The government of Tanzania has reportedly revoked the registration of Glory of Christ Church Kanisa la Ufufuo na Uzima, led by controversial preacher and Member of Parliament Josephat Gwajima, citing politically charged sermons and incitement against the state.
In the circulating letter dated 2nd June 2025 from the Registrar of Civil Societies, Emmanuel Kihampa, Gwajima was directed to immediately cease all church operations, accusing him of delivering messages that could “endanger peace and national stability.”
“Umetoa mahubiri yenye mwelekeo wa kisiasa na nia ya kuichonganisha Serikali na wananchi… vitendo hivi ni kinyume cha Sheria ya Jumuiya,” read part of the official letter.
The shutdown, carried out under Section 17(b) and Section 2 of the Societies Act Cap 337, also cites amendments introduced through the Miscellaneous Amendments Act No. 3 of 2019.
The church, according to the government, violated its registered purpose by becoming a platform for political agitation.
Gwajima: “Tanzania Is No Longer Safe”
Bishop Gwajima recently spoke out on the wave of abductions, enforced disappearances, and killings allegedly occurring across the country.
“I’ve documented over 85 cases of missing persons… including opposition leaders and human rights activists,” Gwajima said, suggesting that such acts could not happen without knowledge—or involvement—of certain state actors.
“If these things can happen without the government knowing, then this country is no longer safe,” he added.
The MP also raised alarm over recent incidents involving foreign nationals, including Kenyan and Ugandan activists allegedly abducted from hotels, tortured, and dumped at borders.
“This makes people around the world think Tanzania’s hotels are unsafe, which is dangerous for our tourism sector,” Gwajima warned.
While distancing the broader security apparatus from wrongdoing, Gwajima said he still trusts the Tanzanian police and intelligence services, claiming that any possible involvement in abductions may stem from pressure by “powerful individuals.”
Despite the immediate shutdown order, the government acknowledged the church’s right to appeal within 21 days through the Ministry of Home Affairs, per Section 19(1) of the Societies Act.
