Defendant Diana Bundala, known as “Mfalme Zumaridi,” confers with her lawyer, Erick Mutta, during the hearing of two appeals at the High Court in Mwanza on July 26th, 2023.Photo: Courtesy
Crackdown on Churches in Rwanda and Tanzania: Ensuring Safety During Rapid Growth
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a dramatic enforcement of health and safety regulations, over 4,000 churches have been shut down in Rwanda, highlighting a significant regulatory move that predominantly affects small Pentecostal churches and a few mosques.
This action, executed by local authorities and the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), is the first major crackdown since a law was enacted five years ago to regulate the proliferation of places of worship.
“This is not being done to prevent people from praying but to ensure the safety and tranquillity of worshippers,” stated Minister of Local Government Jean Claude Musabyimana. The recent enforcement targets churches that fail to meet health and safety standards, including those not properly soundproofed or operating in hazardous locations like caves and riverbanks.
The 2018 legislation mandates that religious institutions operate in an organized and safe manner, prohibiting the use of loud public address systems, and requiring preachers to have theological training before opening a church. When the law was first adopted, approximately 700 churches were closed.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who recently won a fourth term with 99% of the vote, remarked that the country did not need an excessive number of worship houses, suggesting that such a high number was more suited to developed economies capable of sustaining them.
“The government has taken a stance against the proliferation of houses of worship. We still see cases of dilapidated structures and unhygienic conditions,” noted RGB chief Usta Kayitesi. Among the 4,223 closed places of worship, 427 were operating in caves. Some of these establishments exposed worshippers to significant risks, such as those operating in tents.
The proliferation of small, independent churches in Africa can be attributed to several factors. Many charismatic preachers claim to perform miracles, drawing large congregations. This, combined with the lack of stringent regulatory frameworks in some regions, allows these basilicas to mushroom rapidly.
The promise of miracles and divine intervention appeals to many people facing economic hardship and social challenges, creating fertile ground for the rapid spread of such churches.
Parallel regulatory actions have been observed in Tanzania, where the government ordered the closure of the Christian Life Church in Dar es Salaam.
The church, led by Pastor Dominique Kashoix Dibwe, also known as “Kiboko ya Wachawi” (The Witch-Hunter’s Scourge), was closed for violating registration regulations.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a letter dated July 25, 2024, cited teachings that incite panic and promote harmful practices as reasons for the closure.
“The church’s activities have been found to contravene Section 17 of the Civil Societies Act, and its teachings cause panic in the community and go against Tanzanian morals, customs, and culture,” stated the letter from the Registrar of Civil Societies, Emmanuel Kihampa.
The letter also highlighted a fee of Sh500,000 for prayer services as a violation of Christian beliefs and church rules. The closure has led to increased security around the church, and many items have been removed following the shutting order.
Historical precedents of such closures in Tanzania include the Fahamu Kazi na Nguvu za Roho Church, which shut down in 2019 for spreading false prophecies, and the Kanisa la GRC Ministries, which closed the same year over financial misconduct.
In 2020, the Kanisa la EAGT Mito ya Baraka was shut down for non-compliance with health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Mwanza, the government suspended the Mfalme Zumaridi’s church activities in 2019 due to violations of traditions and religious teachings.
Diana Bundala, self-styled as “Mfalme Zumaridi” (God of the world), faced multiple allegations, including human trafficking and illegal worship. Her followers, who adored her works, witnessed daily services where she claimed to heal ailments.
“I live near her church in Iseni; during prayer sessions, we on many occasions witnessed believers lying down on their face and then she would walk on their backs until she reached the altar,” says Rosemary Paul, a resident of Iseni Street in Mwanza.
Diana Bundala’s arrest came after a video surfaced showing her followers harassing police officers, leading to her detention along with 149 church members.
The recent actions against these churches draw parallels to the year 2000 tragic case of Joseph Kibwetere in Uganda. Kibwetere led a doomsday cult that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of followers, underlining the need for stringent regulation of religious institutions to prevent such tragedies. These closures aim to safeguard the public while ensuring religious practices adhere to legal and ethical standards.
Rwanda’s ongoing operation, which has seen the closure of thousands of places of worship, reflects a broader trend in Africa where governments are increasingly taking steps to regulate the rapid proliferation of churches. This trend is partly driven by the need to ensure the safety and well-being of worshippers, as well as to curb the spread of potentially harmful practices.
Twenty people died on Saturday, February 1, 2020, in a stampede while trying to receive anointing oil at Apostle Boniface Mwamposa’s conference in
Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region. Photo: File
The closure of the Christian Life Church in Tanzania also points to the challenges posed by some religious leaders who exploit the faith of their followers for personal gain. Pastor Dibwe, known for his dramatic exorcisms and claims of supernatural powers, has faced accusations of inciting violence and charging exorbitant fees for prayer services.
“We have seen an increase in churches that operate without proper regulation, often exploiting vulnerable people,” says Emmanuel Kihampa. “The government’s actions are necessary to protect the public and maintain order.”
The rise of Pentecostal churches in Africa can be attributed to various socio-economic factors. Many people turn to these churches in search of hope and solutions to their problems, whether it be illness, poverty, or social issues.
The charismatic nature of Pentecostal preachers, who often claim to have direct communication with God and the ability to perform miracles, attracts large followers. However, the lack of oversight and regulation in many regions has led to the emergence of churches that operate outside the bounds of legal and ethical standards.
One of hundreds of churches closed by the Rwanda Governance Board for failing to meet required standards after an inspection on Thursday, August 1. Photo: Courtesy
In Rwanda, the government’s crackdown is a response to concerns about the safety and structural integrity of many small churches. “We want to ensure that all places of worship meet the required standards to guarantee the safety of worshippers,” says Minister Musabyimana. The government’s firm stance is a reminder to all religious institutions that they must comply with regulations or face closure.
Africa’s rapid urbanization and social change underscore the significant role of religious institutions. Balancing freedom of worship with regulatory needs is crucial, as governments must ensure that religious practices do not compromise public safety or exploit vulnerable populations, noted Dr. Benjamin Simon, a former German lecturer at Tumaini University Makumira.
The closures in Rwanda and Tanzania highlight the complexities involved in regulating religious institutions. While the actions taken may be seen as necessary to protect the public, they also raise questions about religious freedom and the right to worship. It is a delicate balance that requires careful consideration and a commitment to upholding both safety and freedom.
To wrap up the discussion, one can say that, the recent closures of churches in Rwanda and Tanzania reflect a broader effort to regulate the proliferation of religious institutions and ensure the safety and well-being of worshippers. These actions underscore the need for stringent regulatory frameworks to prevent the exploitation of faith and to safeguard public safety. As governments in Africa navigate the challenges posed by the rapid growth of religious institutions, the balance between regulation and religious freedom remains a key consideration.
