In May 2025, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) imposed a three-month suspension on the monthly prayer gatherings held at Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe, citing the sanctuary's failure to meet certain regulatory standards.
RGB instructed the Kabgayi Diocese to implement specific measures before activities could resume. These included ensuring freedom of worship for all attendees, creating adequate parking facilities, establishing separate routes for pedestrians and vehicles, and providing quiet spaces where vulnerable individuals could participate in prayers undisturbed.
To comply with these requirements, the management of the sanctuary has launched comprehensive renovation works aimed at upgrading the facilities and improving safety for the large crowds who visit the site.
Father Dominique Ngendahayo Tumaine, Acting Director of the Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe Sanctuary, has told IGIHE that the renovations officially started on July 7, 2025.
'Visitors deserve freedom of movement, with clear pathways for people and designated areas for vehicles,' Father Tumaine explained. 'A new road is being constructed from the main tarmac road, passing beneath the shrine and connecting to a parking area being developed on diocesan land.
This infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance security and order.'
In addition, four large digital screens are set to be installed at various points around the sanctuary, enabling worshippers to follow services even from a distance. These will especially benefit vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and others who may find it difficult to access the main prayer grounds.
'One giant screen will be inside Ruhango Parish Church, another at the main entrance visible to people outside, a third in the parking area, and a fourth will be placed wherever else it might be required,' Father Tumaine noted.
Security measures will also include installing surveillance cameras to monitor all activities within the sanctuary premises.
Addressing concerns about the possible purchase of land from residents living near the Peace Plain, Father Tumaine clarified that for now, land acquisitions have been paused since the current available space is sufficient for implementing RGB's recommendations. However, he indicated that additional land may be acquired in the future for further expansion of the site.
Prayer gatherings at the sanctuary in 1991. Today, the sanctuary is an important religious tourism destination, attracting pilgrims from across Rwanda and internationally. The site regularly hosts crowds exceeding 100,000 worshippers on the first Sunday of each month.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/ruhango-renovations-underway-at-kwa-yezu-nyirimpuhwe-sanctuary
