Tanzania:PM Tour Exposes Corruption Challenges and Sparks Calls for Swift Action Against Ill-Gotten Gains

By Adonis Byemelwa

Mara. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa's recent five-day tour of Tanzania's Mara Region, spanning from February 25 to February 29, 2025, marked a crucial step in the government's commitment to addressing challenges, inaugurating key projects, and engaging with local communities.

The tour not only highlighted the pressing issues within the region but also showcased the Prime Minister's proactive stance against corruption and mismanagement in public projects.

The journey commenced with a warm reception at the Small State House in Musoma, where Prime Minister Majaliwa received a briefing from Regional Commissioner Said Mohamed Mtanda. This set the tone for a tour that would cover various districts, including Bunda and Butiama, emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement.

A significant aspect of the tour was the Prime Minister's directive to the Mara Regional Police Commander, Salum Morcase, to intensify efforts in investigating an abduction case lingering since September 10, 2023. The directive was issued during a public meeting, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing citizens' concerns and ensuring justice.

Moving to the Bunda District, Prime Minister Majaliwa actively engaged with citizens in the Mariwanda area. He inspected the Sabasita Primary School and laid the foundation stone for the Mara Region Girls' Secondary School in the Bunda District Council, emphasizing the government's dedication to education and infrastructure development. The inauguration of the Sazira water project further underscored the importance of essential infrastructure for local communities.

In Butiama, the birthplace and burial site of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the Father of the Nation, the Prime Minister conveyed the government's intention to transform Nyerere's residence into a tourism center. This initiative aligns with preserving national heritage and boosting tourism, with plans to improve accessibility for tourists through enhanced road networks.

Addressing corruption concerns took center stage as Prime Minister Majaliwa issued directives to the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to investigate financial mismanagement in Bunda Rural. Emphasizing transparency in government fund utilization, he urged Tanzanians to be vigilant guardians of development projects.

During a meeting with Bunda Town and Bunda District Council employees, the Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the misuse of funds and criticized the council's oversight of development projects. Transparent and accountable use of government funds became a key focal point, ensuring effective service delivery to the citizens.

The tour's climax featured Prime Minister Majaliwa inspecting the construction progress of the Mara Region Girls' Secondary School in Buramba, Bunda District. Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of oversight and rampant theft in public projects, he urged local leaders to take immediate action against corruption. This bold stance reflects the government's determination to ensure transparency and accountability in public administration.

As Tanzania advances on its developmental journey, the Prime Minister's tour underscored the vital role of citizens in safeguarding public resources and ensuring the success of development projects nationwide. The issues raised during the tour highlight the government's dedication to addressing challenges and propelling the country forward.

In addressing dissatisfaction with local authorities, Prime Minister Majaliwa's concerns resonated with charismatic politician and Chadema member Tundu Lissu. Lissu pointed out the undermining of the Tanzanian government and the demand for a new constitution, attributing it to the usurpation of people's power by officials following orders from above. Drawing a comparison with Belgium, Lissu highlighted the need for local governments to have the power to decide their affairs.

General Ulimwengu, a veteran journalist, criticized government leaders for perpetuating lies during the Prime Minister's visits. He emphasized the importance of leaders chosen by the people and criticized the colonial-era administration, calling for a shift in the current constitution that grants dictatorial powers to the president.

Challenges in combating corruption were acknowledged, with President Samia's admission of officials indulging in corruption. Accusations against the Prime Minister himself were addressed, denying ownership of a luxury hotel and emphasizing the need for a fair investigation.

The widespread corruption at the local government level, described as distressing and repulsive, has created a scenario where every leader seemingly seeks personal gain. Professor Patrice Lumumba, a political and legal expert, highlighted the youth's fear of being arrested for corruption, indicating a troubling trend where corruption becomes an alternative path to economic progress.

The Prime Minister's consistent raising of corruption allegations, where suspects often evade consequences, has led the public to perceive official tours as theatrical performances, wasting public funds. This highlights the urgency for concrete actions and systemic changes to curb corruption and enhance transparency.

In retrospect, the Fifth Phase Government under the leadership of President Magufuli demonstrated a resolute commitment to uprooting corruption by taking decisive actions, akin to ripping boils out at their roots. There were instances of removing individuals accused of malfeasance from their positions, sending a strong message against corruption.

However, the current scenario during Prime Minister Majaliwa's tour presents a different narrative. While he actively mounts operations against swindlers, the lack of cooperation from some quarters creates a challenging and somewhat unrealistic situation. As the drama unfolds, corrupt individuals seemingly remain untouched, comfortably enjoying the proceeds of their ill-gotten gains, setting up projects, and constructing mansions with an air of nonchalance.

In light of this, there arises a poignant call for a robust government response, echoing the need to repossess the wealth amassed through corrupt means. Such actions would not only act as a deterrent against future corruption but also serve as a stark reminder that ill-gotten gains will not go unpunished. As Tanzania continues its developmental journey, a united effort is crucial to fostering a prosperous nation, where transparency, accountability, and swift justice prevail over the forces of corruption.