The don says the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the right of every individual to participate in politics and express their views. Photo: Courtesy.
By Adonis Byemelwa
Bishop Emmaus Bandekile Mwamakula has found himself at the heart of an impassioned debate over the role of religious leaders in Tanzanian politics. Following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s remarks cautioning religious leaders against delving into political matters, Professor Joseph Mbele of Olaf College, USA, has come forward with a powerful response, defending the right of religious leaders to speak on issues affecting the nation.
“I have listened to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s speech, and I have also listened to the message delivered by Bishop Mwamakula at the Chadema rally,” Professor Mbele stated. “The President does not have the authority to dictate what religious leaders should say in places of worship or public. She cannot direct or silence them.”
Mbele argues that in places of worship, the preacher holds the authority to speak, having been called and trained in that vocation. He reminds that all worshippers, regardless of their status in society, are equal before God. “In a mosque or a church, there is no distinction between a fisherman and a president. No one, not even the head of state, has the right to dictate what an imam, priest, or pastor should say.”
Taking the discussion beyond the confines of religious spaces, Mbele asserts that when religious leaders step into the public arena, they have the same rights as any other citizen to express their opinions. “The President cannot prohibit a sheikh, pastor, or bishop from addressing a political gathering.
Why? The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the right of every individual to participate in politics and express their views. Tanzania’s own Constitution upholds these rights. Nowhere does it state that religious leaders are barred from engaging in political discourse.”
He issues a direct challenge to the President, reminding her of her constitutional duty: “Madam President took an oath to protect the Tanzanian Constitution. She must not violate it by restricting religious leaders from expressing their views on any matter, including politics. She must uphold human rights and defend the Constitution, as she swore to do.”
Bishop Mwamakula, upon hearing Professor Mbele’s remarks, stood firm in his stance. “The professor speaks the truth,” he said. “Religion is about justice. When we stand on the pulpit, we preach justice. Islam itself is built on justice. Yet, when we listen to national addresses on important religious occasions, the focus is always on peace, never on justice.”
He pointed to the recent Baraza la Idd celebrations as an example. “On that day, I expected to hear a message of justice. Instead, the focus was on maintaining peace, as though that alone is enough. But how can you have real peace without justice? Justice is the foundation of true peace.”
Mbele, echoing Mwamakula’s sentiments, commended the bishop’s unwavering commitment. “You are standing on the right side of history,” he said. “Not only from a religious perspective but also from a constitutional and human rights standpoint. Continue to speak the truth.”
In a political climate where the boundary between religion and governance remains fiercely debated, the words of both Professor Mbele and Bishop Mwamakula hold significant weight. Their voices—bold and unwavering—challenge the notion that faith and politics must remain separate.
For them, the two are inherently connected: where there is faith, there must be justice, and where there is justice, there must be the freedom to speak. Professor Mbele’s influence, particularly through his teachings at Olaf College in the United States, further reinforces the depth and relevance of this discourse.
