Catholic Bishop Almachius Rweyongeza. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a fiery sermon at Kayanga Parish in Karagwe District, Catholic Bishop Almachius Rweyongeza has launched a blistering attack on the rampant religious manipulation and fraud now gripping Tanzania. His remarks come in the wake of a series of tragic incidents that have exposed the dark side of self-proclaimed prophets exploiting their followers for personal gain.
Rweyongeza’s condemnation is particularly directed at Boniface Mwamposa, whose recent gathering in Dar es Salaam ended in disaster with 20 people dead in a stampede. “Leaders like Mwamposa, who claim divine powers, are misleading their followers with violent and divisive rhetoric,” Rweyongeza declared. “This misuse of faith is creating chaos and division, straying far from the true essence of religious teachings.”
The Bishop’s concerns extend to a troubling trend of self-proclaimed prophets who exploit vulnerable individuals under the pretense of performing miracles. Figures such as Josephat Gwajima, who claims the ability to raise the dead, and Diana Bundala, known for her controversial healing miracles, have been at the center of this controversy.
“These so-called prophets are preying on people’s faith and trust,” Rweyongeza stated emphatically. “It’s crucial for the government to take decisive action to curb this issue before it further damages the fabric of our society.”
Rweyongeza criticized how religious gatherings are increasingly being used as platforms for cult-like behavior. Many of these groups, he observed, engage in disruptive practices, including loud sermons and ceremonies that disturb local communities.
Some leaders have been known to promote toxic work cultures, encouraging followers to “work like slaves” in exchange for promises of future wealth. Rweyongeza denounced this exploitation as both unethical and harmful. “These leaders are creating a culture of deception and false hope,” he said. “Their actions are undermining the true values of faith and morality.”
Drawing a comparison with Rwanda, which has recently closed over 7,000 churches to maintain order, Rweyongeza highlighted the need for improved regulations in Tanzania. “The freedom to worship in Tanzania seems to have caused more unrest than harmony,” he remarked.
The Bishop stressed the importance of having clearer regulations and accountability for those claiming prophetic roles, likening it to the structured hierarchy within the Catholic Church, where responsibilities and ranks are clearly defined. “Here, anyone can declare themselves a prophet without any oversight or accountability. We cannot build a nation on such a foundation,” he asserted.
Rweyongeza also addressed the issue of government leaders lacking a solid understanding of religious teachings. He suggested that such leaders should not hold positions of authority, as their lack of religious knowledge could negatively impact the moral standards of public officials.
Reflecting on his previous efforts with the Christian Council of Tanzania, he recalled their work in developing a curriculum for religious education in schools, aimed at instilling strong ethical values in the youth.
The Bishop called for a system where self-proclaimed pastors and prophets must prove their theological training to prevent conflicts and maintain the integrity of religious practices. “We need a system where every individual claiming to be a shepherd or prophet provides proof of their theological training to resolve the current discord among religious leaders,” he concluded.
In response to these pressing concerns, the Tanzanian government has begun to enforce stricter measures to regulate religious activities and combat fraud. Religious organizations in Tanzania must adhere to a legal framework governed by the Societies Act (Act No. 12 of 1954). This act requires organizations to register with the Registrar of Societies and mandates transparency in their operations.
To gain formal recognition, religious groups must apply to the Registrar of Societies, detailing their objectives, leadership structure, and financial management. This process ensures that only genuine organizations with clear and lawful intentions are granted registration.
Furthermore, registered religious organizations must comply with Tanzanian laws related to financial transparency and accountability, including the regular submission of financial reports and adherence to regulations concerning donations.
The government monitors religious activities to ensure they align with legal and ethical standards. This includes investigating complaints related to fraudulent practices and taking necessary actions to protect the public from exploitation. The enforcement of these regulations aims to prevent the proliferation of fraudulent religious activities and uphold the integrity of genuine religious practices.
As Tanzania faces the challenges posed by rogue preachers and manipulative religious practices, leaders like Rweyongeza and government officials are calling for heightened vigilance and stricter regulations. The aim is to safeguard the faith and well-being of the nation’s people, ensuring that religious freedom does not become a shield for criminal behavior.