Campaign Against Genocide Museum

Located inside the Parliamentary building of Rwanda—formerly known as the Conseil National de Development—the Campaign Against Genocide Museum offers you an essential, deeply powerful look into Rwandan history. Managed by the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, this museum stands on deeply historic ground. From December 1993 to 1994, this very building housed 600 Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) soldiers who were initially stationed to prepare for the Broad-Based Transitional Government and National Transitional Assembly.

When the genocide against the Tutsi began, Paul Kagame, Chairman of the RPA High Command, ordered these trapped soldiers to break out of their confinement to rescue thousands of innocent lives. When you visit, you will explore how the RPA meticulously planned and executed the military campaign to stop the genocide. You will gain a clear understanding of the RPA's pivotal role during this tragic period.

Among the compelling features on display, you can view a historic machine gun that RPA armies famously used from the building to dissuade Hutu forces from entering the parliament grounds. Opened in July 2014 and officially inaugurated by President Paul Kagame in 2017, visiting this museum provides you with a vivid, unforgettable context of Rwanda's extraordinary path toward salvation and remembrance.

What to see at Campaign Against Genocide Museum

• Exhibits detailing the planning and execution of the RPA campaign against the genocide.
• The historic machine gun used by RPA forces to defend the parliament building.
• Displays highlighting the crucial role of the Rwanda Patriotic Army.
• Exploration of the parliament building where 600 RPA soldiers were stationed.

Visiting tips

Take time to reflect on the building's history as the site where 600 RPA soldiers were housed before breaking confinement to save lives.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Campaign Against Genocide Museum is easy to reach on Kigali’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Kigali Genocide Memorial and Bisesero Genocide Memorial. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kigali travel guide.