Tanzania government has officially shut down a church, a day after its leader publicly criticised alleged abductions and disappearances.
In a letter issued Monday, June 2, 2025, the Registrar of Civil Societies, Emmanuel Kihampa, announced the immediate deregistration of Glory of Christ Church – Ufufuo na Uzima, led by Kawe Member of Parliament and outspoken cleric Bishop Josephat Gwajima.
Kihampa said the church violated the Societies Act, Chapter 337, by delivering politically charged sermons intended to undermine public trust in the government.
“By the powers granted to me, the Office of the Registrar of Civil Societies has today revoked the registration of the Glory of Christ Church – Ufufuo na Uzima. All church operations must cease immediately,” Kihampa stated. His letter was also addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Camillius Wambura.
Tanzania Shut Down Church
The action came less than 24 hours after Bishop Gwajima announced a week-long prayer campaign calling for justice and peace.
Also Read: Catholic Church Mission Closed After Death of Father Allois Bett
During Sunday’s service on June 1, Gwajima rallied his followers across more than 2,000 church branches nationwide to pray against what he described as a culture of fear and silence.
The bishop’s recent remarks during a press conference criticising the government’s handling of abductions sparked backlash from officials in the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Kihampa warned that Gwajima’s actions threatened peace and national cohesion.
“The Church’s continued political agitation under the guise of religious activity cannot be tolerated,” he added.
This move marks one of the most high-profile shutdowns of a religious institution in Tanzanian history and has ignited debate over freedom of expression and the independence of religious voices in the country.
Also Read: Ongoing Sudan War Forces 17 million Children Out of School, 5,000 More Reported Missing
Bishop Gwajima Response
Bishop Josephat Gwajima spoke out following the closure of his church, expressing concern over recent events in the country.
“When countries are not on good terms, it affects our country, our tourism, and people start seeing Tanzania as not a good place,” Gwajima said.
He criticised the situation, stating, “I do not accept what is going on. These things are not supposed to happen in Tanzania.”
Speaking as a citizen, Gwajima claimed to have a list of those who were abducted and condemned for alleged kidnappings.
“I’m talking as a citizen of Tanzania, saying abductions are not allowed in our country,” he said. “Whether they are wrong or not, you should not abduct; you should arrest under the law.”
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
