The Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC) has officially launched a six-month advanced training program designed to equip over 130 preachers from across the country with professional skills in mosque leadership and religious guidance.
The training, which is equivalent to a Diploma, is aimed at individuals who hold degrees in non-religious fields but have demonstrated strong commitment to serving Islam.
According to RMC leadership, the program developed in collaboration with the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) in Kigali will focus on both Islamic studies (including Fiqh, Tafsir, Tauhid, and Hadith) and general competencies such as leadership, communication, and community engagement.
Sheikh Mussa Sindayigaya, the Mufti of Rwanda, emphasized that the initiative seeks to raise the standards of religious leadership and improve the quality of Islamic preaching in the country.
He noted that qualified, informed, and socially aware mosque leaders are crucial in fostering peace, unity, and development within Rwandan communities.
The program, named Imamship Training, also aligns with national efforts to professionalize religious leadership and ensure compliance with governance and ethical standards across all faith institutions. Graduates will receive a diploma endorsed by RMC, certifying them to lead mosques and contribute meaningfully to religious education and community well being.
Participants have expressed strong motivation and appreciation for the opportunity. One trainee remarked, “This is an exceptional opportunity for us as preachers. We are committed to learning and using every lesson to better serve our communities and help followers understand Islam more deeply.” Another added, “We are prepared to fully engage in the coursework, work closely with instructors, and apply what we learn. We want to be agents of positive change in our mosques and in Rwandan society at large.”
The training is expected to play a significant role in strengthening the role of mosques as inclusive, well managed institutions supporting both spiritual and social development in Rwanda.
