Bishop Keshomshahara Launches 12 Vehicles to Strengthen ELCT-NWD Ministry

The Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) North Western Diocese (NWD), Dr. Abednego Keshomshahara, has launched and handed 12 new vehicles to pastors, diocesan departments, Church District, and school in a ceremony held on May 21, 2026, at ELCT Bukoba Hotel grounds in Bukoba Municipal, Kagera Region.

The vehicles include eight cars for pastors, two Toyota Land Cruiser Hardtop 70 Series vehicles for the Eastern and Western Church District, one Toyota Hilux for the 'Malezi' Department, and one Tata Marcopolo school bus for Kibeta ELCT English Medium Primary School (KEMPS).

Speaking during the launch, Bishop Keshomshahara emphasized the importance of transportation in supporting God’s mission, urging all beneficiaries to use and maintain the vehicles responsibly for evangelism, education, and community development.

ELCT-NWD General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Elmereck Kigembe, said the pastors’ vehicles were purchased through a special pastors’ fund supported by monthly contributions and other diocesan income sources. He added that nearly half of the diocese’s pastors now own ministry vehicles.

Former General Secretary Mr. Johansen Lutabingwa described the event as historic, noting that the diocese had never before handed over such a large number of vehicles at once.

The KEMPS school bus was funded through school contributions and support from friends of the diocese in the United States, while the ‘Malezi’ Department vehicle received support from United Evangelical Mission (UEM) and ELCT-NWD women.

The initiative is seen as a major step toward strengthening ministry, Christian education, and social services within ELCT North Western Diocese.