The Anglican Church of Tanzania has consecrated Rt Rev Lameck Ndomba as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Zanzibar. The consecration service took place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Cathedral of Christ Church, Mkunazini, in Zanzibar. This significant event was attended by President Hussein Ali Mwinyi as the guest of honour. The President's presence underscores the government's commitment to fostering positive relationships with religious institutions.
During his address, President Hussein Ali Mwinyi emphasised the importance of peace, reconciliation, and cooperation between the government and religious institutions. He congratulated Bishop Ndomba and wished him wisdom in his leadership. The President acknowledged that the church had recently navigated challenges and commended the Archbishop of Tanzania for restoring peace within the diocese. This cooperation is expected to continue, particularly in providing social services like education and health.
In his acceptance speech, Bishop Ndomba outlined five core priorities for his tenure. These include proclaiming the gospel, nurturing believers, and expanding health, water, and income-generating projects. He commended President Mwinyi for development strides in healthcare, modern schools, and infrastructure. Bishop Ndomba also urged members of the CCM and ACT-Wazalendo reconciliation committee to prioritise Zanzibaris' interests to safeguard unity.
The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Tanzania, Dr Maimbo Mndolwa, expressed gratitude to President Mwinyi for the strong state-church partnership during the leadership transition. He recalled a reconciliation service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, which yielded tourism revenue-sharing from the Mkunazini slave market site. Dr Mndolwa urged the new bishop to cooperate with the government, meet tax obligations, and use private diplomacy instead of street protests to resolve grievances.
During the consecration service, Shinyanga Diocese Bishop Johnson Chinyong'ole preached, drawing from John 21:15–17 to stress that episcopal service demands self-denial. Using a culinary analogy, he advised Bishop Ndomba to cater to diverse groups, from elders to youth. Bishop Chinyong'ole emphasised that the work of a bishop is not easy and requires humility. His words of wisdom set the tone for Bishop Ndomba's leadership.
Bishop Ndomba was born in 1978 in Kigoma Region and holds a background in law, being a qualified High Court advocate. His appointment as the 11th Bishop of Zanzibar Diocese marks a significant milestone for the Anglican Church in Tanzania. The event highlighted the positive ties between the state and religious bodies, laying a foundation for progress in Zanzibar.
The consecration of Bishop Ndomba is seen as a new chapter for the Diocese of Zanzibar. With his priorities set and guidance from fellow church leaders, Bishop Ndomba is poised to lead the diocese towards growth and development. Key areas of focus include expanding social services and fostering unity among the community. The government and church leaders have expressed their commitment to working together for the betterment of Zanzibar.
Key points
- The Anglican Church of Tanzania consecrates Rt Rev Lameck Ndomba as the 11th Bishop of Zanzibar Diocese.
- President Hussein Ali Mwinyi attends the consecration service, emphasising peace and cooperation between government and religious institutions.
- Bishop Ndomba outlines five core priorities, including proclaiming the gospel and expanding social services.
