The Archdiocese of Mwanza (in Latin "Archidioecesis Mvanzaënsis") is one of the 35 dioceses of the Catholic Church in the country. Under it, there is a church region comprising the following dioceses: Bukoba, Bunda, Geita, Kayanga, Musoma, Rulenge-Ngara, and Shinyanga. The Cathedral is currently called the Cathedral of the Epiphany and is located at the foot of Mount Bugando in the Pamba area, while construction of a new cathedral is ongoing on the Kawekamo hill in Mwanza city. The Archdiocese of Mwanza is under its Archbishop Renatus Leonard Nkwande.

History

• In 1880, it began as the Apostolic Vicariate of Nyanza, derived from the Apostolic Vicariate of Central Africa in Sudan.
• In 1883, the name was changed to Victoria-Nyanza.
• On April 10, 1929, the name was changed again to Mwanza.
• On March 25, 1953, it was elevated to the status of a diocese.
• On November 18, 1987, it was made the Archdiocese of Mwanza.

Leadership Archbishops

• Renatus Leonard Nkwande (since February 11, 2019 to present)
• Yuda Thaddeus Ruwa'ichi O.F.M. Cap. (since November 10, 2010)
• Anthony Mayala (from November 18, 1987 until his death on August 20, 2009)

Bishops

• Renatus Lwamosa Butibubage (January 15, 1966 – November 18, 1987)
• Joseph Blomjous, M. Afr. (March 25, 1953 – October 15, 1965)

Apostolic Vicars

• Joseph Blomjous, M. Afr. (June 25, 1950 – March 25, 1953)
• Antoon Oomen, M. Afr. (March 18, 1929 – 1950)

Statistics

After the split in 2010 to establish the Diocese of Bunda, the area of the archdiocese covers about 40,000 square kilometers.

The Archdiocese of Mwanza is forming 62 parishes.

There are more than 120 priests, of whom over 100 are diocesan and more than 32 are religious. The archdiocese also has over 20 brothers and more than 230 sisters.