Rwanda's 2013 law governing cemetery management requires that each body be buried in an individual grave with specific dimensions: no longer than 2.5 meters, no wider than 80 centimeters, and at least 2 meters deep.
The law allows multiple family members to be buried in the same grave by stacking coffins, provided the upper coffin remains at least 2 meters below ground level. It also requires a minimum spacing of 50 centimeters between graves.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) show that 36,021 people died in 2024. Concerns are rising that cemeteries in several areas are filling up quickly, while burial land cannot be repurposed for other uses until 20 years after the most recent interment.
Speaking to senators on February 4, 2026 while presenting findings from the 2025 National Unity and Reconciliation Barometer, Minister Dr Jean Damascène Bizimana said land constraints prompted authorities to assess public views on cremation.
'This is one of the visible challenges Rwanda faces,' he said, noting that population growth means more deaths over time while burial space remains limited.
Although cremation has been legally provided for since 2013, with implementing regulations issued in July 2015, uptake has remained low.
According to the survey, 61% of respondents consider cremation a viable response to shrinking burial space, suggesting the need for broader public awareness and engagement on the issue.
Among more than 12,000 respondents, over 3,800 (32%) strongly supported cremation as a solution, while more than 3,500 (29%) expressed moderate support. A small number, 54 respondents, showed limited support, while over 4,100 (34%) opposed it. About 5% said they were undecided.
To date, 28 cremations have been carried out in Rwanda, including one Rwandan national in 2025.
Regulations allow cremation in specific circumstances, including immediately after death, for unclaimed bodies, relocated remains, or bodies recovered without identified claimants following official notification procedures.
Cremation must be conducted in a designated electric crematorium equipped with a continuous heat system and a backup power source.
The law prohibits cremating more than one body in the same furnace unless separation is impossible, and a body must not be cremated while clothed.
Ashes are considered the property of the deceased's family or the state. Families may choose to keep the ashes in a designated container or divide them according to their wishes.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/survey-shows-61-of-rwandans-support-cremation
