A draft law on public cemeteries submitted by the Ministry of Local Government to Cabinet could significantly ease pressure on Rwanda’s limited land by reducing the waiting period before cemetery land can be reused from 20 years to 10 years. The proposed law is part of efforts to implement recommendations in the National Land Use and Development Master Plan 2020–2050, which calls for more efficient land use, according to officials at the National Land Authority (NLA). ALSO READ: Gatsibo District decries shrinking cemetery space If approved, the legislation would replace the 2013 law governing the organisation and use of cemeteries. It also proposes banning cement, tiles and other concrete structures on graves to promote greener burial practices and enable faster land reuse. The reform comes amid growing concerns over the inefficient use of land for burial sites across the country. For example, Rusororo Cemetery in Gasabo District has less than one hectare of burial space remaining, and available plots could be exhausted within eight months, according to its operator. Established in 2011 following the permanent closure of Remera Cemetery, Rusororo was initially expected to meet Kigali’s burial needs until 2029. However, rising demand and inefficient land use have caused it to reach capacity earlier than projected. ALSO READ: As Rusororo cemetery fills up, what lies ahead Alexis Rutagengwa, Head of the Land Use Management and Mapping Department at the National Land Authority, said the extensive allocation of land to cemeteries is increasingly becoming unsustainable. “The master plan highlights that the extensive allocation of land to cemeteries remains a serious challenge, both now and in the future,” he said. He noted that the master plan recommends promoting cremation, greener cemeteries and burial practices that minimise the use of concrete structures. ALSO READ: City cemetery to relocate to Rusororo “It is absolutely necessary to rethink funeral services and adopt strategies and technologies that ensure efficient use of land,” Rutagengwa said. Population growth is also intensifying the demand for burial space. Rwanda currently has about 1,500 cemeteries. On average, each of the country’s 416 sectors hosts between three and five cemeteries, many of which are quickly approaching capacity. “Cemeteries alone will not be sufficient in the future,” Rutagengwa said. “We need alternative solutions that do not rely solely on land.” He said the widespread use of cement structures has contributed to the rapid exhaustion of burial space at facilities such as Rusororo Cemetery, which filled up in about 10 years instead of the expected 20. ALSO READ: MPs push for 'vertical burial system' amid land scarcit Authorities are currently expanding the site, a process expected to take about three years. Similar challenges are emerging in other urban areas. Need for affordable burial practices Rutagengwa also stressed the importance of promoting more affordable burial practices. “We should embrace the traditional way of burial without concrete structures. It is less costly. Money that was not spent on hospital treatment should not be spent after someone has died,” he said. Jean Baptiste Kayiranga, Legal Adviser at the Ministry of Local Government, said the widespread use of cement, tiles and concrete materials on graves delays the reuse of land. “When cement and tiles are used, the land can only be reused after about 20 years. But if biodegradable materials are used, the land can be reused within 10 years,” he explained. Kayiranga said a simpler burial method using soil, a coffin and flowers can cost no more than Rwf50,000 in urban areas and around Rwf30,000 in rural areas. “We consulted different stakeholders to address the cost of burial, land use challenges and environmental protection,” he said. Vertical burial and cremation The draft law also promotes the adoption of a vertical burial system to address land scarcity. This could include burying more than one person in a grave or constructing multi-storey burial structures both underground and above ground. According to Kayiranga, the draft legislation has already been submitted to Cabinet and will later be tabled in Parliament. Rutagengwa said a private investor has already piloted such a project in Rulindo District. Meanwhile, the Mayor of Gicumbi District, Emmanuel Nzabonimpa, said some residents have sought permission to bury relatives near their homes because nearby cemeteries are already full. However, he emphasised that burials at home are generally not permitted. “We are working to ensure that every cell has a cemetery so that people do not bury their relatives at home,” he said. In 2024, members of Parliament also called for the adoption of vertical burial systems after a parliamentary report highlighted growing shortages of burial plots nationwide. Currently, the law requires each deceased person to be buried in an individual grave measuring no more than 2.5 metres in length, 80 centimetres in width and at least two metres in depth. Despite calls to expand cremation as an alternative, adoption remains low due to cultural resistance and limited infrastructure. At present, the Hindu Mandal Crematorium is the only facility in Rwanda and does not meet recommended standards. Lawmakers have urged the government to develop modern crematoria to attract private investment. A recent survey by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement found that 61 per cent of Rwandans believe cremation could help address the growing shortage of burial space, although uptake remains limited.
