The Catholic Church in Tanzania has condemned a wave of abductions and killings amid a political crisis following disputed general elections.

Fr. Charles Kitima, Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference said the bishops had denounced “the systematic violation of fundamental human rights” through the “kidnapping and killing of politicians and those who opposed the government.”

In an interview with journalists, Fr. Kitima said the bishops had “called for national prayers and condemned the disappearances, kidnappings and the abduction of politicians and other opposition party representatives.” He added, “The episcopal conference even wrote open letters condemning these acts and telling the government that it must sit at the negotiating table and engage in dialogue with the opposition political parties.”

The protests that have swept across Tanzania began over irregularities in the recent elections but soon escalated into a broader confrontation between citizens and the authorities. Fr. Kitima said, “The street protests … aimed to highlight … the systematic violation of fundamental human rights through the kidnapping and killing of politicians and those who opposed the government.” He admitted that “some protesters indulged in abuse, destruction and looting,” but said that police “responded by firing live ammunition into the crowd, injuring and killing people.”

The scale of the violence remains unclear. Independent observers initially estimated several dozen fatalities, but Church sources now believe the number to be far higher. “The protests in Tanzania have killed many,” said Fr. Kitima. “The Church is committed to dialogue. Yes, there are hundreds of deaths. It’s truly inhumane.” The authorities have meanwhile restricted communications, warning citizens not to share images that could “cause alarm and offend human life.” Opposition figures claim that the bodies of victims are being hidden to conceal the true extent of the killings.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, sworn in for a second term amid tight security in Dar es Salaam has called for national dialogue. But Fr. Kitima remains cautious. “We are still waiting for dialogue,” he said. “We ask the government to truly listen to the people while we tell our people that justice requires discussing the truth: there are problems that must be resolved, and those who caused them must take responsibility. The Church is seeking a way to heal.”

The bishops are expected to meet next week to consider their next steps. Tanzania, a nation of about 67.5 million people is 56 per cent Christian, 22 per cent Catholic, 33 per cent Muslim and 10 per cent followers of traditional religions. The Church which has long played a mediating role in African political crises is again stepping forward to defend life, justice and peace in a country now facing one of the gravest moments in its post-independence history.

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Tanzania’s disputed presidential election has sparked widespread protests and international concern following the announcement of the results. Officially, President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a landslide victory with over 97 percent of the vote but her win has been met with allegations from opposition parties and rights groups that the election was “completely fabricated.”

Chadema, one of the main opposition parties has rejected the results describing the process as neither genuine nor transparent. They accuse authorities of arresting and abducting opponents and have labeled the election as a “flawed poll.” The opposition has also claimed that hundreds of protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces though the government disputes these numbers asserting the death toll is “hugely exaggerated.” The United Nations has credible reports suggesting at least 10 people died amid the unrest with witnesses describing police firing tear gas and live rounds at demonstrators in multiple cities.

In the aftermath of the vote, a nationwide curfew was imposed, and internet access was restricted as authorities sought to quell the protests. President Hassan, who accepted her certificate of victory in Dodoma condemned the demonstrators calling their actions “unacceptable, uncivilised and unpatriotic,” and praised security forces for maintaining order during the chaos. She framed her victory as a collective achievement for Tanzanians and a measure of the country’s democratic maturity, stating, “This election was a test, not only of the popularity of manifestos and development plans but also of our democracy.”

Opposition leaders including Chadema’s Tundu Lissu and ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina have faced political repression; Lissu has been jailed for months on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms, while Mpina was barred from running. Critics argue the election was more of a “coronation” than a contest as the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party seeks to maintain its long-standing grip on power. Since Tanzania’s independence in 1961, CCM has remained the dominant force, with President Hassan continuing the party’s legacy after her rise to power following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli in 2021.

