Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has reported a deadly outbreak linked to the consumption of substandard and contaminated alcoholic drinks in several districts across the country.
According to the ministry, between February 2 and February 12, 2026, health facilities in the districts of Bugesera, Ruhango, Nyamagabe, and Rwamagana received 229 people who had consumed unsafe alcohol. Among them, 28 have died.
Severe Health Effects Reported
Survivors have experienced a range of serious health complications, including loss of vision, stomach pain, heart problems, and hearing difficulties.
Some victims and relatives of those who died said they experienced intense abdominal pain shortly after drinking the alcohol.
One survivor, Paul Nsengiyumva from Ngeruka Sector in Bugesera District, told national broadcaster RBA that after sharing drinks with a friend, he woke up with blurred vision and blocked ears, while his friend suffered severe vomiting.
“We went to Nyamata Hospital for treatment, but the person I went with later died. As for me, I still struggle to see clearly and cannot hear properly,” he said.
Another victim reported experiencing severe stomach and heart pain soon after consuming the alcohol.
Methanol Identified as Major Cause
ACP. Dr. Oreste Tugireyezu, Head of the General Medical Services Department at the Ministry of Health, explained that investigations found that the dangerous drinks were produced using unsafe chemicals and unhygienic methods.
He noted that many producers used methanol, a toxic chemical not intended for alcohol production.
“Methanol is poison. It is not meant for brewing alcohol, yet some people use it,” he said.
He explained that once methanol enters the body, it cannot be easily eliminated and instead affects critical organs such as the brain, kidneys, stomach, and intestines.
Common effects include: Severe headaches, Brain damage, Kidney failure, Heart complications, Blindness, and Death.
He added that some illegal brewers also use excessive amounts of ethanol, which, while commonly used in alcohol production, can be dangerous when present in high concentrations.
Police Seize Over 116,000 Liters of Illegal Alcohol
Rwanda National Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga said authorities have seized more than 116,000 liters of illegal alcohol within just four days.
He revealed that a factory in Huye District was discovered operating illegally. While it possessed equipment meant for legal production, it was secretly manufacturing substandard alcohol.
“About 40,000 liters were found there. These activities are usually hidden and only come to light when tragedies like this occur,” he said.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether local officials were aware of the illegal activities or involved in them.
Public Urged to Seek Immediate Care
The Ministry of Health has urged anyone who experiences symptoms after drinking alcohol to seek medical attention immediately.
Police also reminded the public to practice moderation, emphasizing that even safe alcohol should be consumed responsibly.
“Even if alcohol meets standards, it is not a license to drink excessively,” ACP Rutikanga warned.
