MINISTER for Finance, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, yesterday led a significant fundraising event for the Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) in Singida, calling for national unity and solidarity ahead of the October General Election.

Addressing hundreds of congregants, government officials, and stakeholders at the Immanuel Cathedral, Dr Nchemba emphasised that development transcends political parties and ideologies, urging Tanzanians not to allow political differences to divide them.

"Let us continue to cooperate to accelerate our development, which is the most important thing in our lives," Dr Nchemba stated, stressing that politics should instead be a tool to strengthen peace and love for the nation's prosperity.

The minister also took the opportunity to commend President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her extensive work in fostering national development. He highlighted various projects across all sectors that benefit citizens regardless of their political or religious affiliations. Furthermore, Dr Nchemba praised the ELCT for its significant investments in education and health, acknowledging these services as a "lifeline" for many Tanzanians and affirming the crucial contribution of religious institutions to community development.

Bishop Dr Alex Malasusa, the head of ELCT in Tanzania, echoed the call for unity, emphasising the importance of living in peace, love, and forgiveness. He firmly stated that insults and mockery are not part of Tanzanian culture. "Let us forgive so that we may be forgiven," Bishop Malasusa urged. "The church is part of the solution to community challenges, not a place to trouble the government, but to cooperate in strengthening the foundations of faith and development."

The fundraising event, aimed at securing funds for various church and community projects, saw an impressive 980 million/- collected on the spot. Dr Nchemba and his associates pledged to cover the remaining amount to reach the ambitious 1.2 billion/- target.

Notable contributions included 50 million/-   from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, 10 million/- from Bishop Malasusa, and 17.3 million/- from Singida Regional Commissioner Halima Dendego. 

Congregants from the Diocese's 16 parishes also demonstrated strong solidarity through their collective contributions, underscoring the community's commitment to the church's development initiatives.