The Northeast Diocese (NED) became independent under its president Waltenberg in 1959 who was elected as its first bishop in 1962. Later Sebastian Kolowa was elected bishop: he was very important for the United-in-Mission process in the UEM until his death. The church today has 135,738 members with 67 pastors, 136 evangelists and 5 deacons. It maintains several facilities that care for people with disabilities or who are ill: The Rainbow School for mentally handicapped children, the hospital for the mentally ill in Lutindi, the outpatient clinic for mental illness in Korogwe and the orphanage in Irente are just a few of them. In addition to practical care and treatment, the diocese's activities include advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities.