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By The Respondent Reporter
Dar es Salaam, A substantial police force armed with rifles and riot gear has surrounded the Church of Resurrection and Life (Kanisa la Ufufuo na Uzima), led by Bishop Josephat Gwajima in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam.
The church compound was cordoned off with official yellow tape bearing black text, signaling a government-mandated shutdown.
Over 20 police officers were deployed, supported by water cannon trucks and riot police units, all positioned to maintain tight security around the church.
The government’s decision, announced on Monday, June 2, 2025, came after authorities determined that Bishop Gwajima’s church violated the established legal registration procedures governing religious institutions.
The formal closure notice was served to Bishop Gwajima and copied to Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura, indicating a coordinated enforcement effort between religious regulatory bodies and the police force.
Outside the barricaded church, congregants and bystanders gathered anxiously, witnessing the heightened security and the restriction of access to their place of worship.
Several private vehicles belonging to church members were trapped inside the restricted zone, exacerbating tensions. Some onlookers appeared distressed, reflecting the community’s concerns over the forceful shutdown.
Speaking late Monday night, Bishop Gwajima expressed surprise and dismay at the police presence, stating he had not been adequately informed about the reasons behind the closure.
“No one has the authority to close the house of God,” the bishop declared firmly, emphasizing his belief that the government is overstepping its bounds by interfering with religious freedom.
The closure of Bishop Gwajima’s church illuminates the complex challenge Tanzania faces in balancing respect for religious freedom with the enforcement of regulatory compliance.
While the state insists on the necessity of legal registration and adherence to operational guidelines for religious organizations, the enforcement measures—particularly the deployment of armed police—have sparked concern among supporters and human rights advocates.
Bishop Gwajima, known for his outspoken sermons and significant following, is a polarizing figure in Tanzanian religious and political circles.
The government’s move risks alienating his congregation and igniting broader public debate about the role of state power in religious affairs.
This event underscores the broader tension between government authority and religious liberties in pluralistic societies.
As this situation evolves, stakeholders will need to pursue dialogue and legal resolution to prevent escalation and safeguard fundamental rights.
Source Mwananchi
