RGB Explains Closure of Over 9,000 Churches and Mosques in Rwanda

Kigali, Rwanda - The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) has provided clarification on the closure of 9,171 churches and mosques across the country, citing non-compliance with legal and governance requirements. Some of the institutions may be reopened in the future depending on whether they meet the standards set by RGB, the agency said during a presentation in Parliament on 19 November 2025.

Dr. Doris Uwiceza Picard, Director General of RGB, explained that the closures followed special inspections of faith-based organizations during the 2024/2025 fiscal year. These inspections revealed issues including heretical teachings, financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, conflicts over leadership, and buildings not complying with legal provisions.

Of the 13,770 churches and mosques inspected, 9,171 were closed, while 21 organizations had their legal status revoked. RGB has engaged in discussions with religious leaders to improve compliance, governance, and building standards to prevent such issues in the future.

The Parliament raised concerns over the strict registration requirements introduced in March 2025, which mandate that new religious organizations must submit 1,000 supporter signatures and pay a non-refundable Rwf 2 million registration fee. Deputy Ntezimana Jean Claude questioned whether such high requirements were practical, especially for smaller congregations.

Dr. Uwiceza Picard defended the regulations, stating they were designed based on identified problems within faith-based organizations. She emphasized that these measures are meant to protect the population from misleading teachings and unregulated activities, and that the rules were discussed with religious representatives before implementation.

RGB also reported that in 2024/2025, it received 49 applications for legal status, of which only three were granted. Additionally, 23 organizations requested certificates of conformity with the law, and only one was approved.

Dr. Uwiceza Picard concluded that the closures and regulations are part of RGB’s ongoing mission to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper governance within Rwanda’s religious sector, while maintaining respect for freedom of worship.