By Alfred Zacharia
Mwanza, May 25, 2025. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has said that President Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to emphasize love and peace among Tanzanians.
At the same time, she is making strong efforts to bring development to the country.
Dr. Biteko spoke today during the national celebration of the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) held at KKKT Ushirika Ebenezer in Pasiansi, Mwanza.
He assured the public that President Samia’s doors are open. “She wants a united Tanzania, a nation where people love and support each other to move the country forward,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister praised President Samia’s initiatives to promote peace, unity, and cooperation. These efforts include meetings with religious leaders, allowing public gatherings, and introducing the “4Rs” approach: reconciliation, respect, rebuilding, and tolerance.
Dr. Biteko urged Tanzanians to avoid division and stay united. He encouraged everyone to continue praying for the country’s peace and unity.
He stressed the importance of respecting different opinions, reminding citizens that not everyone thinks alike. The government will listen to all voices to build a nation full of love and peace. He also called on people to respect the law and the country’s constitution.
“People should disagree respectfully and plant good seeds in others,” Dr. Biteko said. “According to our faith, everyone’s actions have consequences, so it is important to act justly.”
The Deputy Prime Minister further stated that the government will continue cooperating with the Christian Council of Tanzania and all other religious groups.
This cooperation is part of the government’s policies, including the 1996 Social Development Policy.
He highlighted the valuable role of CCT in Tanzania’s social and economic development. CCT contributes in areas such as health, education, economy, spiritual guidance, and maintaining peace.
Some examples include CCT’s missionary and evangelism work, which promotes spiritual leadership among youth and communities. Programs like UKWATA in all secondary schools and USCF in 92 universities and colleges are significant.
“From 2023 to 2025, CCT has created jobs for young people and communities,” Dr. Biteko said.
They, according to him, have trained 200 secondary and technical school teachers to help students with academic counseling and life skills.
Also, over 45,000 youths have gained knowledge on employment and mental health through various institutions.
Regarding sustainable economy and agriculture, he said since 2014, CCT has established and managed 1,840 economic groups (VICOBA) across the country.
The groups hold capital exceeding 15 billion Tanzanian shillings in places like Bahi and Same.
Dr. Biteko also encouraged Tanzanians to actively participate in the upcoming October 2025 General Election by attending meetings and running for leadership positions.
He praised CCT’s efforts and asked them to focus on spreading the gospel without emphasizing differences in religious denominations.
The Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Mr. Said Mtanda, also spoke at the event. He reminded people that authority comes from God, urging citizens to respect leaders and for leaders to govern justly.
He called on Mwanza residents to live in love, cooperate, and work hard.
Earlier, during the service, Bishop Stanley Hotay, Anglican Church of Mt. Kilimanjaro Diocese and Vice Chairman of CCT, spoke about justice. He said justice is a right protected by the country’s constitution.
Bishop Hotay urged Christians to pray for the country and its borders, especially when gathering in large groups.
With the October elections approaching, he advised political parties to use respectful language and avoid encouraging wrongdoing.
The event was led by the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (KKKT), Dr. Alex Malasusa, along with bishops from the 12 Christian denominations that form CCT. They prayed for continued peace in Tanzania.