Biography of Archbishop Renatus Leonard Nkwande

Early Life and Education

Archbishop Nkwande began his education at Sumve Primary School before advancing to Makoko Junior Seminary in Musoma Diocese. He later completed his secondary education at the Junior Seminary in Mwanza, graduating in 1987.

In the same year, he commenced his philosophical studies at Kibosho Major Seminary and, in 1989, joined St. Charles Lwanga Major Seminary (Segerea) in the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam for his theological studies.

Ordination and Early Priesthood

Archbishop Nkwande was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on July 2, 1995, for the service of Mwanza Archdiocese. His ministry in the early years included:

a)     Assistant Pastor at Magu Parish (1995–1996).

b)     Rector of St. Mary’s Junior Seminary, where he mentored young men discerning priestly vocations (1996–2001).

Advanced Studies and Service

In 2002, Archbishop Nkwande furthered his education in Rome, earning a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Urban University in 2005. Returning to Mwanza, he faithfully served as:

a)     Chief Financial Administrator of the Archdiocese (2005–2011).

b)     Vicar General (2008–2009), assisting in the governance of the Archdiocese.

c)     Archdiocesan Administrator in 2009, following the death of Most Reverend Anthony Mayala, then Archbishop of Mwanza.

Episcopal Ministry

On November 27, 2010, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Bunda. He was consecrated on February 20, 2011, by His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, Archbishop of Dar es Salaam. In addition to his duties in Bunda, he served as Apostolic Administrator of Geita Diocese from 2014 to 2016.

Shepherd of Mwanza Archdiocese

On February 11, 2019, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed him as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Mwanza. He formally took possession of the Archdiocese on May 12, 2019, as its spiritual shepherd and guardian of the faith.

Milestones and Witness

Archbishop Nkwande has been an ardent advocate of Catholic values, championing the dignity of human life, social justice, and evangelization:

• In 2020, he celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination, reflecting on 25 years of service to Christ and His Church.
• He has spoken boldly against ideologies that undermine African cultural and Christian values, denouncing such influences as “missionaries of evil” while upholding the sanctity of marriage, family, and life.
• In October 2024, he called on the faithful of Tanzania to give thanks for 60 years of independence and to recognize the hand of God in the nation’s development.

Pastoral Vision

With a heart for the people of God, Archbishop Nkwande continues to guide the Archdiocese of Mwanza in fidelity to the Gospel, inspired by the teachings of the Magisterium, and dedicated to the salvation of souls. Through his ministry, he emphasizes prayer, catechesis, and sacramental life as central to the mission of the Church.

Archbishop Renatus Leonard Nkwande remains a steadfast servant of Christ, striving to build a Church that is vibrant in faith, deeply rooted in charity, and firmly grounded in the traditions of the Catholic Church.

Jude Thadaeus Ruwa'ichi, OFMCap (born 30 January 1954) is a Tanzanian prelate of the Catholic Church and has served as the Archbishop of Dar-es-Salaam since 15 August 2019. A member of the Capuchin Order, he has been a bishop since 1998.

Biography

Jude Thaddeus Ruwa'ichi was born on 30 January 1954 in Mulo-Kilema, within the Diocese of Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. He joined the Capuchins and was ordained a priest on 25 November 1981. Within the order, he served as a member of the General Definitorium, its governing body.

On 9 February 1999, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Mbulu. He received his episcopal consecration on 16 May 1999, with Archbishop Polycarp Pengo as the principal consecrator. On 15 January 2005, Pope John Paul II appointed him Archbishop of Dodoma.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Mwanza on 10 November 2010. In 2014, he participated in the launch of a program focused on preventing and treating HIV, in conjunction with combating discrimination against people living with HIV. The initiative involved partnerships with government agencies and was funded by NGOs. Between 2013 and 2015, he also served as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shinyanga.

On 21 June 2018, Pope Francis appointed Ruwa'ichi as the Archbishop Coadjutor of Dar-es-Salaam. He succeeded Cardinal Polycarp Pengo as Archbishop upon the latter's retirement on 15 August 2019.

In March 2019, Archbishop Ruwa'ichi announced a partnership with private insurers to extend life insurance alongside existing health insurance schemes. He urged these insurers to introduce education insurance plans, enabling families to finance education with less reliance on sponsors and patrons.

From 2006 to 2012, he served as President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference. An advocate of the Small Christian Communities movement, Archbishop Ruwa'ichi has championed grassroots evangelization and community building within the Church.