By David Chikoko
More than Sh 70m was pledged at a special fundraiser for the construction of an iconic Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Cathedral in Arusha held on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The event was graced by the Arusha ELCT Bishop, His Eminence, Abel Godson Mollel and attended by the Prime Minister (PM), Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, who pledged Sh 50m as handshake from President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The PM himself pledged Sh 20m.
The Regional CCM Chairman, Mr Loy Ole Sabaya, pledged Sh 4m while the Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Amos Makalla committed Sh 3m, promising further to work hand-in-hand with the church to support the project.
The steering technical committee chairman, Mr Tumaniel Mbwambo said the total budget was estimated at around Sh 12 billion. Congregants have raised Sh 31m so far.
Mr Mbwambo said the church will accommodate 1,700 worshippers once completed, with offices and two basement floors for parking about 300 cars. It is slated to open its doors to believers in the next two years.
The church shall also have several translation booths as ELCT believes communion with God is best approached in the language that one understands best.
