Tanzanian Prime Minister Resolves 51-Year Land Dispute Between Catholic Church and Local Farmer
May 21, 2026
A half-century-old land dispute between a Tanzanian farmer and the Roman Catholic Church has finally been settled, thanks to the intervention of Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba. The conflict, which had simmered for 51 years, involved Mtimhoo Parish in the Diocese of Moshi and Peter Morisi, a resident of Msaranga Village in Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region.
A Decades-Long Conflict
The disagreement dates back to the 1970s when Morisi claimed the Catholic Church had taken his land without adequate compensation. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Morisi received a payment of 3,935.50 Tanzanian shillings (approximately $1.70 at today’s exchange rate) in 1980, which he argued was far below the land’s true value. He was also given an alternative plot in Kirachi Sub-village, but the matter remained unresolved in his eyes.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, Morisi brought his grievance directly to Prime Minister Nchemba during a public rally in Rombo District on February 17, 2026. The PM immediately ordered a government team to investigate and mediate a resolution.
Government Intervention Brings Resolution
A specialized team from the Prime Minister’s Office traveled to Kilimanjaro Region, working alongside local authorities, village leaders, and representatives from the Catholic Diocese of Moshi. After reviewing documents and holding discussions with all parties, they concluded that reconciliation was the best path forward.
“The team facilitated dialogue between Morisi and the church, ensuring both sides were heard,” a government statement said. “After thorough examination, it was agreed that the matter should be resolved amicably to restore harmony in the community.”
A Win for Community Relations
The resolution marks the end of a dispute that had lingered for generations, affecting not just Morisi and the church but also the broader Msaranga Village community. Land conflicts are a common source of tension in Tanzania, often requiring high-level intervention to prevent escalation.
Prime Minister Nchemba’s swift action has been praised as a model for conflict resolution, demonstrating how government mediation can bridge divides between citizens and institutions.
What’s Next?
With the dispute now settled, the Catholic Church can proceed with its planned developments on the land, while Morisi retains his alternative plot. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of fair compensation and transparent land dealings in Tanzania.
— Reported by Nexio News
