Karagwe Diocese Bishop Benson Kalikawe Lwakalinda Bagonza has penned down a passionate letter on his Facebook page about his fears on his life. He jas said he jas received credible information that “wasiojulikana” or “the unknown” were plotting to pay him an unwelcome visit. Je said they came during the Magufuli era and were planning to cone again.
In Tanzania, “wasiojulikana” is a derogatory term for political abductors, torturers and murderers. Nobody wants to have anything with them, for they come to steal, vandalise, and destroy the works of God. Sometimes, such information is relayed to intimidate the potential victim, but when the intended target refuses to be cowered, hell breaks loose. But who is Bishop Bagonza, and why anyone in his right mind will want to harm him? This is his inspiring story.
Biography of Bishop Dr. Benson Bagonza of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Karagwe Diocese.
Bishop Dr. Benson Bagonza is a prominent religious leader, social advocate, and educator serving as the Bishop of the Karagwe Diocese (KAD) within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT). His work spans spiritual leadership, human rights activism, and community development. Below is a synthesis of his life and contributions:
- Leadership in the Karagwe Diocese.
Bishop Bagonza has led the ELCT Karagwe Diocese since at least 2019, overseeing its 40th-anniversary celebrations in January. Established in 1979, the diocese has faced numerous challenges, including socio-political tensions and poverty, which Bagonza has addressed through faith-based initiatives and partnerships. His leadership emphasizes resilience and reconciliation, reflecting his commitment to both spiritual and societal healing.
- Advocacy for Human Rights and Democracy.
Bagonza is renowned for vocal critiques of governance and human rights abuses in Tanzania. In 2024–2025, he publicly condemned state-sponsored abductions, political repression, and the erosion of democratic institutions, likening these acts to “hijacking the nation’s freedom”. He highlighted systemic issues such as the lack of judicial independence, one-party dominance, and cyclical violence, urging national reforms inspired by models like Rwanda’s “Gacaca” courts or South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
His activism extends to social media, where he mourned the loss of freedom and peace, stating, “A nation without freedom becomes dead, equivalent to just a piece of land”. He also criticized the use of force in politics, framing it as a failure of governance.
- Educational and Community Development.
Bagonza has championed education as a tool for empowerment. In 2008, he collaborated with Educate Tanzania Inc. (ETI) to establish the Karagwe University College (KARUCO), a project he credits as transformative for the region. During a 2018 gathering in Minnesota, he emphasized education’s role in alleviating poverty and urged supporters to view it as a “privilege to benefit others”.
- Interfaith Collaboration and Peacebuilding.
A proponent of inter-religious dialogue, Bagonza keynoted a June 2024 workshop titled “Responsible Religious Practices in Maintaining Social Values and Peacekeeping” in Mwanza. The event brought together leaders from Christianity, Islam, and Rastafarianism, underscoring his belief in ecumenical unity across faiths to address societal challenges
- Personal Philosophy and Legacy.
Bagonza’s work is rooted in a deep sense of moral responsibility. He often invokes biblical principles and Tanzanian cultural values to advocate for justice, urging citizens to protect freedom “at all costs” . His writings and speeches reflect a blend of theological insight and pragmatic calls for systemic change, earning him both admiration and controversy in Tanzania’s polarized political climate.
Recent Activities (2024–2025).
Political Advocacy:
Continued warnings about democratic backsliding ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 elections emphasizing the need for institutional reforms.
Public Engagement:
Active on social media and in forums, addressing issues like unemployment, corruption, and refugee crises.
Bishop Bagonza’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to faith, justice, and the upliftment of marginalized communities.
Father Baba Askofu Rev.Dr.Benson Bagonza (PhD), wrote on his Facebook page:
“Leo 8/5/2025, Papa wa 267 (Papa Leo XIV) amechaguliwa. Ni Mwana Chicago mwenzangu; Mwana CTU mwenzangu (CTU ni chuo kikuu cha Theolojia cha Kanisa Katoliki ambapo Bagonza kasoma hapo pia). Na ni Mwana Augustino mwenzangu (Msisahau Martin Luther alikuwa Padre wa O.S.A). Kwahiyo imekua siku njema kwangu.
Lakini pia imekua siku ngumu kwa sababu nimepokea taarifa kuwa “WASIOJULIKANA” watakuja kunimaliza. Hivyo nimeambiwa niishi kwa tahadhari. Sishangai maana ukimfuga mbwa ukamwachia aonje damu za watu, huwezi kumdhibiti tena na hawezi kuacha mwenyewe.
- Kama kweli wanakuja; WAMEKOSEA. Wanaichafua serikali na taifa kwa jumla.
- Kama hawaji, pia WAMEKOSEA. Bado Wanaichafua serikali na taifa kwa kuwaza kuja.
