Nsanzimana announced the figures on October 15, 2026, during a meeting with members of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO), where he outlined the impact of measures to combat illicit alcohol.

He said health facilities had recorded a significant decline in people seeking emergency treatment for injuries sustained in fights linked to the drinks since their production was halted.

“At health facilities, we have seen an almost 80% decline in the number of people brought in with injuries after fighting or attacking one another because of these drinks, based on the figures we have collected since their production was halted. We compile these figures and compare them with data from security agencies,” he said.

The government intensified its crackdown on illicit alcoholic drinks in early August, targeting their production and distribution over concerns about their effects on public health and safety.

Nsanzimana said the measures had already produced encouraging results, while highlighting the burden that alcohol-related injuries and illnesses had placed on health facilities.

He revealed that 250 factories producing substandard alcoholic drinks had been closed, while more than 200 other investors had applied to establish similar businesses.

The figures prompted questions from NFPO members about how so many factories had operated and whether institutions responsible for regulating products manufactured locally and imported into Rwanda had adequately performed their duties.

Deputy Ombudsman Mukama Abbas questioned whether corruption or negligence had allowed the problem to grow.

“There may have been corruption because, looking at the figures the ministry has given us, it is difficult not to conclude that there was a problem. One would wonder why the numbers kept increasing without a decision being taken to investigate, given that this problem had become an epidemic among other issues,” he said.

Senate Vice-President Mukabaramba Alvera also questioned the large number of factories producing alcoholic drinks, arguing that the country had other essential consumer goods needs, including clothing and hygiene products.

NFPO spokesperson Leonard Ndagijimana welcomed the government's decision to halt the production of substandard alcoholic drinks, saying it would help prevent illnesses and mental health problems associated with their consumption.

He warned that without the intervention, the number of people requiring medical attention could have continued to rise, increasing public expenditure on treatment.

Ndagijimana also called on political organisations to support efforts to combat illicit alcohol and help ensure that the restrictions were enforced.

NFPO members urged authorities to sustain the crackdown and impose severe penalties on those found continuing to produce or conceal illicit alcoholic drinks.