Ten things to know about the new directive on holding religious public gatherings

A new directive by Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) on minimum standards for organising religious public gatherings is now in force. According to RGB – which regulates faith-based organisations (FBOs), among other responsibilities – the directive establishes mandatory standards and requirements governing the organisation and conduct of religious public gatherings to ensure compliance with legal, safety, health, and public interest obligations. ALSO READ: Faith-based organisations now required to have insurance and security for public gatherings – RGB The directive, which was signed by RGB Chief Executive Officer Doris Picard Uwicyeza, on June 17, came into effect on the date of its signature and shall remain in force until formally amended or repealed. RGB officials briefed the media about it at a press conference held on Friday, June 20. ALSO READ: What do new guidelines say about foreign preachers in Rwanda? It defines religious public gathering as any event organised by an FBO that is open to members of the public for religious purposes, and an organiser as a legally registered entity responsible for convening the event. ALSO READ: RGB unveils system to ease registration of faith-based organisations The following are 10 major provisions in the new instruction that you need to know: 1. Event permits as a pre-requisite Organisers shall obtain all necessary permits from relevant competent authorities, including local government (districts and the City of Kigali) and law enforcement, prior to the event. ALSO READ: Over 5,600 churches shut down over non-compliance Copies of all approvals must be submitted to RGB upon request. 2. Insurance coverage Organisers are required to obtain adequate insurance coverage for venue liability, including but not limited to injury, property damage, and force majeure events – unexpected circumstances beyond reasonable control. 3. Security personnel and entry management Security personnel trained in crowd control and emergency procedures must be deployed, proportionate to the event size and risk profile. All entry points must be equipped with security search and screening measures to ensure safety. 4. Adherence to safety regulations All religious gatherings shall strictly comply with approved capacity limits and fire code regulations; national and local health and safety standards, including hygiene inspection reports issued prior to the event; and availability of emergency medical services. ALSO READ: Closure of non-compliant faith-based organisations: What are the essential requirements? Judith Kazaire, the Head of the Civil Society and Political Organisations Department at RGB, said that emergency medical services include ambulances. ALSO READ: RGB boss speaks out on suspension of Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe gatherings Regarding venue capacity-related requirement, she said “if a venue is designed for accommodating a given number of attendees, it should not exceed it in order to prevent incidents that may result from overcapacity attendance.” Other requirements in this regard are functional fire safety equipment and systems; designated first aid stations and qualified personnel, as well as a people management plan for large gatherings; and any additional requirements specific to the venue or event nature. 5. Inclusivity and accessibility – for people with disabilities Organizers shall ensure the venue is fully accessible to persons with disabilities, including the provision of ramps and step-free access routes; accessible restrooms; clear signage and directional aids, where applicable. 6. Venue conditions and sanitation Organisers shall ensure that hygiene and sanitation facilities are maintained at acceptable standards throughout the event; the venue has a reliable power supply, including backup systems where necessary. They are also required to ensure that any food or catering services provided comply with national food safety regulations; refreshments are provided where applicable; and adequate public transport arrangements and parking facilities are planned and communicated in advance. 7. Emergency preparedness Organisers must develop and maintain a written emergency response plan, including evacuation routes; emergency contact points; crowd flow control mechanisms, surveillance systems, such as CCTV (a video surveillance technology that uses dedicated cameras), may be mandated for high-risk or large-scale gatherings. 8. Environmental – climate change-related – and structural precautions Outdoor events shall have weather-resilient infrastructure, including tents and lightning protection – such as through lightning rods – where relevant. Event layout must support smooth attendee movement, avoid congestion, and include a clearly mapped exit plan for orderly dispersal. Also, seasonal climate control measures, such as heating or cooling must be provided where applicable. 9. Monitoring and Inspection Competent authorities shall conduct inspections to verify compliance with the provisions of this directive before, during, or after any religious public gathering. 10. Sanctions Failure to comply with this directive may result in suspension or cancellation of the scheduled event; and administrative sanctions against the organising entity, including revocation of its certificate of legal personality as well as legal prosecution by competent authority, where applicable. RGB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Felicien Usengumukiza said the directive intends to help prevent accidents that may happen at religious public gatherings, citing a recent incident at a Catholic Church shrine known as Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe in Ruhango District, Southern Province. On May 17, RGB temporarily suspended the monthly and annual prayer gatherings at the shrine, over public safety concerns, following reports of incidents of overcrowding and injuries. It cited a stampede that occurred during an April 27 gathering that drew massive crowds far exceeding the venue’s capacity. Usengumukiza observed that the directive is a proactive approach for the management of religious public gatherings in line with the safety of attendees. “Indicators for lack of safety at public places, including congestion, signal that an accident may happen any time. We cannot wait for accidents to occur for us to issue a directive,” he said.

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Ten things to know about the new directive on holding religious public gatherings