Parliament has passed an amendment to the law on organisation and operation of cemeteries in Rwanda making cremation an accepted form of interment.
Cremation is the use of high-temperature burning, vaporization, and oxidation to reduce dead animal bodies, including human ones, to basic chemical compunds.
Cremation is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an alternative to burial or other forms of disposal.
“The law grants permission to those who wish to cremate,” said Social Affairs Committee chairperson, Esperance Mwiza, while presenting the bill to the House chaired by Speaker Rose Mukantabana on Tuesday.
She added that once the law is implemented, all cemeteries in the country shall be expected to put up crematoriums.
Cremation or incineration is a common method of burial among the Hindu community in India and around the world.
In Rwanda, it has been a special preserve of communities traditionally practicing it.
According to the amended law, district councils may identify sites for cremation of bodies.
Under the new law, consent to cremate is sought by the person responsible for the burial of the deceased indicating details of how the cremation will be carried out – indicating the time and place.
The request is accompanied by a medical certificate issued by a practicing medical officer that specifies the cause of death.
MP Juliana Kantengwa made a call for allocating more land for other developments other than cemeteries.
Cremation is considered a solution to the increasing pressure exerted on land.
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