According to RGB, the organization was operating in contradiction to the purpose under which it was originally registered. The government emphasizes rule of law and urges all organizations to operate within their legally registered mandates.

Speaking to Mama Urwagasabo TV, Kazaire Judith, Head of the Department of Political Parties and Civil Society Organizations at RGB, explained that the decision was based on a legal assessment aligned with national laws governing faith-based organizations.

“Grace Room was registered as a ministry, which is supposed to focus on development activities using the word of God and acts of compassion. However, our analysis revealed that it was also conducting religious worship activities like prayers and baptisms, which go beyond its registered mandate. That’s a serious violation of the law.”

Kazaire further stated that while minor offenses might warrant warnings, Grace Room had repeatedly engaged in prohibited religious activities, including worship services and baptisms. She also mentioned that some teachings attributed to Grace Room could be classified as misleading doctrines:

“We saw content on social media claiming they healed AIDS or helped illiterate people suddenly become literate through prayer. While they didn’t include this in their official documents, the fact that they didn’t publicly refute these claims contributed to the perception of promoting unapproved teachings.”

Despite acknowledging that Grace Room had engaged in notable social work—such as supporting drug addicts, sponsoring students, and helping women out of street vending—Kazaire stressed that legality must be the guiding principle:
“Yes, what they are doing is good, but Rwanda is a country governed by laws. If everyone did what they felt without following regulations, we would become an unmanageable society.”

Grace Room Has the Right to Appeal
Importantly, Kazaire Judith confirmed that Grace Room Ministries still has the right to challenge the decision through legal means:

“They can appeal the decision. If their appeal doesn’t succeed, that’s one thing—but it’s also possible for the appeal to be considered and result in a different outcome. That’s permitted by law.”

She clarified that the issue is not necessarily with the organization’s activities, but with the inconsistency between its registered mission and what it actually does:
“If you want to change your organization’s mission or direction, the law requires that you notify the authorities. The problem is doing something outside your registered mandate.”

Rwanda’s law also provides that when an organization is deregistered, its beneficiaries and assets may be transferred to a similar organization doing the same work.

Kazaire concluded: “Those Rwandans who were benefiting from Grace Room’s programs will be able to receive support from other legally recognized organizations. The former members also have the right to recommend those they were helping, so another approved organization can continue the assistance.”

This decision is subject to change if Grace Room Ministries submits an appeal and it is accepted. Continued follow-up with both RGB and the leadership of Grace Room Ministries will be essential for understanding the future of the organization.

Kazaire Judith confirmed that Grace Room Ministries still has the right to challenge the decision through legal means

Pastor Julienne and her Grace Room still have the right to challenge the decision through legal means