Bishop: This is Why I Took Escrow Cash

AJIRA ZA UHAKIKA NJE NJE, BONYEZA HAPA

Auxiliary Bishop of Dar es Salaam Eusebius Nzigilwa yesterday finally spoke out on the money he received from the owner of VIP Engineering and Marketing Limited, Mr James Rugemalira, saying the cash was an offering for the church he leads.

Bishop Nzigilwa and Bukoba Diocese Auxiliary Bishop Methodius Kilaini received Sh40 million and Sh80 million, respectively, from Mr Rugemalira, a former minority shareholder in Independent Power Tanzania Limited (IPTL).

The money was transferred to the bishops’ accounts at the Mkombozi Commercial Bank, which is operated by the Catholic Church.

Yesterday, the bishop, who last week promised he would in due course clarify the matter, yesterday said the money was offered and accepted in good faith.

He said Mr Rugemalira is a Catholic who has been supporting and participating in various church development projects.

The businessman, he explained, was among worshippers who have been dearly supporting the church.

“The church comprises the Holy Spirit and is run courtesy of various offerings from worshippers. Now when a worshipper gives an offertory to the church, that is a very normal practice,” argued Bishop Nzigilwa.

The church supremo said he knew Mr Rugemalira from as far back as 2008, when he (the reverend) was posted to Makongo Juu Roman Catholic Parish, noting that the businessman was a resident in the area, and attended Sunday services at the Virgin Mary Parish.

He revealed that the Makongo Juu Parish had a project to construct houses for priests and that Mr Rugemalira and other members of the congregation participated fully in the implementation of the project.

“I can say that he was one of the most generous contributors to the construction of priests’ houses at Makongo Juu’s Virgin Mary Parish,” he said.

He added that since then, the man remained a good and close friend, even after he (the reverend) was appointed auxiliary bishop. “He also remained a good worshipper and an associate of mine even after I was relocated from Makongo Juu Virgin Mary Parish,” said Bishop Nzigilwa.

Elaborating on the deposit of the money, Bishop Nzigilwa said that on February 27, 2014, Mr Rugemalira called him and asked for his Mkombozi Commercial Bank account number so that he can give his offertory to the church.
“I gave him the number, and I didn’t even know how much he was going to deposit in the account,” he said.

He revealed that after checking the balance in his account, he found that some Sh40.4 million has been deposited. According to Bishop Nzigilwa, he made a call to thank the businessman for the support.

“It is obvious to all that Mr Rugemalira owns and runs big businesses in accordance with the law… that way, no one would harbour doubts when he gives such an amount of money,” he reasoned.

He added that ever since he received the cash, no authority has raised queries with him, and urged other wananchi to continue supporting the church so that it continues to fulfil its mission of preaching the Word and bringing positive changes to the society.

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