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Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala
July 20, 2026
The first three people to speak with Mwanakwetu that day were Yasin (Mjita), a motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) rider; Abdul-Ratif (Mhaya); and Fidelis (Muha).
Yasin introduced himself as a BAKWATA ward-level leader. Abdul-Ratif said he was an ordinary Muslim, while Fidelis introduced himself as a member of the Lay Council in a Catholic parish in Tanzania.
As the journey began, Yasin remarked:
"Considering the kind of person Sheikh Walid is, he deserved a much higher position within BAKWATA. He was more than just the Sheikh of Dar es Salaam."
Those were the first words Mwanakwetu heard as he climbed onto the motorcycle.
A few moments later, Abdul-Ratif added:
"You know, the lady accusing Sheikh Walid is difficult to understand. Whenever she speaks, she often looks down. I believe there are still many unanswered questions that need clarification."
Mwanakwetu neither agreed nor disagreed. Instead, he asked:
"So, are you saying that Sheikh Walid is now being defended by unbelievers? That he is being defended by people who wear the cross?"
Abdul-Ratif replied:
"Does discovering the truth require someone to belong to a particular religion? Truth is truth. What surprises me is that some religious leaders preach love but fail to demonstrate it. They preach forgiveness, yet they do not forgive. They preach generosity, yet they do not give. It is far easier to preach than to live what you preach."
Fidelis nodded in agreement.
"That's true. Sometimes we preach forgiveness, but when we ourselves are offended, we find it difficult to forgive."
Mwanakwetu smiled gently before saying:
"Let me tell you a true story."
The two men fell silent and listened attentively.
Mwanakwetu began:
"In the early years of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, there was a European bishop named Edgar Maranta. Later, an Auxiliary Bishop, Elias Mchonde, was appointed. Many Catholics at that time—including members of the Makwega family—believed that Bishop Mchonde would become the first Tanzanian Archbishop of Dar es Salaam.
But events unfolded differently. Bishop Mchonde was appointed the first Bishop of Mahenge Diocese. Later, Cardinal Laurean Rugambwa, who had served as Bishop of Rutabo and had already been made a Cardinal in 1960, was transferred to the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam on December 19, 1968.
Despite earlier expectations, Catholics in Dar es Salaam warmly welcomed Cardinal Rugambwa, a native of Kagera and an expert in Canon Law."
Mwanakwetu continued:
"Toward the end of his ministry, Cardinal Rugambwa established a congregation of Little Sisters. Many young women from Dar es Salaam joined the congregation after completing primary school and continued their education within religious life.
Among them was a young woman from a family closely connected to those who had welcomed Cardinal Rugambwa. She joined the congregation around 1989 while she was still very young.
However, in 2006 she was sent back home after being accused of violating the congregation's rules. She had left home as a young girl but returned as a grown woman."
Mwanakwetu looked at his listeners before continuing:
"Imagine this. She returns home to find that her younger siblings' children are already adults. Her older brothers' children are adults too. Where does she begin her life again?"
Fidelis and Abdul-Ratif remained silent, listening carefully.
Mwanakwetu went on:
"The family gathered together. Without regard to religion or denomination, they held a meeting in their late father's family home.
The chairperson of the meeting said:
'We already divided the family inheritance years ago. We believed our sister's inheritance was her religious vocation. Now she has returned home. What shall we do for her?'"
The discussion was thorough.
Some relatives criticized religious leaders. Others said:
"Sometimes religious leaders make decisions as though they can never be wrong. Even when you ask for forgiveness, they find it difficult to forgive."
After a long discussion, several proposals were made.
In the end, instead of selling the family house, the relatives agreed to contribute money so their sister could buy land and begin farming.
And that is exactly what happened.
Regardless of their religious backgrounds—Muslims, Catholics, Pentecostals, and Seventh-day Adventists—every family member made a contribution.
Today, more than twenty years later, the woman continues to earn her living through fruit farming. She never married and never had children, but she was never abandoned. Her family stood by her.
Mwanakwetu looked once more at Abdul-Ratif and Fidelis before saying:
"The reason many Tanzanians are discussing Sheikh Walid's case is that they see him as one of their own. Humanity does not choose a religion. Today you may stand up for a Muslim; tomorrow you may stand up for a Christian. Justice and compassion know no religious boundaries."
The three men laughed together.
Suddenly, a voice called out:
"Fidelis! Abdul-Ratif! Please come over here!"
The two men left.
Mwanakwetu remained behind, picked up his bag, and continued with the day's work.
What Is Mwanakwetu Saying Today?
Do not rush to pass judgment. Listen to every side of the story and rely on evidence rather than emotion or rumor.
Humanity should rise above religious differences. Justice, compassion, and solidarity are values that belong to everyone, regardless of faith.
Family is the strongest pillar in times of hardship. Whenever possible, relatives should stand together to support those facing difficult moments instead of abandoning them.
Religious leaders and institutions should strive to live according to the values they preach. Love, forgiveness, and justice should be reflected in actions, not merely in words.
Respectful dialogue is always better than hatred. Differences in opinion should never become reasons for division.
Above all, humanity, justice, compassion, and unity should take precedence over religious differences. Equally important, decisions concerning serious allegations should be based on credible evidence rather than emotion or speculation.
Mwanakwetu, are you there? Remember.
"The Story That Made Muslims and Christians Reflect Together."
Have a wonderful day.
Adeladius Makwega
📞 +255 717 764 925
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