Joseph Isangura
The Resurrection and Life Ministry has reopened its doors after six months of closure, marking a turning point in a case that has stirred national debate over religious freedom, state oversight and political expression.
The church was deregistered on June 2, 2025, after authorities said it had violated the Registration Act (Cap. 337) by delivering sermons with political undertones — a move linked to provisions under the NGO regulatory framework.
From the night of the deregistration, the premises were placed under continuous police protection until November 25, 2025, when the Ubungo District Commissioner authorised services to resume following Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba’s earlier directive.
This Sunday, November 30, 2025, hundreds of worshippers returned for the first service since the shutdown. Many arrived before sunrise, waving flags — including the national flag — as choirs led praise songs. The mood was emotional, with congregants expressing relief after months of uncertainty.
After the service, senior pastor Baraka Tegge addressed the congregation, alleging that property worth Sh2.7 billion had been stolen or damaged while the church was under police custody. He claimed the losses included Sh420 million in cash stored on a designated shelf.
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Elsewhere at a public rally in Arumeru, the Prime Minister instructed the police to withdraw the public notice announcing that Bishop Josephat Gwajima was being sought. He said the announcement may have discouraged the bishop from appearing in public even after the church had been approved for reopening.
“I know many congregants have wondered where their spiritual leader is,” he said. “Since he was never arrested and the police had declared they were searching for him, he may have feared coming out. I am directing the IGP to drop that statement and allow him to resume his services freely.”
He added that the decision aligns with the national reconciliation agenda championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, aimed at easing tensions in political, social and religious spaces.
The reopening reignites broader discussions about religious freedoms in Tanzania, particularly the balance between faith-based expression and government regulation.
