By Adonis Byemelwa
Bishop Benson Bagonza of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCT) Karagwe Diocese has once again stirred reflection, with remarks that many interpret as a direct rejoinder to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s speech during the Eid El-Fitr Baraza on March 31, 2025, in Dar es Salaam. His words serve as both a critique and a call to action, pressing society to engage deeply with the true essence of justice.
He said on social media that there are moments in life that awaken something deep within us—moments that demand reflection, challenge our perceptions, and compel us to consider what is right and just.
He noted that it is a shared truth, a moral compass that transcends divisions of tribe, gender, and social status. It is the foundation upon which peace is built. Yet, in today’s world, justice has become a fragile and often contentious subject.
Bishop Benson Bagonza captured this sentiment with piercing clarity when he lamented how justice is often overshadowed by the identity of those who speak about it. Instead of engaging with the essence of a message, people rush to scrutinize the messenger. “What religion does this person follow? Which political party do they support?”
He insists that just like that, the core of the conversation is lost. Even the most basic human grievances are met with resistance. If a family grieves for a missing loved one, they are told to stay quiet and not stir up trouble. Yet, paradoxically, if a goat goes missing, the search is swift and relentless. How did we reach a point where human life seems to hold less urgency than livestock?
“Our perspectives on peace are just as conflicted. Some believe that weapons are a threat to peace, while others insist, they are necessary to protect it. But isn’t the real solution justice? In a society where justice thrives, there is no need for endless debates over what safeguards peace, because true peace is a natural outcome of justice,” said the bishop.
He said vehemently that without justice, peace is nothing more than a fragile illusion, bound to shatter at the first tremor of injustice. It is justice that sustains peace, strong and unyielding, much like the mighty waters that power the Nyerere Hydro Project.
Yet, contradictions persist, especially in how we separate religion and politics. Most would agree that politics should not exploit religion, yet many tolerate the inverse, where religion is wielded as a tool of political influence.
According to him, leaders are celebrated when they perform well, but the moment they falter, any criticism is met with outrage, as though holding power accountable is an unforgivable act. Why is it so difficult to strike a balance between respecting authority and demanding accountability? Bagonza has raised this question time and again, urging society to reflect on the uncomfortable realities that shape our nation.
Some religious leaders champion peace while remaining silent on justice. Others advocate for justice while disregarding the necessity of peace. But the truth remains unchanged—justice and peace are inseparable. Justice is the seed from which true peace grows. Without it, peace is a mere mirage, dissolving in the heat of oppression and inequality.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan captured this reality with great clarity during her recent speech at the national Eid El-Fitr gathering in Dar es Salaam. Addressing religious leaders, she reminded them of their duty to uphold unity and peace in the nation.
“Our sermons must remind the people of the importance of peace and togetherness,” she urged, warning that the government would not tolerate rhetoric that sows division or hatred. Her words were not merely a call for harmony; they were an appeal for faith leaders to help mend the fraying fabric of society, to act as moral beacons rather than passive observers.
But her message did not end there. With the general elections approaching, she turned her attention to political actors, urging them to engage responsibly and reject divisive tactics. “The government remains open to dialogue with all political stakeholders for the betterment of our nation,” she assured, signaling her administration’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency.
For many, her words were a welcome reassurance—an acknowledgment that leadership understands the delicate balance between justice and peace. Yet, for those who have long championed justice, one question lingers: Will justice truly be upheld so that peace can flourish? Because without justice, peace is merely an illusion—one that shatters the moment injustice takes hold.
These concerns are not abstract; they are rooted in the realities of our time. Recent abductions and killings have ignited public outcry, prompting critics like Bagonza to speak out. The silence surrounding these atrocities has only fueled frustration.
Even Muslim imams, during the Eid celebrations, voiced their discontent regarding the irregularities in the November 2024 civic elections, urging President Samia to address them. The fact that such grievances were raised at a moment meant for spiritual reflection underscores the gravity of the situation.
At its core, the struggle for justice is not about opposition or division—it is about ensuring that peace is not an empty promise. It is about refusing to accept a world where justice is seen as a privilege rather than a right. And it is about remembering that true peace is not imposed by silence but nurtured through justice. Only when we recognize this can we move forward, not as divided factions, but as a nation bound by a shared pursuit of truth and equity.
