The Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has sparked fresh debate after proposing strict regulations on religious leaders, including a requirement that all pastors hold formal theology degrees.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account early Thursday, Muhoozi said that unregulated churches and what he described as “fake pastors” could face arrest if the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) assumes power.
“You can be sure of one thing: the day PLU takes over government we will arrest ALL the fake pastors and churches all over the country!” he wrote.
He went further to suggest that such individuals could face criminal charges, including what he termed as “insulting God,” and emphasized that anyone leading a church should possess at least a degree in theology.
Muhoozi’s remarks mirror regulatory measures previously implemented in Rwanda under President Paul Kagame. In 2018, Rwanda introduced reforms requiring pastors to have formal theological training, alongside operational standards for churches such as infrastructure and minimum membership requirements.
Enforcement of these regulations intensified in 2024, when authorities inspected more than 13,000 places of worship and shut down thousands that failed to meet compliance standards. Additional controls introduced in 2025 included stricter financial oversight, tighter approval processes for church operations, and regulations on foreign preachers and public religious gatherings.
Kagame has defended the measures as necessary to professionalise religious leadership, curb exploitation, and bring order to a rapidly expanding informal religious sector.
In Uganda, Muhoozi’s proposal is expected to trigger widespread discussion, particularly given the central role religious institutions play in education, healthcare, and community life. Previous attempts to regulate churches have often raised concerns about the balance between state oversight and freedom of worship.
Analysts say the comments could reignite a long-standing national conversation about accountability within religious institutions, as well as the limits of government intervention in matters of faith.
