Concern over the doomsday cult-related deaths in Uganda led the Government to caution local officials to watch for similar cults in Rwanda. The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues with the Government in the context of its overall dialog and policy of promoting human rights. There is no state religion. The law provides for small fines and imprisonment for up to 6 months for anyone who interferes with a religious ceremony or with a minister in the exercise of his profession. This registration generally is routine and not burdensome.
Relevant legislation makes no provision for tax-exempt status for such organizations.
Failure to register leaves an organization unable to legally conclude agreements with other organizations, including agreements to receive assistance. There is also a small community of Baha'is and several congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses. There has been a proliferation of small, usually Christian-linked sects since the 1994 genocide. The Government has welcomed their development assistance. Missionaries openly promote their religious beliefs.