DEPUTY Prime Minister and Energy Minister Dr. Doto Biteko has urged Christians to pray for continued peace, unity and stability as the country heads towards the General Election in October this year.

Dr. Biteko made the remarks yesterday while attending Easter Sunday service at the African Inland Church (AIC) Makongoro in Mwanza.

“This is an election year, and it comes with processes such as voter registration, candidate nomination, voting, counting and announcement of results. On behalf of the government, I encourage members of AICT and all eligible citizens with a genuine desire to lead to come forward and contest. Those with true intent should help uplift others,” he said.

 Alongside encouraging participation, he called on believers to keep the nation in their prayers before, during, and after the elections. “Let us contest to serve our country, and when the campaign season begins, let’s continue to pray for peace,” he added.

 Dr. Biteko reminded the congregation of the strong foundation of peace laid by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and other national leaders, stressing that Tanzania is globally recognized as a beacon of peace. 

“Today’s sermon reminded us that it was God’s purpose for Jesus to rise again. We thank God for this day—for giving us life and allowing us as a church community to gather and worship together,” he said.

 Dr. Biteko also encouraged the faithful by saying the resurrection of Jesus symbolizes victory, adding that just as Christ triumphed over death, they too will succeed in completing the construction of their church building, which is still underway.

 Archbishop Musa Masanja Magwesela of AIC urged believers to use the resurrection of Jesus as an opportunity for personal transformation. Earlier in the service, guest preacher Pastor Stephen Kilel from the AIC in Turkana, Kenya, said the resurrection of Jesus is a powerful event that affirms the strength of Christian faith.

 “Some people still doubt whether Jesus truly rose again. But we know that this resurrection gives us profound hope—it shows that life does not end with physical death. The resurrection empowers us to boldly proclaim the good news,” he said.