International observers and human rights groups have raised alarms over the election process, warning of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests ahead of the vote. The country’s political landscape remains tense with critics questioning the legitimacy of Hassan’s leadership and the fairness of the electoral process. As Tanzania grapples with these tensions, the ruling party’s ability to sustain stability and peace remains under scrutiny amid calls for genuine electoral reforms.

Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) has received a significant boost to its emergency care services with a donation of medical equipment valued at $35,000 (approximately 127 million UGX) from Seed Global Health. The equipment which was handed over to Acting Hospital Director, Dr. Deus Twesigye includes crucial items such as patient monitors, suction machines, oxygen concentrators, patient trollies and defibrillators.

Dr. Andrew Twinamatsiko, Programs Manager at Seed Global Health stated that the new equipment will enhance the hospital’s Accidents and Emergency Department and assist in the training of medical students.

Expressing gratitude for the generous donation, Dr. Twesigye noted that the new tools will complement existing medical devices and replace outdated ones. He highlighted the high demand for emergency services at MRRH, with between 1,000 and 1,500 patients seeking care each month. The hospital’s biomedical engineers stress the importance of regular maintenance for the equipment to ensure its optimal performance.

The newly donated equipment will enable healthcare professionals to provide timely and effective care to patients in critical situations.

Halson Kagure, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, reported a significant reduction in mortality rates, attributing this success to the dedicated efforts of the hospital’s team of health workers, including emergency physicians.

With support from Seed Global Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital aims to train 120 emergency physicians by 2030, further strengthening the capacity of healthcare services in the region.

Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese has urged married women to support their husbands and abandon the practice of bewitching them. He revealed that such actions hinder family development.

The Bishop made these remarks during a confirmation service attended by thousands of Christians from the Mitooma Archdeaconry at the archdeaconry premises in Mitooma Town Council on Sunday October 17.

He highlighted that many women mistakenly believe that bewitching their husbands can bring peace to their families not realizing that it undermines family stability. He stressed the importance of mutual support for progress rather than resorting to harmful practices.

The Bishop also confirmed 566 Christians into the Anglican faith marking a significant milestone in the lives of confirmands.

Emmy Ngabirano has been welcomed by Bushenyi District leadership as the new Resident District Commissioner (RDC) replacing the suspended Robert Atuhairwe. The event took place on Monday October 28 at the district headquarters.

Atuhairwe is facing allegations of misconduct with a minor who is at the same time a student of S3 at Bweranyangi Girls Secondary School in Bushenyi district.

William Donanto Katsigazi, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner emphasized the district’s cooperative leadership in the event of the ongoing speculations involving the former RDC.

Ngabirano previously served in Masindi district for three years urged residents to collaborate with him to fulfill government programs and improve service delivery.

Bushenyi district LCV Chairman, Jafari Basajjabalaba expressed support for the RDC’s office stating that recent events were personal and affirmed his commitment to working together for the community’s benefit.

The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang has called on leaders in Mbarara District and Mbarara City authorities to collaborate with the government in advancing the development of Kakyeka Stadium. Speaking at Empuumo Marathon held at Ntare School grounds in Mbarara, Ogwang stressed the importance of unified efforts to enhance sports infrastructure especially in support of youth and health initiatives such as the marathon aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS among adolescents in southwestern Uganda.

Ogwang indicated that the Ministry of Education and Sports had allocated 1.5 billion UGX in the previous financial year for the initial phase of Kakyeka Stadium’s construction. This phase includes the installation of artificial turf, construction of a pavilion, modern toilets and other essential facilities. However, progress has been stalled by internal conflicts regarding the stadium’s land title with disputes emerging between Mbarara District and Mbarara City authorities.

Mbarara City North lawmaker, Robert Mwesigwa Rukari expressed gratitude for the strong turnout of community members in raising awareness to combat HIV/AIDS among adolescents. Rosette Mutambi Kajungu, the marathon’s organizer shared that the event organized in collaboration with the Initiative for Better Health, Ministry of Health, and Uganda AIDS Commission included various activities aimed at promoting awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS among the youth in the region.

