The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) has suspended monthly prayer gatherings held at the popular Ngoro ya Yezu Nyirimpuhwe site in Ruhango District, citing concerns over public safety, crowd control, and inadequate organizational measures.
The decision comes just a week after RGB revoked the operating license of Grace Room, a Kigali-based religious group, signaling a broader government push for stricter oversight of faith-based activities.
In an official letter addressed to Mgr. Dr. Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa, Bishop of the Kabgayi Catholic Diocese, RGB stated that recent prayer events at Ngoro ya Yezu Nyirimpuhwe were found to be poorly managed and posed serious risks to public order.
A particularly large gathering on April 27, 2025, reportedly resulted in disturbances and injuries among attendees, raising alarms about safety protocols.
RGB based its action on Laws No. 56/2016 and No. 72/2018, which govern the operation of faith-based organizations in Rwanda.
The agency noted that despite previous instructions aimed at improving coordination, the Diocese failed to adequately address the issues.
“The suspension aims to protect the lives of believers and ensure that worship activities do not endanger public safety,” said RGB CEO Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard in the letter.
She emphasized that the ban will remain in effect until proper safeguards are implemented.
This development follows the revocation of Grace Room’s license on grounds of operating outside legal and doctrinal boundaries.
Observers say these actions reflect RGB’s renewed commitment to enforcing compliance within the rapidly growing faith sector.
While RGB insists the measures are necessary to maintain order and protect lives, they have also ignited debate over religious freedoms and the balance between faith and regulation in Rwanda.
The Catholic Diocese of Kabgayi has yet to comment publicly on the suspension.
