About Caritas Rwanda

67 Years of Saving Lives

From a small charity established by Rwanda's Catholic Bishops in 1959 to a nationwide humanitarian network .

Legal Representatives

Caritas Rwanda Chairpersons and Secretary Generals since 1959.

Chairpersons
1959 — Present
Archbishop Perraudin
Archbishop Perraudin
Founding Chairperson
13 yrs
1959
H.E. Mgr. Jean Baptiste Gahamanyi
H.E. Mgr. Jean Baptiste Gahamanyi
25 yrs
1972
H.E. Mgr. Thaddée Ntihinyurwa
H.E. Mgr. Thaddée Ntihinyurwa
25 yrs
1997
H.E. Mgr. Anaclet Mwumvaneza
H.E. Mgr. Anaclet Mwumvaneza
Chairperson — Nyundo Diocese
Present
Current
2022
Secretary Generals
1961 — Present
Father Arthur Dejemeppe
Father Arthur Dejemeppe
11 yrs
1961
Father Roger Pien
Father Roger Pien
1 yr
1972
Father Cyriaque Munyansanga
Father Cyriaque Munyansanga
4 yrs
1973
Father Carles Maria Giol
Father Carles Maria Giol
1 yr
1977
Father Michel Descombes
Father Michel Descombes
17 yrs
1978
Father Callixte Twagirayezu
Father Callixte Twagirayezu
1 yr
1995
Msgr. Oreste Incimatata
Msgr. Oreste Incimatata
17 yrs
2009
Father Anaclet Mwumvaneza
Father Anaclet Mwumvaneza
2022
Father JMV Twagirayezu
Father JMV Twagirayezu
2022
Father Oscar Kagimbura
Father Oscar Kagimbura
Present
2024
H.E. Mgr. Anaclet Mwumvaneza
Current Chairperson
H.E. Mgr. Anaclet Mwumvaneza
Bishop of Nyundo Diocese
Chairperson, Caritas Rwanda
Chairperson’s Statement
Catholic Church is proud of Caritas Rwanda's 67 years of contribution to social, economic and health promotion of people, paying particular attention to the poor, the sick, the elderly, people living with disabilities, refugees, as well as building a just and resilient society. On this note, i invite Caritas Rwanda and all its associates to continue the mission of charity and service to all people without any discrimination, thus continuing to be Good News for everyone.
Chairperson's Statement — 125th Jubilee of Evangelization, 2025

Six Decades of Faith & Service

From a small charity established by Catholic Bishops to a nationwide humanitarian network — our journey spans over 66 years of unwavering service to the most vulnerable Rwandans.

1959
Founding1959
Creation of Caritas Rwanda
Secours Catholique Rwandais established by the Catholic Bishops of Rwanda — a Gospel-rooted response to humanitarian hardship and the call to serve the poor without discrimination.
1960
Founding1960
Legal Registration
Officially registered as a non-profit organization by Prime Minister's Order No. 488/08 — formal legal standing to operate nationally.
1963
Founding1963
Name Change
Renamed to Caritas Rwanda by Prime Minister's Order No. 75/08 — aligning with the global Caritas confederation identity.
1965
Global1965
International Membership
Became a member of Caritas Internationalis — a confederation of 162 National Caritas across the world — expanding our reach through global solidarity and partnership.
1994
Recovery1994
Post-Genocide Expansion
Following the Genocide against the Tutsi, Caritas Rwanda expanded to include Health, Development, and Finance & Administration departments to meet Rwanda's vast recovery needs.
2012
Modern Era2012
National NGO Status
Registered as a National Non-Governmental Organisation under Law No. 04/2012 — an independent humanitarian mandate for the future.
2025
Jubilee2025
125th Jubilee of Evangelization
Celebrating 125 years of evangelization in Rwanda and 66 years of Caritas service — a milestone of faith, perseverance, and nationwide impact.
7M+
People Served
10
Dioceses
56K+
Volunteers
66
Years of Service

Mission, Vision & Values

01
Our Mission

To assist people in need and promote their integral human development, drawing on Charity as per the Word of God — reaching the poor, sick, elderly, refugees, people with disabilities, and all vulnerable communities across Rwanda.

02
Our Vision

A Rwanda where every person — regardless of background, status, or circumstance — lives with full dignity, equal rights, and the opportunity to flourish in body, mind, and spirit through inclusive, non-discriminatory interventions.

Core Values
Principles We Live By
Advocacy

Speaking up for the vulnerable and voiceless

Compassion

Meeting suffering with sincere care and empathy

Equity

Ensuring fair access and equal opportunity for all

Environment Protection

Safeguarding creation for future generations

Hope

Inspiring confidence in a brighter tomorrow

Human Dignity

Honouring the sacred worth of every person

Justice

Upholding rights, fairness, and moral integrity

Service

Giving selflessly to those who need it most

Solidarity

Standing united across all communities

Stewardship & Accountability

Managing every resource with full transparency

Subsidiarity & Partnership

Empowering local action through collaboration