The Catholic Diocese of Kahama was officially erected on November 11, 1983, having been carved out of the then Diocese (now Archdiocese) of Tabora. The first bishop of Kahama was Most Rev. Matthew Shija, who laid the foundation for the spiritual, pastoral, and administrative life of the new diocese. Under his leadership, the diocese began organizing parishes, schools, and missionary activities, setting the stage for ongoing evangelization in the region
Evangelization in the Diocese of Kahama has been a dynamic and continuous effort. Rooted in the missionary work of early evangelizers such as the White Fathers, the Church has gradually extended its presence across the vast and often rural region. Priests, religious sisters and brothers, and catechists have worked tirelessly to reach communities through parish formation, small Christian communities (SCCs), and local missions.
The diocese faces the challenge of ministering to widely scattered populations, yet the commitment to spreading the Gospel remains strong. Beyond sacramental ministry, evangelization includes promoting education, healthcare, and social development. Schools, health centers, and charitable projects have become essential tools for sharing the message of Christ while addressing human needs.
In recent years, the establishment of the Holy Family National Major Seminary at Mwendakulima has strengthened the diocese’s capacity to train priests and pastoral leaders for both local and regional ministry. Through these efforts, the Diocese of Kahama continues to grow as a vibrant faith community, bearing witness to the Gospel, nurturing vocations, and fostering holistic human and spiritual development across Shinyanga and beyond.
1. Most Rev. Matthew Shija – Served from November 11, 1983 to April 24, 2001 (First Bishop of Kahama).
2. Most Rev. Ludovick Joseph Minde, ALCP/OSS – Served from April 24, 2001 to December 2, 2019 (Later appointed Bishop of Moshi).
3. Rt. Rev. Christopher Ndizeye Nkoronko – Appointed June 23, 2022, and currently serving as the Bishop of Kahama.
The Catholic Diocese of Kahama is located in the town of Kahama, within the Shinyanga Region of Tanzania. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Tabora, under the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tabora. The diocese covers an approximate area of 19,946 square kilometers.
It serves a population of about 3.6 million people, of whom approximately 723,000 are Catholics, representing around 20% of the total population. The diocese continues to grow through pastoral outreach, education, and community development
