Welcome to Buhingo Parish: A Journey of Faith and Legacy

Introduction to Buhingo Parish

Buhingo Parish is situated 80 kilometers from Mwanza City, near the shores of Lake Victoria, in the Misungwi district of the Mwanza region, northwest Tanzania. It holds the distinction of being the largest parish in the Mwanza Archdiocese.

It borders the following parishes:

  • Missungwi Parish
  • Ngw’amashimba Parish
  • Mbarika Parish
  • Misasi Mission Station (now independent as of January 2024)
  • Salawe Parish (Shinyanga Diocese)

Buhingo Parish is home to a population of 60,000 people, with 25,000 Catholic believers. It is served by a rich history of missionaries and local priests and continues to thrive with its 23 outstations and the Ibinza Mission Station, which includes 13 outstations and 130 small communities.

A Century of Faith: The Early Beginnings

Buhingo Parish’s roots trace back to the establishment of Bukumbi Parish in 1883, the first Catholic parish in the Mwanza Archdiocese. Missionaries, particularly the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa), faced many challenges from Protestants and the King of Buganda but were welcomed by Chief Kiganga of Kigongo, who granted land for their mission.

In 1902, as the need for expanded spiritual services grew, Bukumbi Parish initiated several outstations, one of which was Buhingo.

The Story of Helena Majenga: A Legacy of Courage and Faith

In 1920, a courageous young girl named Ng’wana Majenga from the Isesa (Gukuma) outstation sought baptism at Bukumbi. After two years of Catholic education, she was baptized and took the name Helena. Her return to Gukuma inspired two other girls, Fransiska Shinaga and Margareth Izengo, to embrace the faith. The three girls bravely traveled by boat to Bukumbi to receive the Holy Eucharist, facing perilous conditions on Lake Victoria, including risks from crocodiles and capsizing.

Helena’s faith led her to write a letter to Father Vekemans, requesting that he bring the mission to Bulima. This marked the beginning of the efforts to establish a mission in Buhingo.

Challenges and Growth: Establishing the Mission in Buhingo

Father Vekemans (known as Father Venge) was pivotal in the early missionary work. In 1921, after an invitation from Chief Nkondo Lunyalula, he moved to the Nyabuhele area to establish a mission, despite initial resistance from the chief. Conflict with the chief led to Father Vekemans relocating to Kashishi, where construction of the first mud church and priests’ quarters began.

The missionaries, including Father Michel Gass, continued building amidst significant challenges, such as scarce labor and limited resources. On October 21, 1923, Father Vekemans blessed the first completed church, marking a major milestone.

Moving to Buhingo: A New Beginning

In 1928, severe flooding in Kashishi forced the relocation of the parish. After much deliberation, Bishop Joseph Sweens decided to move the mission to Buhingo, a drier location. On June 6, 1933, he arrived in Buhingo with Brother Beatus to begin surveying and preparing the land for the new mission.

The new parish was constructed in the traditional Sukuma style, and the first believers included Helena Majenga, Fransiska Shinaga, and others. The parish also saw the establishment of a school, further strengthening the community.

100 Years of Faith and Development

Over the past century, Buhingo Parish has grown significantly, establishing 36 outstations and continuing to foster a strong Catholic presence. Key developments include:

  • The construction of permanent churches at outstations.
  • Improved living conditions for priests, including new houses in the mission station.
  • The ordination of three local priests: Father Alex Kitwala, Father Moses Mapela, and Father William Ndhone.
  • The formation of seminarians at various seminaries in Tanzania.

Challenges Still to Overcome

Despite these accomplishments, Buhingo Parish faces ongoing challenges, including:

  • Harmful local customs and beliefs (e.g., superstitions surrounding twins, rituals for invoking rain, and gender-based violence).
  • The large size of the parish and the number of outstations, which makes pastoral care difficult.

The Centennial Celebration

On July 22, 2023, Buhingo Parish celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a Mass led by:

  • Bishop Simon Masondole of Bunda Diocese
  • Archbishop Renatus Nkwande of Mwanza Archdiocese

The event was attended by thousands of faithful and marked a joyous occasion of reflection on the parish's history and its future in the faith.

Looking to the Future

As Buhingo Parish moves forward, the focus remains on nurturing its faith community, addressing challenges, and continuing its legacy of service and growth. With the dedication of its priests, seminarians, and faithful, the future of Buhingo Parish is bright.