By Our Reporter
The government has called on religious leaders to unite in the fight against moral decay, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national stability and the future of young people.
The appeal was made by Minister of Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi during a working meeting with religious leaders focused on morality, peace, public order and the responsible use of social media.
Katambi said the weakening of family responsibilities has contributed significantly to rising cases of drug abuse, theft, sexual violence, fraud and other forms of misconduct among some young people.
He warned that if the trend is not addressed, it could lead to a society where criminal behaviour is normalised.
“There is no worse bomb than moral decay. This bomb affects society every day,” he said.
He added that the government is concerned about growing incidents where some youths engage in crimes such as robbery and fraud, driven by lack of moral guidance and declining family discipline.
Katambi stressed that religious leaders have a key role in restoring values through guidance and teaching. He said strong moral upbringing remains one of the reasons Tanzania has maintained peace and stability over the years.
He noted that while many young people still uphold good values, there is a growing section that is drifting away from ethical and spiritual foundations.
He said failure to address moral decay could increase insecurity and weaken social cohesion, as more young people may turn to drugs, theft and other criminal acts.
Katambi also emphasised the importance of strengthening families as the first institution of moral education, saying parents must take greater responsibility in shaping children’s behaviour.
The minister further called for responsible use of social media, noting that digital platforms can either promote positive values or accelerate moral decline depending on how they are used.
He urged continued collaboration between government, religious institutions and families in protecting young people and safeguarding the country’s moral fabric.
