The Minister of Local Government urge young people who have completed their rehabilitation to make good use of traings received

On August 1, 2026, at Iwawa Rehabilitation Service, a campaign was launched to raise awareness against drugs and substandard alcohol. This program coincided with a ceremony for sending off over 2,000 young people who had completed correctional and vocational training at IRC. 

The program was initiated by the Minister of Local Government, Dominique HABIMANA, alongside the Inspector General of Police, Felix NAMUHORANYE, the Governor of the Western Province, Jean Bosco NTIBITURA, and the Director General of NRS, Fred Mufulukye. 

In his advice to these young people preparing to return to normal life, Minister Dominique urged them to avoid falling back into bad behavior or associating with friends who might pull them back into old habits, and instead to always think about actions that would improve their lives. He said: “Whenever you wake up thinking, 'Where should I go? What should I do?' and you see that nothing good will come out of it, approach the nearest authorities and tell them you want a job to help you find something meaningful to do. But don’t wake up and have nothing to do.”

You must commit yourselves to seeking work that advances your families and your country, and we are ready to support you,” Minister Dominique reminded the youth who are returning to their families that the important journey ahead of them is to show change in their families and daily lives. He said: “The important journey ahead is to show the changes you’ve made in your family. That’s where it will be clear that you have benefited from the moral development journey.” He also told them that maintaining the changes they have achieved is their primary responsibility, emphasizing the importance of patience and making sustainable decisions rather than being driven by emotions or momentary excitement; because that will prevent them from finding themselves back in situations that lead to bad habits. He also asked them to use the knowledge and skills they have gained to do jobs that promote development, create self-reliant jobs, and contribute to the progress of their families and the country. He also highlighted the importance of living harmoniously with others.

He urged the youth to avoid all forms of conflicts, whether in families or in their communities. He concluded by asking the youth to continue being a positive example in their families and among their neighbors, emphasizing that avoiding drugs and substandard alcohol, living a purposeful life, and fulfilling citizen responsibilities are what will enable them to contribute to building families and a country with security and sustainable development.