Rwanda’s President Kagame Criticizes “Exploitative” Churches, Urges Focus on Development
KIGALI – President Paul Kagame has issued a strong critique against the rapid proliferation of churches in Rwanda, accusing some of exploiting vulnerable citizens and prioritizing personal gain over genuine faith and national development.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, President Kagame expressed deep skepticism about the role of religious institutions in solving major global challenges, including war and unemployment.
“I see little role for churches in addressing global problems such as war and unemployment,” Kagame stated, shifting the focus to the need for tangible social contributions.
The President’s comments follow a significant government crackdown earlier this year. In August, Rwandan authorities closed down more than 4,000 churches across the country for failing to meet basic health, safety, and building regulations.
This large-scale enforcement action aligns with the government’s growing concern over the motives behind the boom in religious establishments. The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the state agency responsible for monitoring governance and civil society organizations, has supported this view.
The RGB stated that the rapid growth of some churches is primarily driven by founders seeking personal enrichment. This includes acquiring financial profits and property from their congregations while spreading misleading and unorthodox teachings.
President Kagame directly addressed this issue, urging religious institutions to reorient their mission toward societal progress. He emphasized that faith should be a force for good that elevates rather than impoverishes people.
Kagame called on churches to focus their efforts on supporting critical sectors like education, health, and broader social progress, rather than operating as vehicles for profit-making.
“The faith should uplift people, not impoverish them,” the President asserted, reinforcing his administration’s stance that religious practice must align with the country’s developmental goals.
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