1. Foundation of Buswelu

The Buswelu Mission Station was established in 1918 under the leadership of Father Sililo Buhuta Mayanga and William Magolanga, who led services in Latin. The first area where services were held was at Buswelu “B” under Father Fabian Mayunga, near a tree called Nkobe, in the Mkuyu community.

2. Transition to Kagunguli

Later, Sililo Buhuta Mayanga was transferred to Kagunguli, Ukerewe, to serve as a catechist. The mission station then remained under the leadership of William Magolanga. At that time, the Christian community was small, so it merged with those from Sumba and Kahama.

3. Construction of the Church in Sumba

The missionaries then decided to build a church in Sumba. The area where the current church stands was initially used for the construction of a stone church.

4. Relocation of Services

After a short time at Sumba, the Buswelu and Kahama congregants felt it was too far and decided to move back under the leadership of William Magolanga, near Mzambarau.

5. Establishment of Bujora Parish

In 1954, the Bujora Parish was established, and the Buswelu mission was moved from Bugando to become part of the newly created Bujora Parish.

6. Leadership Transitions

In 1963, William Magolanga passed away, and his son, Bazil William, took over as the catechist, appointed by the Bujora hierarchy. During this period, leaders were known as "Batongi" under the guidance of the parish and catechists, in line with the Vatican Council’s directives.

7. Creation of a Temporary Church

In 1965, a Christian named Nicodemus Ng’hanya provided his land for the construction of a temporary church while efforts to find a permanent site continued. A temporary structure of mud was built in the area, known as the Mt. Petro Bulola mission, where relics were also kept.

8. Leadership Changes

After Bazili’s passing in 1970, Richard Gapi from Kanyama served briefly as a catechist until he moved with his family to Shinyanga Ndoleleji. Apolinary Sililo was appointed as the new catechist, and efforts to acquire land intensified.

9. Land Acquisition for Church

In 1973, land was acquired for the church from Mzee Katwiga Chimba for Tsh. 8,000. Construction began in 1974 but faced challenges due to heavy rains, which caused the initial structure to collapse.

10. Continued Construction Efforts

In 1984, the church construction resumed, with the faithful volunteering for tasks like hauling stones, sand, and assisting the builders. Many women participated, leading Father Clement to rename the mission to Mt. Anna.

11. Completion of the Church

In 1985, after the first phase of construction was completed, Father Clement passed away. The leadership team at that time included: Renatus Samson (Chairman), Justine Paul (Assistant), Thomas Bonisphace (Secretary), and others.

12. The Parish Expands

In 1986, the church was completed with the construction of the altar, and the station was opened under the leadership of Father Thomas Namwaga and Father Deusdedith Malekanya from Bujora Parish. In 1990, Pope John Paul II visited Kawekamo, and later the Mt. Anna Buswelu station was transferred to Nyakato.

13. The Rise to Parish Status

In 2014, Archbishop Yuda Thadeus visited Buswelu and recognized the construction of a new church under the leadership of Chairman Antony Gagaga and Secretary Mathias Amede. On January 1, 2018, the Mt. Thomas Apostle Parish was elevated to a full parish and placed under the care of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Father Francis Kangwa was the first parish priest.

14. Current Leadership and Community

Currently, the parish is led by Father Louis Ntamati, with Father Joseph Chipimo as the assistant priest. The parish is served by a community of nuns from the Congregation of Small Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary.

15. Missionary Societies and Committees

The parish has several apostolic societies, including WAWATA, UWAKA, VIWAWA, and others. It also has smaller committees such as the Family and Education Committees, the Liturgy and Pastoral Committees, and the Peace and Justice Committee.

16. Boundaries and Number of Communities

Buswelu Parish is bordered by Nyamadoke Parish to the East, Kangaye and Nsumba Parishes to the West, Kahama Parish to the North, and Nyakato Parish to the South. The parish is made up of four mission stations, with a total of 67 communities.

17. Parish Growth and Challenges

The number of baptized Catholics is estimated to be between 6,000 and 7,000. Services are held daily, with three masses on Sundays. The construction of the priests' residence and the parish church is still ongoing, along with a new sanctuary for worship.

18. Goals and Future Plans

• Complete the church building and sanctuary for peaceful worship.
• Initiate parish projects such as a hall, a school, and retail spaces to reduce dependency on donations.
• Strengthen the faith of the community through seminars, training, prayers, pilgrimages, and teaching the Word of God.

We give thanks to Archbishop Renatus Nkwande for his collaboration, and to our Missionary priests for their dedication to serving our parish. May God bless us all.