Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on June 02, 2025
Government Deregisters Gwajima’s Ufufuo na Uzima Church, Commotion Outside the Church as Police Seek to Arrest Him
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the deregistration of Ufufuo na Uzima Church, headed by Bishop Josephat Gwajima, following his press conference on May 24, 2025, and his remarks about abductions in the country during a sermon on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Following the announcement, police surrounded the church later that night, leading to an overnight standoff between law enforcement and church members. The situation escalated as congregants barricaded Morogoro Road, which runs adjacent to the church.
In a deregistration letter, the Ministry underscored that the 31-year-old church was being deregistered following remarks from its leader that sought to pit the government against citizens.
“In recent days, through the media and social networks, you have been seen… delivering sermons with a political tone and an intention to incite discord between the Government and the citizens,” the letter of deregistration reads.
It continued: “These actions are contrary to the Societies Act, Chapter 337, and may threaten peace and stability in the country.”
Read the full article here.
Tundu Lissu Treason Hearing Unprecedentedly Streamed Live by the Court; Case Adjourned to June 16, 2025
The treason case against the leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, proceeded on June 2, 2025, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court before Principal Resident Magistrate-in-Charge, Franco Kiswaga.
In an unprecedented move, the court live-streamed the hearing on its official YouTube channel. The proceedings were also picked up by hundreds of digital and mainstream media outlets, broadcast via cable, and shared widely on social media.
This marks the first time a Tanzanian court has allowed video recording and live coverage of its proceedings.The session began with the prosecution requesting an adjournment, citing that the investigation was still incomplete. This prompted an extended legal argument between both sides, during which the court stressed the need for the prosecution to provide concrete updates on the status of the investigation.
An additional point of contention arose regarding remarks made by Tundu Lissu as he entered the courtroom. Lissu said, “No reform,” to which some court attendees responded, “No election.”, the known party stance toward election.
The prosecution requested that the court issue a warning against such conduct. The defense, however, argued procedural irregularities, including the fact that their client was brought into the courtroom after the magistrate had already taken his seat. The court ultimately issued a warning, describing the behavior as inappropriate.
Tanzania Boosts Local Pharma, Cuts Imports by 20 Per Cent
Minister of Health, Jenista Mhagama, has stated that Tanzania has reduced the importation of medicines and medical supplies by 20 percent due to efforts to increase domestic production.
Speaking during the presentation of the ministry’s revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2025/26 financial year, Mhagama noted that there are currently 92 medical supply factories in the country.
She said that in the past financial year, the ministry, in collaboration with stakeholders, helped establish ten new factories for medicines and medical supplies, which will ensure a continuous supply of IV fluid Therapy, laboratory reagents, tablets and particularly ARVs.
“We have also set a record for the local procurement of health products, with a total of 183.2 billion shillings disbursed, equivalent to 91.6% of the planned amount being released each year,” Mhagama stated.
In another effort to promote and provide markets for local industries, Mhagama said that the government has allocated a total of 10 billion shillings for the purchase of larvicides produced by the Kibaha factory to kill mosquito breeding grounds that cause malaria.
“Already, 833,333.3 liters have begun being distributed to all councils across the country. And I urge all leaders to implement the spraying exercise to eliminate all malaria-carrying mosquito larvae,” said Mhagama.
CSO Week Kick-off in Arusha
The annual civil society week has kicked off in Arusha with hundreds of participants representing civil societies in the country. On the first day of the event on June 02, 2025, at the Mount Meru Hotel, there were wide-ranging discussions regarding the state of Tanzania’s civil society and its future direction. The event is expected to conclude on Friday.
