BUKOBA: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has urged religious leaders across Tanzania to cooperate with the government in preserving national values.
He made the remarks in Bukoba Municipal yesterday during celebrations marking the 25th jubilee of Bukoba Auxiliary Bishop Methodius Kilaini, where he was the chief guest.
“Currently we are witnessing a significant increase in crime, hooliganism and banditry activities orchestrated by youths who are often misled by foreign cultures and misuse of social media. Religious leaders have a critical role in assisting the government in preserving and maintaining national values,” he said.
Mr Majaliwa highlighted that the Catholic Church has played a big role in improving social services in various sectors including health, education, water and the infrastructure.
The services include constructing of hospitals including Kagondo, Rubya both in Muleba District and Mugana in Missenyi District.
Also, the church has constructed many schools. Mr Majaliwa also appealed to Tanzanians to join hands in environment management through promotion of clean energy and asked people to avoid engaging in agricultural activities near water sources.
The Premier urged all Tanzanians who have attained 18 years and above to ensure that they register themselves and verify their personal data in the Permanent Voters’ Register (PVR).
“As the nation prepares for the October general election each one of us has a duty to be vigilant and ensure that the prevailing peace is maintained” he said.
Mr Majaliwa assured the church of continued support for the welfare on most Tanzanians.
ALSO READ: Religious leaders earn kudos for role to battle drug abuse
Kagera Regional Commissioner (RC) Ms Fatma Mwassa commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating a significant budget for Kagera Region including 60bn/- for capitation development in the education sector.
She however, warned, that some of the citizens were allowing unnamed foreigners to own land in Karagwe and Missenyi districts.
Some of the foreigners are reported to have entered the country with large herds of cattle posing a security risk.
“Leaders at the grassroots, district and regional levels must work as a team and ensure that no foreigner is allowed to enter the country illegally. Some of the foreigners are reported to have entered the country with large herds of cattle posing a security risk,” said Ms Mwassa.
Bishop Kilaini was born on March 30, 1948 in Bukoba DC’s Katoma village. He was ordained priest on March 18, 1972 and he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Dar es Salaam on December 22, 1999.
He was appointed the Apostolic Administrator of Bukoba Diocese on October 1, 2022 until his retirement on January 27, 2024. Auxiliary Bishop Kilaini has retired with several achievements to write home about.
According to him, he does not regret his decision to serve the church for 52 years. Until his retirement on 27 January, 2024, he was the Apostolic Administrator for Bukoba Diocese.
His retirement was in line with the church procedures which require bishops to retire after attaining the age of 75, regardless of their health.
“Today, I don’t regret my decision to serve the church for a period of 52 years as a priest and 25 years as a bishop. I appeal to all Tanzanians to remain united, maintain the prevailing peace and should not allow religion and political differences to divide us because we are all sons and daughters of one God,” he said.
