In recent years, faith-based organizations have significantly increased in Rwanda, with some churches renting conference rooms in prominent Kigali hotels, while others lease venues for events.
An inspection conducted in 2024 to evaluate whether churches were complying with laws passed in 2018 left over 9,800 places of worship shut down. More than 50 churches were stripped of their licenses, preventing them from operating in the country.
On March 6, 2025, RGB introduced new regulations that require religious organizations to submit proof of compliance with building and zoning requirements for any place of worship.
This ensures that only spaces that meet structural and location standards for religious activities will be allowed to operate.
Speaking to the RBA, Dr. Uwicyeza made it clear that the establishment of "mobile churches," where people simply move from one rented space to another, will not be tolerated.
She stressed that once religious groups face difficulties and leave, they create ongoing problems in the communities they leave behind.
Additionally, Dr. Uwicyeza strongly opposed the use of buildings not designated for religious purposes and repurposing them into places of worship. For instance, a building used as a bar on one day and a church the next would not be permitted under the new regulations.
Moreover, churches cannot operate in buildings that do not meet the required standards. Attempts to bypass the regulations by renting spaces that technically meet building standards but fail to fulfill the requirements for religious activities will result in the loss of operating licenses.
The updated regulations require that individuals wishing to establish a church or its branches in a given area must gather signatures from at least 1,000 people who believe the religious space will benefit the community.
Furthermore, they must demonstrate that the church will contribute positively to local development.
Dr. Uwicyeza also raised concerns over the exploitation of church workers, particularly those who work full-time without proper compensation.
A study by RGB in 2023/2024 revealed that only 23.1% of religious organizations had clear documentation on their operations, vision, and implementation strategies, while 76.9% had approved budgets and operational plans.
Additionally, only 30.8% of faith-based organizations employed permanent staff with signed contracts and benefits such as health insurance and pension contributions.
She emphasized that it is unacceptable for individuals working full-time from Monday to Sunday without salary, pension contributions, or health insurance. As she said, such practices, which exploit workers, will no longer be tolerated.
Religious organizations planning to open new branches must also provide proof of contributions to social security for their workers, in line with set regulations.
As of July 2024, there were 345 religious institutions in Rwanda, with affiliated organizations bringing the total to 563.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/dr-uwicyeza-weighs-in-on-rwanda-s-crackdown-on-mobile-churches
