Most faith-based organisations fail to meet govt financial guidelines – RGB

Only 13.9 per cent of faith-based organisations assessed by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) had policies to prevent terrorism financing, while 82.1 per cent did not provide staff training on the issue, a new report has found. The findings are contained in RGB’s 2025-2026 annual report, presented to both chambers of Parliament by Chief Executive Doris Uwicyeza Picard on Wednesday, November 11. ALSO READ: NGOs pledge stronger safeguards against money laundering, terrorism financing The assessment examined measures taken by faith-based organisations to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It found that only 22.2 per cent complied with requirements for holding meetings stipulated in their governing documents, while 17.5 per cent had conducted assessments of terrorist-financing risks. The report further indicates that 47 per cent never conducted in-depth checks on donors. Only 12.4 per cent used sanctions lists to screen donors, while 11.1 per cent used them to check beneficiaries. ALSO READ: Anti-money laundering fight moves beyond compliance Weaknesses in NGO governance The report also identified weaknesses in the governance and management of NGOs and foundations. RGB assessed 640 organisations: 509 faith-based organisations, 88 local NGOs, 18 international NGOs and 25 foundations. Local NGOs scored 65.1 per cent in governance and compliance with laws, but only 49.5 per cent in financial and human resource management. ALSO READ: Faith-based organisations warned of money laundering, terror financing Foundations recorded lower scores, at 39.1 per cent in governance and legal compliance and 30.2 per cent in financial and human resource management. The report identified problems including failure to establish legally required governing structures, concentration of leadership in a few individuals, internal disputes, lack of self-auditing, inactive management organs and poor management of organisational assets. It also cited inadequate skills among some leaders and employees, particularly in smaller organisations that rely on volunteers. Hundreds of local NGOs yet to meet requirements The report also highlights challenges in bringing local NGOs into compliance with the law governing their operations. Of the 1,134 local NGOs required to comply with Law No. 058/2024 of June 20, 2024, 975 had applied for compliance certificates, but only 179 had received them by the time covered by the report. Another 260 applications were under review. RGB also reported that 159 organisations had not fulfilled their obligations under the law. During the reporting year, 174 local NGOs were granted legal personality, while 15 new international NGOs received authorisation to operate in Rwanda.

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Most faith-based organisations fail to meet govt financial guidelines – RGB