Following the closure of several alcohol-producing factories by the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) over concerns that their products were endangering the health of Rwandans, authorities are now reportedly moving forward with investigations targeting the owners of those factories.
Reports indicate that Ntihanuwayo Sammuel, the owner of Ingufu Gin Ltd, has been arrested.
Information obtained by Rwandatribune suggests that Mr. Ntihanuwayo Sammuel was taken into custody at around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, together with other officials from the company.
Analysts believe that his arrest could be linked to the inspection conducted at his factory by the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA).
Rwanda FDA recently announced the closure of several manufacturers of alcoholic beverages, including Ingufu Gin Ltd and NBG Ltd, following inspections and assessments of whether their operations complied with the regulations governing the sector.
In a statement issued on August 3, 2026, Rwanda FDA said that after carrying out inspections and evaluating compliance among manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of alcoholic beverages, it had decided to shut down the factories listed in the announcement and revoke the operating licenses previously granted to them.
The authority also ordered that all products manufactured by those factories be immediately removed from the market, and instructed the producers to begin the recall process.
Among the factories closed was Ingufu Gin Ltd, which produces alcoholic beverages including Red Waragi, Rabiant Gin, Ngufu Gin, King’s Vodka, Royal Castle Gin, Medal Gin, G&S Rum, New House Potable Spirit, Club Potable Spirit, and Hometown Potable Spirit.
Rwandatribune.rw sought clarification from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) regarding the reported arrest and contacted the RIB spokesperson, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry. However, no response had been received by the time this article was published.
As of now, no independent authority has officially confirmed these reports.
ICYITEGETSE Florentine
Rwandatribune.rw
