzimana, more than 100 people have lost their eyesight after consuming the drinks, while a nationwide assessment has identified nearly 11,000 people struggling with alcohol addiction.

"These are only the cases we know about and represent just a small fraction of the actual number. They are people who spend much of their lives intoxicated," he added.

The minister said the government examined every stage of the supply chain, including manufacturers, regulators, local leaders and consumers, concluding that stronger enforcement and collective responsibility were needed to address the growing public health threat.

Rwanda FDA has warned that failure to comply with the recall directives and other regulatory measures will attract sanctions under applicable laws as the nationwide enforcement campaign continues.