Tanzania’s Anglican Church formally installs PM Nchemba as its Lay Canon

TANGA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has been formally installed as a Lay Canon of the Anglican Church of Tanzania, becoming the first person from outside the Anglican denomination to hold the honorary position, according to the church.

The PM was installed today, October  4, 2026, during a Holy Mass at Christ the King Cathedral, Chanika, Tanga, where Canon Charles Mika Lundu was consecrated as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Handeni.

The Prime Minister represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the ceremony.

Speaking at the occasion, the Premier pledged the government’s continued work with religious institutions in carrying out their spiritual and social responsibilities for the welfare of Tanzanians.

Elaborating, he said the government has taken measures to strengthen cooperation, including changes to legislation to facilitate religious institutions’ access to charitable status, addressing tax debts and granting tax exemptions on some services provided by religious institutions.

“The President has sent me to assure you that the government will continue providing cooperation to our religious institutions,” he said, adding that the government also contributes towards the cost of some services provided by religious institutions.

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Additionally, he also urged parents and religious institutions to strengthen the upbringing of both girls and boys, saying children of both sexes face challenges requiring joint efforts by families, communities and religious institutions.

He further called on religious leaders to continue praying for Tanzania so that peace, stability, unity and solidarity are maintained.

Dr Nchemba was awarded the Lay Canon title by the Anglican Church of Tanzania under Archbishop Dr Maimbo Mndolwa on June 21, 2026, in recognition of his contribution to mobilising support for church development and investment projects.

The title was formally conferred today, joining other government leaders who have previously received the honour, including retired Speaker Job Ndugai, retired Chief Justice Augustino Ramadhani, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, Parliamentary Secretary Baraka Leonard and Agriculture Ministry Permanent Secretary Gerald Mweli.