The marathon attracted over 300 participants from across the western region including some travelers from northern Uganda. Winners received medals and cash prizes for their achievements.

William Katsigazi Donanto, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Bushenyi has expressed deep concern over the decline of local societies which he believes has hindered community development due to a lack of reliable leadership.

Katsigazi pointed out that numerous cooperatives have collapsed under the management of self-serving leaders whose motives do not align with the success of these organizations. He urged current leaders to remain vigilant and dedicated to fostering the growth of cooperatives in their communities.

His comments were made during the annual general meeting of the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) held yesterday Wednesday October 23 for the Tooke cooperatives which saw participation from over 24 cooperatives across the greater Ankole region.

Katsigazi emphasized the importance of trustworthiness among leaders when managing farmers’ funds stating that cooperatives can thrive if their leaders are willing to be accountable.

George Ruyondo, chairman of the Kazo Banana Growers Cooperative Society praised PIBID for its initiative affirming that agricultural development is key to eradicating poverty.

Meanwhile, Celian Muhumuza chairman of the Bumbaire Banana Farmers Cooperative which was recognized as the top supplier of bananas in the region credited their success to the farmers’ dedication to their Tooke factory.

In the ranking of cooperative societies, Bumbaire Banana Farmers Cooperative secured the top position, followed closely by Kazo Banana Growers Cooperative Society.

Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni of West Ankole Diocese has urged school leaders to incorporate home economics into their curricula to better equip students with practical life skills. He emphasized that while schools focus on English speech, they often neglect cultural and practical skills that are crucial for students’ roles in their communities and homes.

Speaking at the dedication of over 180 candidates from Bweranyangi Junior School on Wednesday October 23, the prelate highlighted the importance of reintroducing co-curricular activities to help students explore their diverse talents.

Molly Nshekanabo, the chairperson of the management committee encouraged female candidates to remain vigilant during the holidays and urged parents to ensure equal educational opportunities for both girls and boys noting that girls now often surpass boys in enrollment due to increased parental focus on the girl child.

The Ibanda District Security Committee, chaired by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Mbetegyerize recently held an engagement meeting with the administration of Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm. The meeting concluded with a recommendation that the farm immediately ceases all cultivation activities in the buffer zone of R. Nyabukurungo.

Held at the Nyabuhikye Prisons Farm, the meeting addressed growing public and leadership concerns regarding environmental degradation linked to the farm’s agricultural practices. It was agreed that after the harvest expected in February 2025, there will be no further cultivation in the protected wetland area surrounding the river.

Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm is situated in Kayenje Ward, Bufunda Division, Ibanda Municipality, alongside the Mbarara-Ibanda highway.

RDC Mbetegyerize emphasized that the government is acting on the directive of the President, who has mandated that individuals and institutions operating within wetlands must vacate peacefully or face potential eviction without compensation. He highlighted that the erratic weather conditions currently affecting the western region are largely due to human encroachment on natural resources and he urged an immediate cessation of these harmful practices which are often the result of ignorance or negligence.

Robert Tumwesigye, the Senior Environment Officer for Ibanda Municipality instructed the Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm administration to plant recommended trees or pastures as a means of restoring the degraded Nyabukurungo wetland.

Elly Kirya, the Ibanda District Natural Resources Officer pointed out that Section 36 of the National Environment Act prioritizes the protection of wetlands and prohibits reclamation and the construction of illegal structures. This law empowers authorities to demolish any unauthorized structures located within wetland areas. He further explained that the Act enables districts to manage wetlands within their jurisdictions and to clearly demarcate their boundaries, ensuring that communities understand where the wetland limits lie, even as water levels and vegetation fluctuate.

In response, Patience Nambuya, the Deputy Officer in Charge of Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm stated that their commitment to following the guidelines and directives to safeguard vital ecosystems and mitigate the impacts of climate change.