ELCT Karagwe Diocese

The Karagwe Diocese (KAD) is one of the 28 dioceses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT). Originally part of the North Western Diocese, KAD gained independence in 1979. On January 7, 2019, KAD celebrated its 40th anniversary, highlighting its long-standing contributions to spiritual, social, and economic aspects of the community.

Situated in the northwestern region of Tanzania, KAD borders Uganda to the north and Rwanda to the west. It covers the Karagwe, Kyerwa, and Ngara governmental districts, known for their mountainous terrain with elevations between 900 and 1835 meters above sea level. The region experiences two rainy seasons (September-December and February-May) with an annual average rainfall of about 1000 mm. The vegetation ranges from dense equatorial forests to savannah and grasslands, reflecting the diverse environmental conditions.

The economy of Karagwe, Kyerwa, and Ngara districts is primarily agricultural, with approximately 96% of the population engaged in subsistence farming. Major food crops include bananas, potatoes, cassava, maize, and millet, which are mostly consumed locally. Coffee is the principal cash crop, though its fluctuating market prices pose economic challenges for local farmers.