Kagame to Rwanda's youth: look after your health first
At a #MeetThePresident session at BK Arena, Paul Kagame told young people that health comes before every other ambition, and urged them to reject alcohol and drug abuse.
Kigali — Before careers, before family, before ambition: health first. That was President Paul Kagame's message to young Rwandans at a #MeetThePresident session at BK Arena in Kigali on Wednesday, The New Times reports. Related coverage put the audience at about 10,000 young people.
What he said
- Young people should look after themselves from childhood into adulthood, because poor health limits what they can do for themselves, their families and the country.
- Health is tied to discipline and good habits; young people should learn to tell practices that help them from those that endanger their lives.
- Alcohol and drug abuse should not be accepted just because they are common. He rejected the idea that drinking helps people cope or sleep, saying it brings more problems.
- He backed the health minister's advice on exercise.
- Young people should challenge harmful habits in their communities, talk about them openly and make informed choices.
- He stressed building one's own abilities before relying on outside help, using time well, learning and working.
Why it matters
Rwanda is one of Africa's youngest countries, and Kagame regularly meets young people directly. The message ties personal health to national development: a healthy generation is one that can work, learn and build.
Source: The New Times via AllAfrica, 22 October 2026.
