Sainte-Famille Church

Perched on a hill in Muhima in downtown Kigali, close to the Rugenge cell, Sainte-Famille Church (Holy Family Church) stands as one of the city's largest Catholic churches. Built in 1913 while Rwanda was part of the German colonial empire, this prominent red-brick building is easily distinguished by its facade embellished with crisp white panels. When you visit, you will encounter a sprawling parish complex that houses a visitor centre, a clinic, a primary school, a driving school, and various leased parish buildings.

Beyond its architectural footprint, Sainte-Famille Church represents a profoundly somber chapter of local history that offers crucial insight into Kigali's past. Following the death of President Juvénal Habyarimana in April 1994, thousands of Tutsi and Hutu refugees sought shelter inside the sanctuary during the Rwandan genocide. Tragically, it became the scene of terrible massacres.

Witnesses alleged that the priest in charge, Father Wenceslas Munyeshyaka, armed himself and allowed Hutu Power militias to select and take people from the church to be killed. A decade later, local Caritas director Father Antoine Kambanda acknowledged Catholic Church members' involvement in the violence, alongside others who tried to prevent it. A visit provides a moment for quiet reflection on this historic site.

What to see at Sainte-Famille Church

• Historic 1913 red-brick architecture featuring white panel embellishments
• One of the largest Catholic churches located in downtown Kigali
• A complex featuring a visitor centre, clinic, primary school, and driving school
• A significant genocide history site where thousands sought refuge in April 1994

Visiting tips

Take time for quiet reflection while visiting this downtown Kigali site to respectfully honor its complex history and the lives impacted during the 1994 genocide.

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

How to get there & what’s nearby

Sainte-Famille Church 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.