The University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) hosted the official signing and launch ceremony of a new training program for mosque leaders, organized by the Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC) in partnership with UTB and the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).

The initiative seeks to implement the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) directive requiring all religious leaderswhether heading a church or mosqueto possess at least a Bachelor’s degree. The regulation aims to enhance leadership quality and professionalism within faith-based institutions.

The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa, hailed the program as a major step toward equipping mosque leaders with the knowledge, wisdom, and professional skills necessary for effective governance and constructive collaboration with state institutions.

Training sessions will be conducted at UTB, with academic and religious experts drawn from both UTB and IUIU. Participants will include selected mosque leaders and students from 27 out of Rwanda’s 30 districts.

In 2024, the Rwanda Governance Board clarified its position regarding the closure of several churches and mosques that failed to meet national standards. An inspection of approximately 14,000 places of worship revealed that 70% did not comply with required regulations, leading to temporary closures.

In a statement at the time, RGB emphasized that:

“The ongoing inspections aim to ensure all worship facilities meet safety and operational standards. Closing a place of worship does not mean that the religious denomination it belongs to has been permanently shut down.”

RGB maintained that such measures are not intended to violate freedom of worship but rather to protect public safety, health, and tranquility for all congregants.

Among the requirements for places of worship to operate legally are:

•  Compliance with building and safety standards,
•   Adequate sanitation facilities,
•   Emergency exits and access for rescue vehicles,
•   Noise control measures, and
•  Qualified leaders with academic backgrounds in theology or leadership studies.

Speaking to Ukweli Times, Mufti Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa underlined the importance of academic training in religious leadership:

 “In Islam, leading a mosque is not a giftit is a responsibility that requires knowledge and study. A leader must be educated, capable of guiding the faithful with wisdom, and able to uphold both the principles of Islam and the laws of the country.”

The joint program by RMC, UTB, and IUIU is expected to bridge the gap between religious leadership and academic competence, aligning with national governance standards while promoting excellence, integrity, and respect for Islamic values.

RMC, UTB, and IUIU Launch Training Program for Mosque Leaders in Rwanda