Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has criticized the rapid growth of churches in the country, warning that some exploit vulnerable citizens

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has criticized the rapid growth of churches in the country, warning that some exploit vulnerable citizens instead of promoting genuine faith and development. Speaking to the press on Thursday, Kagame said he saw little role for churches in addressing global problems such as war and unemployment. In August this year, more than 4,000 churches were closed down for failing to comply with health and safety regulations. The Rwanda Governance Board stated that the rapid growth of some churches is driven by founders pursuing personal gain, including financial profit and property from members, while spreading misleading teachings. Kagame urged religious institutions to focus on education, health, and social progress rather than profit-making, saying the faith “should uplift people, not impoverish them.”