Tanzania cherishes the benefits of its close ties with religious institutions

TANGA: THE Tanzanian Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango, Vice President Dr.  Phillip Mpango said the government has been maintaining a strong collaboration with religious institutions, saying such partnerships are essential for national development.

Dr Mpango said here during a special prayer service held in Tanga in memory of the late Dr. Stephen Munga, the retired bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT).

He urged religious leaders to continue praying for the nation’s peace and security and to offer prayers for government leaders to serve with wisdom and in the best interests of the people.

Dr. Mpango also called on Tanzanian citizens to actively participate in the upcoming General Election scheduled for the end of October, stressing the need to uphold peace before, during, and after the elections. He noted that all social and economic activities, including religious worship, are made possible by the prevailing peace in the country.

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Dr Mpango, who was accompanied by his wife, Mbonimpaye Mpango, attended the service that took place in Maramba, Mkinga District, Tanga Region today.

The service was led by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Tanzania, Bishop Maimbo Mndolwa, and was attended by various religious leaders, including the Presiding Bishop of the ELCT, Dr. Alex Malasusa; the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tanga, His Lordship Thomas Kiangio; and the Secretary of the Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA) in Mkinga District, Sheikh Muhsin Mohamed, along with worshippers from across the region.

The late retired Bishop Dr. Stephen Munga passed away on September 20, 2025. He is fondly remembered for his significant contributions to spiritual leadership and community service.