The Ministry of Local Government has issued a ban on 43 religious sects that were operating without proper licenses in 18 districts.
The order, outlined in a letter dated Thursday, August 22, was addressed to all districts by Minister of Local Government Jean-Claude Musabyimana.
According to Joseph Curio Havugimana, spokesperson for the ministry, these religious sects “don’t have legal personality or status,” making their operations illegal under Rwandan law.
The ban comes as part of a broader countrywide assessment of faith-based organizations led by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).
This assessment has already resulted in the closure of more than 5,600 churches and mosques since early August due to “non-compliance” with established standards.
The standards enforced by RGB encompass a range of issues, including doctrinal and ethical considerations, building and safety regulations, as well as the qualifications required for church leaders.
The banned religious sects include Abagorozi, Abakusi, Abanywagake, Abarokore, Abavandimwe church, Agape Sanctually, Apostolic Faith Mission Intertional, Assemblies Llord, Bethel Miracle Church, Chriso Church, Cornerstone Temple Dusenyi, EDAM, EEBVR, Eglise Bethania, Future Bright Spark Church, Gopher church ubuhungiro, Hope provision centre church, Hosian Bible church, Independent evangelical Lutheran congregation Rwanda (IELC), Ihema ry’ amahoro, International pentecot Ministries.
Not only the mentioned religious banned but also, Intumwa n’abahanuzi, Intwarane, Isoko ibihora, Isoko imarinyota, Ivugurura n’ubugorozi | Remera, Joy of salvation church, Liberty Bible church, Life in Jesus Christ, Lutheran mission in Africa, Philadelphia church, Principle of holy spirit church.
Ministry also include, Promesse life convenant church, Redeemed Baptist church, Reformation Christian church, Salvation church, Ismaili Religious and Cultural, organisation for Rwanda, Ubuzima bushya muri Kirisito, UDEPR impinduka, Umugeni wa Kristo, Umurage w’abera Pentecote, Urwambariro/Abera.
President Paul Kagame, during an address on August 14, urged the newly appointed Members of Parliament and Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente to tackle issues of disorderliness within faith-based organizations.
The President expressed concern over the proliferation of churches in Rwanda, suggesting that some were established with the intent to exploit unsuspecting followers for financial gain.”What happened to you Rwandans that you should be lured by anyone in such a manner? And this happens across,” President Kagame remarked, referencing cases where individuals have been misled, sometimes with fatal consequences.
The government’s crackdown on unlicensed religious organizations is part of a larger effort to ensure that all faith-based institutions operate within the law and meet established standards.
The closure of these sects marks a significant step in the regulation of religious activities in Rwanda.
