Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has directed the government to allow the Church of Resurrection and Life—led by Bishop Josephat Gwajima—to resume its activities under supervision, months after the church was deregistered for allegedly breaching regulations.
The decision signals a softer, more reconciliatory approach toward religious institutions that have faced restrictions.
Nchemba made the announcement on Monday, November 24, 2025, while addressing residents in the Mbezi Luis area of Dar es Salaam. He said the instruction followed a broader directive from the President, granting amnesty to religious groups that had previously encountered operational challenges. His message focused on restoring fairness and ensuring that worshippers are not denied their right to practice their faith because of administrative issues.
He explained that the Minister of Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, has been tasked with overseeing the reopening process. This includes re-registering affected institutions, reviewing their legal requirements and placing them under a six-month supervision period to ensure full compliance with the law. The Church of Resurrection and Life, he said, falls directly under this new arrangement and should reopen within that timeframe.
Nchemba stressed that while regulations must be respected, the actions of a single institution should never lead to a blanket crackdown on all religious organisations. He reminded the public that worship is a deeply personal matter, describing it as a relationship between individuals and their God—one that should not be taken away because of leadership disputes or administrative failures.
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His remarks came shortly after he toured bus stations damaged in the unrest of October 29, 2025. The visit formed part of a broader effort to assess the impact of recent disturbances that affected daily life in the city. Against this backdrop, his comments on religious freedom appeared aimed at calming tensions and signalling a willingness to rebuild trust.
The Church of Resurrection and Life was deregistered on June 2 after authorities accused it of violating regulations, including claims that it had allowed political involvement within its operations—an issue prohibited under national law. The closure triggered confusion and frustration among worshippers, many of whom were left without a place to gather or practice their faith.
By allowing the church to reopen under supervision rather than remain permanently shut, the government appears to be seeking a balance—upholding the law while acknowledging the importance of religious freedom. Some observers believe the move could mark a shift in how the country manages sensitive matters involving faith-based organisations, especially as the nation navigates broader social and political pressures.
Nchemba urged all religious groups to familiarise themselves with operating procedures to avoid future conflicts. He reiterated that the Ministry of Home Affairs will remain responsible for overseeing compliance and ensuring institutions operate responsibly within the legal framework of Tanzania.
