The Ha people, also known as Waha or Abaha, are a Bantu-speaking ethnic group located in northwestern Tanzania, primarily in the Kigoma Region near Lake Tanganyika. Their language, Ha (Kiha), is part of the Niger-Congo language family and is closely related to Kirundi and Kinyarwanda, spoken in neighboring Burundi and Rwanda.Historically, the Ha lived in a region they call Buha, which was divided into several small kingdoms such as Buyunga, Muhambwe, Heru, Luguru (Kunkanda), Bushingo, and Bujiji (Nkalinzi). These kingdoms shared a common language and culture. The Ha have a long history of interaction with Tutsi pastoralists, who settled among them in the 18th century and often held aristocratic roles.
The Ha are primarily subsistence farmers, cultivating sorghum, millet, maize, cassava, yams, and peanuts. In areas with fewer tsetse flies, they also raise cattle, goats, and other livestock, which are highly valued and used in marriage exchanges. In regions where livestock is difficult to maintain, the Ha engage in hunting and honey gathering.They live in dispersed homesteads, typically organized around extended families of related males. Their society is patrilineal, and cultural traditions include music, dance, and the wearing of Kitindi—coiled copper bracelets worn by women.
The Ha traditionally practice animism, with a belief in Imana, a supreme creator deity. They also venerate ancestors and believe in nature spirits that inhabit fields, forests, and water sources. Ancestral shrines and rituals are central to their spiritual life.Today, a little more than half of the Ha identify as Christians. Denominations include Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Pentecostal, and Seventh-day Adventist churches. Almost a quarter of them are Muslim and there is still a sizable minority that only follows traditional religion. Syncretism—the blending of traditional beliefs with Christianity or Islam—is common.
The Ha people need deeper discipleship and biblical teaching. Many Christians lack access to sound theological resources and training. While some Bible resources exist in Kiha, full engagement with Scripture is limited. Many pastors serve in rural areas with little support or training. Holistic outreach is important. Access to education, healthcare, and clean water remains limited in many Ha communities.
Pray for the spiritual renewal of the Ha people and for a deeper commitment to biblical faith.Pray that soon Ha Christians will be used by God to disciple Muslims.Pray for the translation and distribution of the full Bible in the Ha language.Intercede for the breaking of spiritual strongholds, including fear-based rituals and ancestor worship.Pray for unity among churches and for collaborative efforts to reach the next generation.
Scripture Prayers for the Ha in Tanzania.
AI generated by CopilotWikipedia – Ha PeopleBritannica – Ha Ethnic Group
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
