Top clergyman mum on Sh40m escrow pay

Auxiliary Bishop of the Dar es Salaam Catholic Archdiocese, Rev Eusebius Nzigilwa 

By Alex Bitekeye,The Citizen Reporter

In Summary

• Mr Rugemalira is the former minority holder in Independent Power Tanzania Limited, which is embroiled in the Tegeta escrow account controversy.

Dar es Salaam. Auxiliary Bishop of the Dar es Salaam Catholic Archdiocese, Rev Eusebius Nzigilwa, yesterday declined to comment on his controversial Sh40.4 million he was given by Mr James Rugemalira.

Mr Rugemalira is the former minority holder in Independent Power Tanzania Limited, which is embroiled in the Tegeta escrow account controversy.

Speaking to reporters shortly after leading Christmas Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rev Nzigilwa said he would speak out on the matter at a later date.

“We are celebrating Christmas...let’s stick to this as I prepare an explanation about the issue you are interested in. I will give it to you once it is ready,” he said.

Rev Nzigilwa’s name appeared on the list of people who received billions of shillings from Mr Rugemalira through Mkombozi Commercial Bank.

Bishop Methodius Kilaini of Bukoba Diocese was also in the same list and received Sh80 million from the same businessman, according to documents produced in Parliament during the investigation of the escrow scandal that involved the fraudulent withdrawal of Sh306 billion from the central bank.

Earlier, Bishop Nzigilwa urged Tanzanians to use this holiday season in spreading love, peace and harmony.

“Because it is time to spread love, now ask yourself how you have spread love to make someone’s life worthwhile,” he said, adding that peace will always prevail when human beings listen to and obey God.

St Joseph’s Cathedral Parish Priest Fr Audax Kahasa told Tanzanians to fear God and pray that He guides them to elect leaders who fear God too-to lead them. “Those who fear God will not convince people to do evil things,” he said.

Rev Kahasa also advised Parents to closely check on the upbringing of their children instead of leaving everything in the hands of house maids. “Children are being tortured or growing up ill-mannered because parents leave everything concerning their children to house-maids,” he said.

He added that life is a gift, thus to treasure it parents should be near to their children, making sure that they are growing up in the right way