Kama wakija, nawaomba wasiharibu milango ya nyumba yangu na kuwafanya wanangu nitakaowaacha yatima waanze kufikiria kuitengeneza upya. Waniite nitatoka nijikabidhi.
Kama hawaji; namshauri mfuga mbwa awafungie mbwa wake ndani. Si kwa ajili yangu bali kwa ajili ya usalama wa mfunga mbwa mwenyewe na usalama wa kijiji chetu.
Huu ni mwaka wa uchaguzi. Hekima ni kutengeneza marafiki wapya kuliko maadui wapya. Usimuue mtu aliye tayari kufa. Hayo ni matumizi mabaya ya mauaji.
Awamu ya tano walikuja. Si lazima waje awamu ya sita hata kama awamu ya sita ni muendelezo wa awamu ya tano.
Iwe awamu ile au hii, hawa wasiojulikana ni waharibifu wa awamu zote mbili. Serikali makini (kama kweli haiwajui) ijitenge nao.
Wanaweza kufanya (kwangu) kwa sababu wameishafanya pasipotegemewa (TEC). Wakifanya wasijipongeze, wasipongezwe, na adhabu yao iwe ni kufanya MILELE.
Kama wakifanya; mwili utaoza, watu watalia, wengine watashangilia lakini watazaliwa wengine zaidi yangu.
Mungu analipenda taifa hili kuliko mimi ninavyolipenda. Hachelewi wala hawahi. Atasimama kulitetea.
Naishi katika jimbo la Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani. Nina uhakika hajawatuma. Nawashauri wasitumie rungu kuua mbu aliyekaa kwenye kende za mfalme. Wala jiwe kumtungua kunguru aliyekaa kwenye kichwa cha Malkia.
Nawapenda Watanzania. Wakija kunichukua, tusipoonana tena, basi tutaonana kwa Baba kwa wale mlio na imani 🙏🏽”
Bishop Benson Bagonza of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Karagwe Diocese has publicly expressed fears for his life amid escalating political tensions and human rights concerns in Tanzania. His apprehensions stem from his vocal critiques of governance, abductions, and democratic erosion in the country. Below is a synthesis of his precarious situation:
- Outspoken Criticism of Governance and Abductions.
Bishop Bagonza has condemned the abduction and killing of civilians, linking these acts to the broader loss of freedom and peace in Tanzania. In his regular Facebook posts, he lamented that abductions—often targeting critics, opposition figures, and activists—are tantamount to “seizing the nation’s freedom” and creating a “dead nation” devoid of democratic values. He also highlighted the cyclical nature of political violence, noting that perpetrators of abductions in earlier phases of governance later became victims themselves, signaling systemic instability.
- Direct Threats to His Safety.
In a forum discussion, Bagonza alleged that individuals seeking to harm him had reached his location in Karagwe. While some users dismissed his claims as paranoia, others acknowledged the legitimacy of his fears, citing Tanzania’s history of politically motivated violence and the targeting of dissidents. One commenter even suggested he flee to the Netherlands for safety. These threats follow his persistent advocacy against human rights abuses, including his calls for accountability in unresolved abduction cases and electoral malpractices.
- Broader Context of Political Repression.
Bagonza’s fears align with broader trends of democratic backsliding in Tanzania. This academic analysis notes the dominance of the ruling party, CCM, and its use of “public good politics” to maintain power, often sidelining opposition voices. Bagonza criticized the lack of institutional independence, citing a “one-party parliament” and a judiciary stripped of autonomy, which he argues enables abuses of power. The upcoming 2025 general elections have heightened tensions, with bishops urging prayers for peace amid fears of renewed violence.
- Calls for National Reflection and Reform.
Bagonza has advocated for systemic reforms, urging Tanzania to adopt models like Rwanda’s “Gacaca” courts or South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address past injustices and prevent future cycles of violence. He emphasized the need for a collective vow of “never again” to political repression, drawing parallels to post-conflict societies like Bosnia and Rwanda.
- Public and Religious Solidarity.
Other bishops have echoed Bagonza’s concerns, condemning abductions, unemployment, and rising living costs. Bishop Emmaus Mwamakula of the Moravian Church highlighted the “distress and despair” among citizens, while Bishop Oscar John Olotu stressed the moral imperative to protect vulnerable groups and uphold justice. This unified religious front underscores the gravity of Tanzania’s socio-political crisis.
Conclusion.
Bishop Bagonza’s genuine fears reflect both personal risk and a national governance crisis. His advocacy has positioned him as a target in a climate where dissent is increasingly perilous. The situation calls for urgent domestic and international attention to safeguard democratic freedoms and protect regime critics.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
