Some members of Glory of Christ Tanzania Church, popularly known as Ufufuo na Uzima, pictured near the church premises. PHOTO | COURTESY
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Police Force has confirmed its presence at the premises of the now-deregistered Glory of Christ Tanzania Church—popularly known as Ufufuo na Uzima—located in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, following the official deregistration announcement by the Registrar of Civil Societies.
In a letter dated 2 June 2025, the Registrar of Civil Societies, Mr Emmanuel Kihampa, informed the church’s founder and leader, Bishop Josephat Gwajima, that the church’s registration had been cancelled. The decision was based on violations of Section 17 of the Civil Societies Act (Cap 337) and Section 39 of the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act No. 3 of 2019. The letter cited the politicisation of religious sermons and messages deemed a threat to national peace.
The deregistration came a day after Bishop Gwajima used his Sunday sermon to criticise alleged abductions and disappearances in the country, comments that have sparked widespread debate across religious and political circles.
Later that same night, a video circulated on social media showing Bishop Gwajima with other religious leaders. Gwajima expressed concern about the police presence around the church, saying he was unaware of the reasons behind the deployment.
“It’s 11:15 pm here in Dar es Salaam,” he said in the video. “These bishops came after hearing reports of unrest. We see police vehicles surrounding the Ufufuo na Uzima church. I don’t know what is happening. There are three police vehicles outside. We don’t know their intentions, but I wanted our fellow bishops, pastors, and followers to know we are surrounded by police, and we don’t understand why.”
Responding to concerns, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro confirmed in a phone interview on 3 June that police were present and enforcing the law following the Registrar’s decision.
“It is true that one of our constitutional and legal responsibilities is to enforce laws passed by Parliament,” Muliro said. “We were present in several locations, including the area you mentioned.”
The commander stressed that officers were acting on lawful orders and that any resistance from church members was handled professionally.
“There were some individuals showing confusion or possibly deliberate defiance. We temporarily detained some for questioning to determine if their actions were due to misunderstanding or provocation,” he added.
Commander Muliro reminded that once a church is deregistered legally, its activities must cease.
“The law is clear. The church must stop its operations. If they want to resume activities, they must follow legal procedures, including appealing to the relevant authorities. Once authorised, we will respect the legal status.”
As of the morning of 3 June, The Citizen observed the church compound cordoned off with yellow police tape marked with warning text. More than 20 armed officers were stationed around the site to maintain order.
Eyewitnesses and Mwananchi newspaper reported that six police defenders and an anti-riot water cannon vehicle were positioned at the entrance. Several private vehicles belonging to church members were left stranded inside the sealed area.
Police emphasised that no individuals attending the church were targeted personally, describing their operation as a legal measure following deregistration.
“We are not here to harm anyone. Our duty is to ensure the law is upheld,” Commander Muliro said.
The development has drawn mixed public reactions, with some supporting the enforcement of regulatory oversight while loyal church followers describe the actions as “religious persecution.”
