In a bold move that’s stirring debate across Tanzania and beyond, the government has shut down a popular church led by outspoken religious leader and politician Bishop Josephat Gwajima. The closure comes shortly after Gwajima criticized the government over the abduction and deportation of foreign activists.
The Glory of Christ Tanzania Church (Kanisa la Ufufuo na Uzima), based in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, was officially deregistered on Monday, June 2, 2025. According to the Registrar of Societies, Emmanuel Kihampa, Gwajima used the church platform to preach messages that could spark conflict between the public and the government.
The letter from the registrar accused Gwajima of giving politically charged sermons that broke the Societies Act, a law meant to regulate how religious and social groups operate in the country. “You’ve been seen delivering messages that could incite conflict between citizens and the government,” the letter read. Gwajima has been ordered to stop all church activities immediately. Still, he has 21 days to appeal the decision through the Minister of Home Affairs.
Later that night, Gwajima released a video showing a heavy police presence around the church. He stood alongside other church leaders and looked visibly concerned. “It’s 11:15 pm here in Dar es Salaam. The police have surrounded the church. We don’t know what they’re planning to do,” he said.
He also raised a warning about Tanzania’s image internationally, especially after the arrest and deportation of Kenyan and Ugandan activists. Gwajima said these incidents make people feel unsafe, even in hotels, which could hurt tourism.
Meanwhile, in Kenya, Pastor James Ng’ang’a from Neno Evangelism Centre had strong words for Kenyan youths mocking Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu online. Some had used AI-generated images, including one where Suluhu appeared in a coffin, and others where Tanzanian leaders were compared to dogs.
Ng’ang’a called the content disrespectful and asked the Kenyan government and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to arrest those responsible. He even suggested two years in Kamiti Prison for those spreading such content. “We must learn to respect leaders,” he said.
By Risper Akinyi
