Below is an exploration of the Christian denominations or religions followed by the current leaders of Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan, as well as notable occasions where they have attended church services or participated in religious events.

1. Rwanda – Paul Kagame
• Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic)
• Church Name: Roman Catholic Church
• Connection: President Paul Kagame is a Roman Catholic by faith. He was raised in a Catholic family and has publicly identified as a Christian throughout his presidency.

While his private religious practices are generally not publicly emphasized, Kagame has acknowledged the importance of Christianity and faith in Rwanda’s post-genocide reconciliation efforts.

2. Burundi – Évariste Ndayishimiye
• Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic)
• Church Name: Roman Catholic Church
• Connection: President Évariste Ndayishimiye is a Roman Catholic, and his faith plays a crucial role in his personal life and leadership. He has been a member of the Catholic Church for many years and has often expressed the importance of faith in the governance of Burundi.
• Public Worship Events:
o Ndayishimiye attended mass at Bujumbura Cathedral (now known as Bujumbura Archdiocese) shortly after his inauguration in 2020, where he publicly thanked God for his election and called on the people of Burundi to trust in God’s guidance.
o He is known to participate in national religious celebrations, particularly those related to Catholic holidays.

3. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Félix Tshisekedi
• Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic)
• Church Name: Roman Catholic Church
• Connection: President Félix Tshisekedi is a Roman Catholic. He has openly professed his faith and attended Catholic Masses regularly before and during his presidency. The DRC is predominantly Christian, with Catholicism being one of the largest denominations.
• Public Worship Events:
o Tshisekedi has attended Mass at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Congo in Kinshasa on several special occasions, including national celebrations and state events.

o In 2019, he attended Mass at the Notre-Dame du Congo Cathedral in Kinshasa to mark the 60th Anniversary of DRC’s Independence, using the opportunity to emphasize unity, peace, and reconciliation, which are central themes in his presidency.

4. Tanzania – Samia Suluhu Hassan

• Religion: Muslim
• Church Name: N/A (Muslim Faith)
• Connection: President Samia Suluhu Hassan is a Muslim and openly practices Islam. She is the first female president of Tanzania and was raised in the Muslim faith, which she has maintained throughout her life.
• Public Worship Events:
o While not involved in Christian religious activities, Samia Suluhu Hassan has attended public prayers during Islamic celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
o She also participates in national and international Muslim events, reflecting Tanzania’s pluralistic religious makeup.

5. Kenya – William Ruto
• Religion: Christian (Evangelical / Pentecostal)
• Church Name: Redeemed Gospel Church (Pentecostal)
• Connection: President William Ruto is an Evangelical Christian and is affiliated with the Redeemed Gospel Church, a Pentecostal church. His faith has been a defining feature of his public persona, and he has openly spoken about his Christian beliefs and values. He has often highlighted his faith in the context of leadership and governance.
• Public Worship Events:
o Ruto regularly attends Redeemed Gospel Church in Nairobi. He has also been seen attending national prayer services, such as during Kenya’s National Prayer Day or at religious rallies, particularly during his campaigns.
o In his presidential inauguration in 2022, Ruto included prayers, emphasizing his faith and reliance on God’s direction for his leadership. He participated in a national prayer breakfast in Parliament during his early days in office.

6. Uganda – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
• Religion: Christian (Evangelical / Pentecostal)
• Church Name: Pentecostal (Born-Again Christian)
• Connection: President Yoweri Museveni is a Born-Again Christian. He converted to Christianity in the 1970s and is a strong proponent of evangelical Christianity. His Christian faith has influenced his leadership, and he has publicly praised the role of the church in Uganda’s national life.
• Public Worship Events:
o Museveni is often seen attending Pentecostal church services, and he regularly participates in religious events across Uganda.
o He has attended national events such as the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations and various prayer rallies, including at Kololo Independence Grounds.
o In 2018, he attended a Thanksgiving Church Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Namirembe, Kampala, to mark the 32nd anniversary of the fall of the Ugandan government that he helped overthrow.

7. South Sudan – Salva Kiir Mayardit

• Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic)
• Church Name: Roman Catholic Church
• Connection: President Salva Kiir Mayardit is a Roman Catholic. He has been a public advocate for Christianity in South Sudan, a nation with a majority Christian population, despite the ongoing conflicts.
• Public Worship Events:
o Kiir is known to regularly attend Mass, particularly during significant holidays like Christmas and Easter.
o He has been seen at services at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba, where he participates in prayers for peace and national unity. Kiir also attended services in 2020 to pray for peace during the country’s fragile peace process.
These African leaders each reflect the diverse religious landscape of their countries, where Christianity (especially Catholicism and Pentecostalism) plays a significant role in shaping their leadership, public events, and personal lives.