Speaking during a press briefing at Village Urugwiro on November 27, 2025, President Kagame stated that many churches are “filled with deception” and explained that if the decision were his alone, none of the closed churches would have been reopened.

He noted that although more than 8,000 churches were shut down for failing to meet national requirements, this number was still small compared to the scale of the problems observed.

His remarks drew attention to the historical roots of Christianity in Rwanda, particularly the impact of colonial missionary structures that introduced foreign religious norms and systems.

According to Kagame, some current practices within certain churches still carry the confusion and dependency created during the colonial era, distancing believers from genuine spiritual growth. He referred to colonial influence as a continuing factor that shapes how some churches operate and how leaders interact with congregants.

Kagame also highlighted the issue of exploitation within religious spaces, saying that many leaders misuse spiritual authority to manipulate or financially pressure their followers. He stated that a considerable number of congregations lack transparency, accountability, and essential structural or administrative standards, which puts worshippers at risk.

He remarked clearly: “Most of these churches are full of deception; some pastors lie to people openly.” For him, unregulated religious activity contributes to disorder rather than to national development or productivity, especially at a time when the country prioritizes economic progress and social stability.

Between 2024 and 2025, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) conducted inspections on over 13,000 churches across the country. More than 8,000 were closed due to issues ranging from unsafe infrastructure to lack of registration and inadequate leadership qualifications.

Despite this high number, President Kagame reiterated that the state exercised restraint, choosing not to close more institutions that were found to be non-compliant.

He emphasized that regulation of religious organizations forms part of building a disciplined and orderly nation. One of his notable remarks was that people could “pray on their phones” if necessary, suggesting that spiritual activities should not hinder essential national responsibilities such as farming, education, and productivity.

Today, the religious landscape in Rwanda consists of churches that have met official standards and others still working to comply with safety, administrative, and legal requirements. The country continues to enforce regulations aimed at ensuring that places of worship operate responsibly, protect citizens, and contribute positively to society.

President Kagame’s statements place a spotlight on the intersection of religion, governance, and historical influence, and underline the government’s continued focus on order, accountability, and national development within the religious sector.