Kagame warns of church tax to fight religious exploitation in Rwanda
Newsbeat & Tech
By
Fay Ngina
| Aug 18, 2024
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has announced that he may introduce a tax on church collections to address what he describes as extortion and exploitation by some evangelical leaders.
Kagame made the remarks during his first address after being sworn in for another term this week, where he expressed strong criticism toward church leaders who misuse religion to manipulate and extract money from followers.
“These unscrupulous people who use religion and churches to manipulate and fleece people of their money and other things will force us to introduce a tax so churches pay tax on the money they get from people,” Kagame said, according to The New Times.
Rwandan authorities have recently closed down approximately 8,000 churches across the country, citing illegal operations and failure to meet infrastructural requirements.
According to Kagame, many of these churches target the poor, using the guise of religion to enrich their leaders.
READ MORE
Race to pick second CBK deputy intensifies as six shortlisted
Kakuzi announces Sh100 million investment plan
Government banks on incentives to attract investment in tourism sector, Miano
Intrigues that led to ouster of maritime agency boss
How the new building code will tame rogue developers
KQ, Jambojet flights disrupted after fuel supply glitch
Cost of State emergency loans spikes on higher CBK base rate
Tax hikes and new rules to push agriculture to the brink
Bank ordered to pay construction company from Somalia Embassy accounts
Real estate vs equity and bond markets: Which way investors?
“If truth is to be told, these mushrooming churches are just there to squeeze even the last penny from poor Rwandans, as those who own them enrich themselves,” he added.
The rise of Pentecostal churches in Rwanda, many of which promote prosperity gospel, has drawn more impoverished individuals.
Kagame pointed out that these leaders sometimes go to extreme lengths, leading people to harm, as seen in cases where followers were manipulated into dangerous practices.
“We have seen cases of these cult leaders even leading people to their deaths, through manipulation and brainwashing them to starve to death and do all sorts of other things. It has happened in other countries,” Kagame noted, referencing incidents from neighboring nations.
Rwanda’s concerns are echoed across the region. In Uganda, the government recently announced plans to regulate religious practices following reports of extortion by clerics.
Meanwhile, in Kenya, the courts are currently trying Paul Mackenzie, accused of convincing his followers to engage in deadly fasting.
- Gachagua: Arresting my allies is part of scheme to impeach me
- Experts warn SHIF deductions do not tally with expected benefits
- Why gorgeous women struggle to find lasting love