According to Dr. Uwicyeza, the gathering has grown far beyond the capacity of the site, resulting in repeated incidents that put lives at risk.
'The monthly public gathering has been temporarily suspended pending the establishment of safety measures,' she said, adding that, 'over the years, this gathering has attracted hundreds of thousands of people far exceeding the capacity of the venue.'
Her comments shared on X follow widespread public reactions on social media, where some expressed frustration at the suspension, especially given the shrine's long-standing popularity.
However, Dr. Uwicyeza emphasised that the decision was driven by concern for public safety, particularly in light of recent health emergencies reported during the gatherings.
'Attendees undertake a 13 Km pilgrimage, many end up in ambulances or arrive exhausted and hungry. At the last gathering, a dozen people were injured,' she explained. 'The safety and security of Rwandans is our top priority.'
She further stressed the need to protect vulnerable groups who attend in large numbers, including children, the elderly, and the sick.
'We need to work together to ensure that the next public gathering is conducted safely and accommodates the special needs of the vulnerable (children, sick, elderly) who make up a large portion of attendees. We cannot afford to risk a single life!' she stated.
RGB's decision, announced on May 18, 2025, followed a chaotic incident at the April 27 gathering, where a stampede left more than ten people injured.
The shrineâ€"known locally as Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe (Merciful Jesus Sanctuary of Ruhango) â€"has become one of the country's most frequented religious sites, attracting over 80,000 pilgrims per event.
In early 2025, it gained international recognition and was added to the global list of Divine Mercy shrines.
Théophile Niyitegeka
