The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Creates its First Stake in Tanzania

After waiting with patience and faith, finally, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tanzania received with gratitude and joy the creation of the first Stake in Tanzania where the Church was officially registered on October 8, 1992.

The Church has now established the Dar es Salaam Tanzania Stake, formed from the Dar es Salaam Tanzania District. This new Stake, created on January 26, 2025, by Elder Paul B. Pieper, the first counselor in the Africa Central Area Presidency, and Elder George K. Munene, an Area Seventy, comprises five wards: Ubungo Ward, Mbezi Beach Ward, Kinondoni Ward, Oysterbay Ward, Tabata Ward, and five branches: Bunju Branch, Tegeta Branch, Salasala Branch, Segerea Branch, and Kimara Branch.

Juventus Mwesiga Rubona, a Human Resource Manager at a private company in Dar es Salaam, was called and sustained as the new Stake President and was accompanied by his wife, Lulu Mpoleza Rubona. Serving as the First Counselor is Joel Wilson Onditi, who works in the security department at an embassy in Dar es Salaam, accompanied by his wife, Nisile Batengas Onditi. The Second Counselor, Alfred Regnatus Henerico, is employed in the Transport and Logistics Department at one of the High Commissions in Dar es Salaam and was accompanied by his wife, Herieth Omary Luhwavi.

President Rubona expressed profound gratitude to the saints in Dar es Salaam, his counselors, and mission leaders for their unwavering efforts. "We now have a place of refuge where we can seek peace and safety in our lives," he said. Speaking after the sustaining, Elder George Munene, an Area Seventy, emphasized the transformative power of missionary work, encouraging members to invite others to experience the blessings of the restored gospel.

In hindsight, Elder Laurian P. Balilemwa, now serving as an Area Seventy, was the pioneering District President of Tanzania's first district, the Dar es Salaam Tanzania District, which was established on December 5, 2005, with just four branches. Reflecting on the creation of the new Stake, he expressed profound joy and faith, stating, "I am so happy and joyful to see this happening now. One lesson I have learned is that no one can go ahead of the Lord’s timing. Through our natural eyes and wisdom, we felt we were ready a long time ago."

Elder Pieper, the concluding speaker, shared a personal note as the event coincided with his mother's 95th birthday. Addressing over 1,200 members and friends gathered at the Mlimani City Social Hall, he affirmed, "God’s plan of happiness is perfect to help us return to His presence. I testify that the children in this country will someday see the temple and participate in its ordinances."

With a population of 8 million people in Dar es Salaam, the creation of the Stake is seen as a catalyst for further growth, with members optimistic about the establishment of more Stakes in the coming years. Each stake of the church is made up of several wards or branches and is analogous to a diocese.