TANZANIA: Bishop Dallu Warns On Electing Corrupt Leaders During Next Elections in Tanzania
Most Rev. Damian Dallu
Sarah Pelaji
“As Tanzania expects to hold local government elections on November 27 this year and a General Election in 2025, I condemn any acts of corruption, and I insist that Tanzanians prioritize dignity and humanity in choosing leaders.”
This was said by the Archbishop of Songea Catholic Archdiocese Most Rev. Damian Dallu during his homily at the Silver Jubilee of priesthood of Bishop Wolfgang Pisa OFMCap of the Catholic Diocese of Lindi who the President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) is also, and the Golden Jubilee of priesthood of the Bishop Emeritus of the Lindi Catholic Diocese Rt. Rev. Bruno Ngonyani which was held on 1st September at the Ilulu Lindi Stadium Songea Metropolitan.
During the Eucharistic celebration which was presided over by Bishop Pisa the jubilant, Archbishop Dallu reminded Tanzanian citizens and government leaders that towards the Local Government elections and the General elections to ensure that the e elections next year are free and fair.
“During the run-up to the elections, people have been doing evil and not having the fear of God, including misuse of power, which has been abusing the rights of the people. We experience killings, kidnappings, abuse of power, corruption and high technology of steeling other people’s vote. This is sin,” he said.
“The contestant offers gifts, money etc. to the citizens to vote for them, while voters also request gifts from contestants. The little gift including money you receive today, shall make you suffer for more years because quality leaders never entertain corruptions but the unqualified,” he insisted.
These days, people completely justify it and encourage each other to take money from the contestant but we shall never vote for them. He said it is a lie for if you have sown sin and you must reap its fruits.
He insists Tanzania to vote for someone who will help them answer and solve their problems within their society.
“There are leaders who are sure of a 90 percent victory but they will still be wanting the 10 percent of someone else and steel them, that is the sin of theft.
If we need changes in Tanzania of both economically and socially, we need to do away corruption to both sides of voters and contestants,” he insisted.
In August to September 2024 three bishops who have celebrated the silver jubilee of priesthood in Tanzania namely, Bishop Flavian Kassala of Geita Catholic Diocese, Bishop Anthony Lagwen of Mbulu Catholic Diocese, Bishop Wolfgang Pisa OFMCap of the Catholic Diocese of Lindi who the President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference TEC. is also The three were ordained priests in 1999.
Bishop Bruno Ngonyani the Emeritus of Lindi Catholic Diocese has celebrated golden jubilee of his priesthood from 1974-2024 while Bishop Michael Msonganzila of Musoma Catholic Diocese has celebrated 40 years of priesthood from 1984-2024.
In May this year, The Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwai’chi OFM Cap celebrated silver jubilee of his episcopal consecration from 1999-2024
