Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) has announced plans to launch an online system aimed at streamlining the registration and reopening process for faith-based organisations (FBOs). Scheduled to go live on the Irembo platform in July, the system will allow churches and other FBOs, particularly those that were previously closed, to submit the necessary documents for reopening directly online. ALSO READ: Faith-based entities given one year to meet new requirements Speaking at a press briefing held at RGB headquarters on June 20, Felicien Usengumukiza, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at RGB, said the digital service will reduce delays often caused by submitting paperwork through local government offices. “The system will minimise the need for people to physically move from one office to another. Everything will be submitted online, including documents and required signatures,” he said. ALSO READ: Closure of non-compliant faith-based organisations: What are the essential requirements? The system will also help applicants ensure they meet all the necessary requirements before proceeding to the inspection stage. Once documents are reviewed and approved by RGB, inspection teams will visit the premises to verify on-the-ground compliance. Usengumukiza said that the system will also benefit people seeking to establish a new church or open a branch. “This is about making the process easier and quicker,” he added. An inspection of faith-based organisations that began in July 2024 found significant disorganisation, resulting in the closure of 9,800 out of nearly 14,000 faith-based organisations in Rwanda, according to the Ministry of Local Government.
