The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) has revoked the legal personality of 14 Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) and suspended the activities of four others due to non-compliance with national laws. In a public notice issued on 18th October 2024, RGB cited serious governance concerns and threats to public order and security as reasons for the shutdown.
The decision came after extensive assessments of various FBOs operating in the country, during which RGB identified several issues including violations of law, poor leadership practices, and conflicts among church leaders. These organizations were also found to have jeopardized Rwanda’s peace and security, as well as undermining public morals and rights.
“RGB wishes to inform the public that it has revoked the legal personality of some of the Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) that were found non-compliant with the requirements of the law. RGB has also suspended the activities of some of the FBOs that were found working without the required legal personality,” the statement read.
Revoked Churches
Among the churches whose legal personality was revoked are:
1.Agape Blessing Community Church – Bugesera
2.Calvary Independent Baptist Missions of Rwanda – Gasabo
3.Charismatic Episcopal Church of Rwanda – Kicukiro
4.Communauté des Eglises Chrétiennes en Afrique – Gasabo
5.Eglise Chrétienne en Afrique – Rubavu
6.Eglise Evangelique de la Parole Vivante au Rwanda – Musanze
7.Eglise Evangelique Des Freres en Christ – Kicukiro
8.International Pentecostal Holiness Church – Rubavu
9.Itorero Ebenezer Rwanda – Gasabo
10.Itorero Showers of Blessing Church – Rubavu
11.Itorero Umuriro wa Pentecote Rwanda – Gasabo
12.Miracle Pool Church – Kicukiro
13.Siloam Family Holy Church in Rwanda – Bugesera
14.Zeraphat Holy Church – Rubavu
These churches were found to be non-compliant with governance regulations, with RGB identifying internal conflicts, divisions among leadership, and threats to public order.
Suspended Activities Due to Expired Legal Status
The following churches have had their activities suspended due to operating without a valid legal certificate:
15.Abiringiye Uwiteka Mu Rwanda – Gasabo
16.Inter-Church Youth Foundation – Kicukiro
17.Power of Christ’s Light Church – Kamonyi
18.Rwanda Immanuel Church – Kamonyi
The temporary certificates of these organizations had expired, and they are now required to regularize their legal status to resume activities.
RGB stated that the decision was necessary to uphold the integrity of religious organizations and safeguard Rwanda’s public order. “The decision was made after several assessments conducted by RGB on the functioning of FBOs operating in Rwanda, where the following serious issues were identified: non-compliance with laws, poor governance, perpetual conflicts, divisions among their leaders, and jeopardizing peace and security,” the notice added.
This crackdown is part of a broader effort by the Rwandan government to regulate religious organizations, ensuring they contribute positively to society while respecting national laws.
Faith-based organizations that wish to continue operating will now need to meet all legal requirements, including governance standards and proper registration, to avoid further legal actions.
