Mwanza Diocese Honors Election Violence Victims in Memorial Mass

Mwanza. The Catholic Archdiocese of Mwanza conducted a unique service to implore for everyone who perished or were harmed, to extend sympath...

Mwanza. The Catholic Archdiocese of Mwanza conducted a unique service to implore for everyone who perished or were harmed, to extend sympathy to Tanzanians, and to provide solace to families impacted by the devastating loss of relatives amid the turmoil and protests associated with the 2025 General Election.

Violent incidents occurred during and following the voting day on October 29, 2025, in various areas such as Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Mara, Arusha, Dodoma, Mbeya, Songwe, Ruvuma, and Geita, leading to fatalities, injuries, and extensive destruction of both public and private assets.

The formal ceremony occurred on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Epiphany – Bugando, within the Archdiocese of Mwanza, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., presided over by Archbishop Renatus Nkwande.

Many attendees participated in the Mass, an event included in the Archdiocese's memorial activities honoring the deceased during November.

In his initial speech and sermon, Archbishop Nkwande referred to the incidents as a national disgrace, labeling them as unacceptable and an issue that requires open condemnation.

He conveyed profound empathy for every victim, highlighting that the grief is felt across the nation, as Tanzania has experienced a catastrophe without precedent in its history.

We found ourselves confined within, as if in a box, unable to glimpse the outside world, surrounded by darkness. It is embarrassing and shameful. We need to pray to prevent it from occurring again.

What occurred reflects disrespect and disgrace toward our nation; it is a serious national disaster that should compel us to bow down and ask for God's pardon," he stated.

Archbishop Nkwande expressed concern that certain Tanzanians were observed celebrating the violence, commending those responsible, and ridiculing the victims, cautioning that this conduct establishes a damaging example for future generations.

We've watched footage of murders. That isn't a justification; it's encouraging violence.

What we observed was pure brutality. They have offended God and us Tanzanians. We are urged to repent and accept the Gospel," he further stated.

Citing passages from Matthew, Psalm 13, Luke 6 and 25, and Wisdom 3:1, Archbishop Nkwande implored everyone involved—whether by remaining silent, issuing orders, or expressing scorn—to confess their role in the killings and urged all parties to resume discussions.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the people of Tanzania. Let this serve as a lesson that should never happen again. If we genuinely seek reconciliation, we must return to the table for dialogue, and those responsible must acknowledge their wrongdoings," he emphasized.

He also mentioned that some victims had been exercising their right to free expression but went unheard, while others were at home, leaving hospitals, or running away in fear, unaccustomed to the sound of gunfire.

The Archbishop offered a prayer for the departed, requesting divine forgiveness for their transgressions, and called on the faithful to honor the grieving families by visiting them, expressing sympathy, providing solace, and offering motivation.

"To the ignorant, death might appear as a loss or a means of escape, yet we remain unaware of what they were hoping for or wishing upon. They longed for justice, security, and recognition," he stated.

He cautioned that taking a life is a wrongdoing, as is seeking revenge, and no individual should intend or plan to kill. Archbishop Nkwande voiced worry about those who commit murder to create fear and called on Christians to stop engaging in such behavior.

Among the attendees, Joyce Antony praised Archbishop Nkwande for his reassuring statements, highlighting the profound distress triggered by the incident.

"We are genuinely distressed and wounded by the loss of our young ones and the injuries that have occurred. I call upon leaders to come together and act with compassion," she stated.

Liberatus Ndegeulaya also highlighted the importance of rival parties resuming discussions, achieving agreement, and beginning anew.

"From the Archbishop's message, we understand that we should focus on humanity grounded in justice, which promotes peace," Ndegeulaya stated.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).