Abous Us

The Archdiocese of Mwanza, located in the vibrant Great Lakes region of Tanzania, is a spiritual home to Catholics across Mwanza, Kwimba, Misungwi, and parts of Magu. Established in 1988 as a Metropolitan Archdiocese, it is one of eight Archdioceses and among the 37 Catholic dioceses in Tanzania. With a rich history of evangelization dating back to 1878, marked by the arrival of the Missionaries of Africa, the Archdiocese is dedicated to fostering a strong faith community rooted in the love of Christ and committed to holistic service for spiritual and social transformation.

Our Vision

"The Archdiocese of Mwanza wishes to see “The Church as a family of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that cares and is responsible.”

 

Our Mission

"To build a family of God where every member feels at home spiritually and physically through building the capacity of each other and rendering appropriate services in keeping with policies, resolutions, and stipulations of the Archdiocese of Mwanza First Synod.”

 

Our History

Its Boundaries

The Archdiocese of Mwanza includes the districts of Mwanza, Kwimba, Misungwi, and part of the western district of Magu. Historically, it was part of the Great Lakes region.

Early Beginnings (1878 - 1928)

  • In 1878, priests from the Missionary Society of Africa served the Buganda region. However, in 1882, they were expelled by Kabaka Mutesa.
  • In 1883, an agreement with Chief Kiganga led to the establishment of Bukumbi Parish, making it the first parish in what is now Mwanza.
  • The area covering Mwanza, Bukoba, Ngara, Biharamulo, Karagwe, Rwanda, and Burundi was part of the Nyanza Vicariate, under Monsignor Leon Livinhac, who became bishop in 1884.

Formation of Mwanza Vicariate (1929 - 1952)

  • In 1890, Bishop Joseph Hirth led the Nyanza Vicariate until 1912, when it was divided into the vicariates of Rwanda and Nyanza.
  • By 1929, the Nyanza Vicariate was further divided into:
    • Bukoba Vicariate
    • Mwanza Vicariate, led by Bishop Anthony Oomen until 1948.
  • In 1946, the districts of Musoma, North-Mara, and Maswa were separated to form the Musoma-Maswa Vicariate. Additionally, Shinyanga was reassigned from the Diocese of Tabora to the Mwanza Vicariate.
  • Bishop Joseph Blomjous took over in 1950, succeeding Bishop Oomen.

Growth and Expansion (1956 - 1987)

  • In 1956, the Musoma-Maswa Vicariate was divided into the Dioceses of Musoma and Maswa, which were entrusted to the Maryknoll Missionaries.
  • On May 1, 1966, Bishop Renatus Butibubage began his leadership of the Diocese of Mwanza until his retirement in 1987.

Establishment of the Archdiocese (1988 - Present)

  • In February 1988, the Diocese of Mwanza was elevated to an Archdiocese, with Bishop Anthony Mayala appointed as its first Archbishop. He had previously served as Bishop of Musoma since 1979.

Modern Leadership and Structure

  • Archbishop Anthony Mayala served until his passing in 2009.
  • His Grace Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi, OFMCap, led the Archdiocese from 2010 to 2019.
  • His Grace Renatus Leonard Nkwande was appointed Archbishop of Mwanza on 11th February 2019 and installed on 12th May 2019.

 

The Archdiocese Today

The Archdiocese of Mwanza now covers an area of 19,062 square kilometers and includes:

  • 5 districts: Mwanza, Kwimba, Misungwi, Magu, and Ilemela.
  • 11 deaneries: Bugando, Kirumba, Nyegezi, Misungwi, Magu, Nyakato, Bujora, Bukumbi, Ilemela, Mkolani, and Kwimba.
  • 60 parishes and 2 chaplaincies (SAUT and BMC/CUHAS).

 

Suffragan Dioceses

The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Mwanza includes the following suffragan dioceses:

  • Diocese of Bunda
  • Diocese of Musoma
  • Diocese of Bukoba
  • Diocese of Geita
  • Diocese of Rulenge-Ngara
  • Diocese of Kayanga