Tanzania seeks stronger ties with religious bodies in promoting peace, national unity, moral values

KAGERA: THE Tanzanian government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with religious institutions to promote peace, national unity, moral values and sustainable development, recognising their significant contribution to the provision of social services.

The statement was made by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Deus Sangu, who represented Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba at a fundraising event for the construction of the Karagwe Diocese Church in Karagwe District, Kagera Region.

Sangu said the Government values the role of churches and other religious institutions in delivering essential services, including education, healthcare, youth development and support for people with special needs, while continuing to serve as pillars of moral values within society.

He said the partnership between the Government and religious institutions would remain a priority because it promotes social cohesion and accelerates social and economic development.

During the fundraising event, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba donated Sh30 million towards the church’s construction, while Minister Sangu contributed Sh5 million in support of the project.

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Speaking at the event, Kagera Regional Commissioner Colonel Yahya Ramadhan said the construction of places of worship is an important investment in strengthening moral values and nurturing society.

He added that the completion of the church would enable the Nkwenda Provisional Diocese to attain full diocesan status, bringing spiritual services closer to worshippers.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Nkwenda Provisional Diocese, Reverend Jeremiah Rugimbana, commended the Government for continuing to recognise the contribution of religious institutions to social development.

He said the continued collaboration between the Government and faith-based organisations strengthens national cohesion and helps build a society founded on strong moral values.