Kigali City youth have been called on to play a key role in fighting any kind of drug abuse. The call was made, Friday, by Chief Superintendent Rogers Rutikanga, the Kigali Regional Police Commander, while addressing over 4,000 members of Kigali Youth Forum at the closure of the Youth Week at Nyamirambo regional stadium. According to Chief Supt. Rutikanga, the majority of the crimes committed by the citizens especially the youth in Kigali City are a result of drug abuse. “The use of drugs does not only affect the lives of the citizens but also affects the economy of any country, so it’s in this regard that I encourage you as concerned citizens to collaborate with security organs and other responsible institutions to fight any form of illicit drugs in the country,” Rutikanga said. He also asked the youth to always alert the police about the individuals who engage in such illegal business or activities. The Mayor of Kigali City, Fidele Ndayisaba, encouraged members of Kigali Youth Forum to play an exemplary role by participating in all government developmental programmes, which he said will enable the country to achieve her economic vision. “I implore you as youth in Kigali City to work hard because that will enable you to effectively fight and defeat poverty,” Ndayisaba said. He asked the youth to form cooperatives, which he said, will help them to easily access loans from banks as well micro-finance institutions to improve on their economic situation. Innocent Bayingana, the Coordinator of Kigali Youth Forum told The Sunday Times that the forum, which was put in place early last month, will be teaching the youth on how to start up their own income generating activities. He said that the forum will also mobilize stronger and strategic partnerships in its programmes. Steven.mugisha@newtimes.co.rw
