Religious leaders in Rwanda are raising concerns over new government regulations that impose strict requirements on faith-based organizations seeking legal recognition and collaboration with local authorities.
The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) has mandated that any faith-based group must secure at least 1,000 signatures from local residents in the district where they wish to operate.
In addition, applicants must provide national IDs or passports and phone numbers.
Officials say this measure is designed to enhance community involvement and ensure that the establishment of such organizations aligns with local interests and needs.
By securing these signatures, FBOs demonstrate that they have garnered substantial local support, which is crucial for fostering community ownership and participation in their activities.
Additionally, this requirement aims to promote transparency and accountability within faith-based organizations.
By involving the community in the establishment process, the government seeks to ensure that these organizations operate in a manner that is both responsible and responsive to the communities they serve.
RGB Chief Executive Doris Picard Uwicyeza announced the new rules on March 7, 2025, emphasizing that faith-based organizations must also meet stringent financial and governance standards to prevent money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Judith Kazaire, head of the Civil Society and Political Organisations Department at RGB, defended the move, arguing that it encourages community participation.
"When faith-based organizations introduce development projects, they do so for the benefit of the entire community. Citizens should have a say in the establishment of churches and mosques," she told The New Times.
However, religious leaders have raised concerns about the feasibility of the requirements, particularly the challenge of obtaining 1,000 signatures.
Jolly Murenzi, President of the National Unity Fellowship of Pentecostal Christian Churches of Rwanda, expressed concern over the demand.
"Getting 1,000 signatures is not easy. Convincing a Rwandan to sign for you without an established relationship is a challenge. This could create significant obstacles for many faith-based organizations," he noted.
Additionally, faith-based organizations must prove financial transparency by conducting annual audits, identifying illicit funding sources, and reporting large donations. They are also required to submit impact assessments to prevent extremist activities and high-risk transactions.
Failure to comply could result in heavy fines, suspension, or closure, with unauthorized branches facing penalties of Rwf5 million.
To streamline the process, RGB has advised organizations to collaborate with local government officials and leverage community platforms like Umuganda (monthly community service activities) to engage residents.
Faith-based organizations must also meet educational requirements, with leaders required to complete at least 1,200 hours of accredited religious studies. The regulations, based on a review of the 2019 faith-based organization laws, align with Rwanda’s broader governance and security priorities.
"These regulations aim to ensure that faith-based organizations fulfill their spiritual mission while also supporting community welfare in alignment with the country’s vision," Kazaire explained.