Rwanda to turn largest prison to museum

Rwanda is set to turn the country's largest and oldest maximum security prison-Kigali Central Prison, commonly known as 1930, to a historical museum.

The prison that accommodates most of the high profile prisoners in the country will become a museum by June this year, according to the City of Kigali authorities.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Monique Mukaruriza, Kigali City Mayor, said that it's a government property and it will soon become a historical museum.

"The inmates occupying the facility will be relocated to a newly constructed Butamwa prison in Nyarugenge district. It is going to be a touristic site for both local and foreign visitors to learn more about Rwanda through this museum," she added.

Mukaruriza noted that it will be a general history museum, not prison history museum.

According to Sheikh Musa Fazil Harelimana, minister of internal security, Butamwa prison also in Kigali City will soon accommodate inmates from 1930 prison.

"Kigali City will decide on what the prison will turn into. If they want it to be a historical museum they are free to do it after the inmates have relocated to Butamwa," he noted.

If turned into a museum, Kigali Central Prison will be the 9th museum in Rwanda.

Rwanda continues to put tourism at the top because the country is endowed with remarkable attractions such as rare mountain gorillas, historical museums and beautiful canopy walk.

The tourism industry is the country's largest foreign exchange earner. Endit