CATHOLICS INTRODUCED GRAPE CULTIVATION IN DODOMA

Adeladius Makwega – President’s Office, Department of Records and Archives Management, Dodoma

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dodoma, the Most Reverend Wilbroad Henry Kibozi, has expressed his gratitude to the faithful of Chamwino Ikulu Parish for their commendable work in promoting and strengthening the spiritual and physical well-being of humanity.

He encouraged them to continue loving the Church of God and persevering in good deeds so that they may continue to receive God’s blessings and, ultimately, each person may receive a reward for their good works.

Bishop Kibozi made these remarks at the Church of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Chamwino Ikulu Parish, in the Catholic Archdiocese of Dodoma, during the celebration of the 29th Sunday of Liturgical Year A. On that Sunday, he presided over all three Holy Masses celebrated at the parish.

Bishop Kibozi Encourages the Faithful to Participate in Church Activities

Speaking during the homily and concluding remarks of the first Mass, the Most Reverend Kibozi said:

“I am at Chamwino Parish to celebrate Holy Mass and welcome members of Rita wa Akashia. I would also like to inform you that the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam will be visiting the Catholic Archdiocese of Dodoma on Saturday, October 24, 2026, and Sunday, October 25, 2026. I encourage you to turn out in large numbers to welcome him because he was born in, and has roots in, this archdiocese.

“I ask the faithful to continue praying for the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, who had been hospitalized and whose condition is now improving.”

Continuing his address to the faithful, Bishop Kibozi reminded them that the 29th Sunday was Mission Sunday. He therefore encouraged them to recognize the importance of the Church’s missionary work and to continue participating in spreading the Gospel.

Chamwino Ikulu Parish Priest Highlights the Parish’s Achievements

For his part, the Parish Priest of Chamwino Ikulu, Father Mwaudama, expressed satisfaction with the spiritual life of the parish’s faithful. He noted that they had continued to participate in worship and receive the various sacraments of the Church.

Speaking during the Mass, he said:

“The faith of the people at Chamwino Parish has been good. The faithful attend all Masses and pray, receive all the sacraments, and observe the Church’s teachings appropriately, including those concerning marriage. Here, Bishop, you have heard the marriage banns announced; in total, we have 49 marriages.

The faithful contribute offerings, and their contributions have now increased. For example, we collect between five million and eleven million Tanzanian shillings per month. I want to state clearly in your presence that the faithful of this parish are doing well in their faith and in giving offerings.

Please convey our greetings to the Archbishop. We pray for all of you, and we also ask you to pray for us.”

The first Mass began at 6:00 a.m., and the church was filled with faithful who attended the service in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

The History of Catholicism and Grape Cultivation in Dodoma

The history of the Catholic Church in the Dodoma plains dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century, specifically 1907. According to government information, Catholic missionaries contributed to the introduction of grape cultivation in the area in 1938.

“The crop was first introduced on an experimental basis by Catholic missionaries at Bihawana Mission Centre in Dodoma. Subsequently, major government initiatives were undertaken to promote grape cultivation. In 1974, the Government of Tanzania, in collaboration with the Government of China, formalized the Bihawana Farmers Training Centre (BFTC) to train farmers in improved grape-growing techniques.

In 1978, the Agricultural Research Centre at TARI-Makutupora was established specifically to conduct research on different grape varieties.”

Grape Production and Its Value in Dodoma

Reported grape production figures for the Dodoma Region indicate the following annual output:

2021/2022: Approximately 10,000 tonnes.
2022/2023: Approximately 16,000 tonnes.
2023/2024: Approximately 14,000 tonnes.
2024/2025: Approximately 17,000 tonnes.

According to the information provided, one tonne of grapes can fetch more than €2,000 on the international market, while the price per kilogram ranges from approximately €1 to €2, depending on the quality of the grapes.

These figures highlight the potential economic value of grape cultivation. However, international export prices vary according to grape variety, quality, market conditions, packaging, and transportation costs.

Whenever readers see grape farms in the Dodoma Region, they are reminded of the historical relationship between the presence of the Catholic faith and the development of agriculture in the area.

Grape cultivation is among the agricultural activities contributing to the regional economy. In 2038, Tanzania will mark 100 years since the year identified as the beginning of grape cultivation in the country.

Bishops Who Have Led the Catholic Archdiocese of Dodoma

The history of leadership in the Catholic Archdiocese of Dodoma includes the following bishops, according to the information provided by the author:

Bishop Antony Jeremia Pesce (1953–1971).
Bishop Matthias Joseph Isuja (1972–2005).
Bishop Jude Thadaeus Ruwa’ichi (2005–2010).
Bishop Gervas John Nyaisonga (2011–2013).
Archbishop Beatus Kinyaiya (2014–2026, according to the author’s account).

Archbishop Beatus Kinyaiya has been assisted by Auxiliary Bishop Wilbroad Henry Kibozi, who was appointed in February 2024.

Bishop Kibozi visited Chamwino Ikulu Parish on October 18, 2026, and presided over Holy Mass at the parish.

Conclusion

The history of grape cultivation in Dodoma forms part of a broader account of religion, society, agriculture, and economic development in the region. Preserving and researching this history is important to ensure that future generations understand the contributions of different institutions and communities to Dodoma’s development.