Bumbogo: Football, Faith and Testimonies used to keep youth away from drugs

The story of a former drug user and thief who now serves as an evangelist became one of the central messages in Bumbogo Sector, Gasabo District, where residents gathered for an awareness campaign against drug abuse, illicit alcohol, teenage pregnancies, and other challenges affecting families and young people.

The activity was organized by RW 0788 Bumbogo and RW 0795 Nkuzuzu Projects, operating under the Anglican Church of Rwanda (EAR) with support from Compassion International. Children supported by the projects, their parents, local leaders, and other residents took part in the event, which combined football, Christian teachings, and community discussions.

Football matches involving children and their parents attracted residents and created an informal setting in which messages about responsible living could be shared. Organizers used the games not only for recreation and physical exercise but also as a way of reaching young people with information about the dangers of drugs and other harmful behaviors.

Parents whose children are supported by the projects said the programs are helping them reinforce positive values among their children.

Gasengayire Mediatrice, a resident of Mvuzo Cell whose child is supported by RW 0795 EAR Nkuzuzu Project, said the activities give children an opportunity to exercise, socialize, and learn about the consequences of drug abuse from an early age.

She said: “As parents, we are happy about this activity because when a child participates, it gives them more energy and strength as they grow through exercising with other children. It also helps our children grow up knowing that drugs are harmful to the body, so they begin avoiding them while they are still young.”

Nyiranzabahimana Consolee, whose child is supported by RW 0788 Bumbogo Project, emphasized that parents also have a responsibility to fight drug abuse and violence against teenage girls.

She said that in the past, problems caused by illicit alcohol and drug abuse were common among residents and had negative consequences for families.

She said: “For us as parents, we are happy about today’s activity because the Government is fighting drug abuse, and we are now partners in this effort. We came to fight drug abuse among young people and adults, while also condemning violence against teenage girls.”

One of the strongest testimonies came from Rev. Pastor Alexis Murwanashyaka, who told participants how he moved from a life involving theft and drug use to becoming an evangelist. His testimony was presented as an example that people caught in destructive behaviors can change their lives.

He recalled that his past included stealing from people and using different types of drugs before he eventually abandoned those behaviors and turned to serving God.

Among the incidents he described was an occasion in Byumba when he stole money from an elderly woman. He also said he once stole a large amount of money from a senior official and was later arrested.

He said: “At the market in Byumba, I stole 16,000 Rwandan francs from an elderly woman who had just earned the money after selling two goats. She lifted three folds of the cloth she was wearing and put the money in the fourth fold, but I refused to leave it there and stole it using two fingers. I also stole millions from a senior government official. They eventually caught me after some time and took me away in handcuffs. I used to take different types of drugs, including marijuana, one called ‘ijisho,’ sans graine, ‘umutwe,’ and another called ‘injyaga.’”

Today, Murwanashyaka says he uses the experiences of his past to encourage others, particularly young people, to avoid drugs and other destructive behaviors.

He added: “Today, I am an evangelist who thanks God and speaks about what God has done for me.”

Pastor Kubwimana Tharcisse, Head of Bumbogo Parish in the Anglican Church in Rwanda, said the event is organized every year to address drug abuse and other problems affecting families and young people.

He said: “This is an annual activity organized by these two projects. It aims to fight drug abuse in Rwandan families as well as other challenges facing Rwandans, including teenage pregnancies and various other problems.”

He said the organizers work with local authorities and the Police to reach residents and encourage them to take part in preventing drug abuse, violence, and teenage pregnancies.

According to Kubwimana, the intervention also extends beyond public campaigns. The Church visits households experiencing conflicts and other difficulties, where members are counseled and encouraged to find solutions.

He said: “This activity produces results because we also visit different households where people are not living well together and counsel them, which helps them change and restore good relationships. There are also couples who were living together without being legally married who decided to formalize their marriages after receiving counseling.”

Chief Sergeant Bamurange Esperance, representing Bumbogo Police Station, called on residents, especially young people, to stay away from drugs and illegally produced or substandard alcohol, warning that such substances can damage their health and future.

She urged residents to report places where drugs or illicit alcohol are produced or sold so that law enforcement authorities can intervene.

She said: “Parents and young people, I urge you, for your own good and for the well-being of all Rwandans, to avoid drugs because they damage your health and can ruin your future. I also ask you not to consume illegally produced and substandard alcohol because it is harmful. Instead, report to us wherever you see such substances so that we can help remove them from our communities.”

The testimony of Pastor Murwanashyaka, together with the participation of parents, children, community leaders and the Police, showed that prevention can take different forms, from open conversations and personal testimonies to sports and faith-based activities. For the participants, the message was clear: addressing challenges facing young people starts with giving them guidance, positive examples and people willing to walk with them through change.