PM resolves 51-year land dispute

MOSHI: PRIME Minister, Mwigulu Nchemba has resolved a 51-year-old land dispute between Mtimhoo Parish of the Catholic Church under the Diocese of Moshi and Mr Peter Morisi of Msaranga Village in Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region, ending decades of tension through a government-led reconciliation process.

The dispute, which had persisted for more than half a century, was settled following the Prime Minister’s intervention after he received a complaint from Mr Morisi during a public rally held at the Rombo District Council grounds on February 17, 2026, during his working visit to Kilimanjaro Region.

During the rally, the Prime Minister assured residents that the government would take immediate action to address the matter.

“I assure you that the government will send experts to Rombo District to investigate and resolve this dispute,” he said.

Following the directive, a team of experts from the Prime Minister’s Office was dispatched to Kilimanjaro Region to investigate the matter.

The team worked closely with regional and village leaders to assess the disputed land and engage all parties involved.

The delegation held meetings with Mr Morisi’s family, leaders of Msaranga Village, representatives of Mtimhoo Catholic Parish and officials from the Diocese of Moshi. After extensive discussions, all parties agreed that reconciliation was the best way forward.

Mr Morisi said he had endured years of frustration without resolution, claiming that his land had been taken and compensation provided was inadequate.

“My land was taken by force and the compensation I received was little compared to the size of the land,” he said.

According to findings by the government team, Mr Morisi received compensation amounting to 3,935.50/- on April 16, 1980.

He was also allocated an alternative plot in Kirachi Hamlet, Msaranga Village, to pave the way for development of a school and church on the original land.

In a key development, the team also met Bishop Ludovick Minde of the Diocese of Moshi, who reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes.

“The Catholic Church always resolves disputes through reconciliation and dialogue,” Bishop Minde said.

The Bishop provided 5m/- as a gesture of goodwill and support to the affected family.

“We have no grudge against Mr Morisi and we will continue to work with him in peace,” he added.

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Prime Minister Nchemba also contributed 5m/-, bringing the total support to 10m/-, aimed at strengthening reconciliation and restoring harmony in the community.

Following the agreement, both parties signed formal documents confirming that the dispute had been settled amicably and pledged to forgive one another and continue living peacefully.

Each party was issued with Customary Certificates of Right of Occupancy to formalise ownership of their respective land areas.

Mr Morisi expressed gratitude to the government for resolving the long-standing dispute.

“I thank the government for finally resolving this matter. I will now live in peace with the Church and my fellow villagers,” he said.

Kisale Msaranga Ward Councillor, Mr Mathias Assenga, said the dispute had negatively affected unity and religious activities in the area.

“This conflict affected unity among residents and even freedom of worship because it involved church land used for religious activities,” he said.

Other officials involved in the process included Acting Director of Rombo District Council, Charles Daudi Mganga, Assistant Land Commissioner for Kilimanjaro Region, Rehema Mdee and Engineer Mathias Assenga.

Msaranga Village elder, Mr Andrea Peter Mkenda, said the resolution would restore peace and promote development in the area.

The government said the resolution reflects its continued commitment to resolving long-standing community disputes through dialogue and reconciliation.