Tanzania’s Controversial Bill Sparks Outcry Over Unprecedented Benefits for Retired Political Leaders’ Spouses.

By Adonis Byemelwa

In an unexpected twist following the passing of the second-phase President Mwinyi, who, by Islamic laws, had two wives, Tanzanian parliamentarians approved the contentious Fourth Miscellaneous Amendments Bill. This move has ignited a storm of public outrage, as it paves the way for spouses of retired political leaders to receive unprecedented benefits.

The decision not only raises eyebrows about the government's priorities but also casts a spotlight on the broader implications of these amendments in a nation grappling with socio-economic challenges.

The bill introduces allowances for the spouses of retired Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Prime Ministers, but its implications on taxpayers and the glaring socio-economic disparities in the country are causing a stir.

The proposed changes come a week after the passing of heavy political leaders Edward Lowassa and Ali Hassan Mwinyi, with rumors circulating on social media about the burden on taxpayers. While Lowassa's wife remains distant from the proposed bill, questions arise about the stark contrast between the lives of political elites and the struggles faced by the majority of Tanzanians living in extreme poverty.

The roots of this controversy trace back to a proposition by Mama Salma Kikwete, the Member of Parliament for Mchinga, last year. Initially perceived as a joke, Mama Salma's suggestion for a law providing benefits to the spouses of top leaders has now become a reality, leaving citizens questioning the necessity of such privileges, especially when millions in the country live below the poverty line.

The bill extends the existing law, allowing retired top leaders to enjoy benefits such as the construction of houses using public funds. However, the focus has shifted to the spouses of these leaders, who are now entitled to substantial benefits even after their partners leave office or pass away.

The proposed changes behind these motivations are causing eyebrows to rise, leaving tongues wagging as citizens demand answers. What purpose do these benefits for spouses serve? Why are the spouses of the president, vice president, and prime minister entitled to such extensive services and staff? Is it a token of appreciation for marriage, and why exactly are they granted 25% benefits?

In a country where nearly 26 million people live in extreme poverty, with the poverty threshold set at $1.90 a day, the resistance to emulate countries like Kenya or Namibia, where spouses receive salaries and benefits, is strong. Tanzanians are questioning the wisdom of adopting practices that may not align with their context, especially when the majority of the population struggles to make ends meet.

The beneficiaries of this proposed bill include the spouses of past Tanzanian Presidents, with Maria Nyerere, Sitti and Khadija Mwinyi, Anna Mkapa, Salma Kikwete, Janeth Magufuli, and Hafidh Ameir among those mentioned. Recent actions by President Samia, such as handing over a house to retired President Jakaya Kikwete and presenting a Mercedes-Benz car to the late President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, have further fueled discussions on social media.

President Samia has indicated that the review of the law aims to ensure that retired leaders and their widows are adequately taken care of. Legal experts suggest that upcoming amendments should explicitly state the type of benefits leaders will receive, considering factors like age or specific needs, to avoid leaving such decisions solely to the sitting President.

The existing Political Service Retirement Benefits Act of 1999, amended in 2005, stipulates that retired Presidents receive lump sum benefits at the end of their term, calculated based on the highest salary they received during their months of service. The ongoing review is expected to address issues related to the care of retired leaders, particularly widows left behind.

According to the proposed changes, spouses will receive 60% of the current President's salary each month, along with a lump sum payment of 25% of the total salary the President received throughout their term upon retirement. Additional benefits include ownership of the residence provided to the President, a monthly maintenance allowance, medical treatment funded by the government, two vehicles with drivers, and more.

By The Political Service Retirement Benefits Act [CAP. 225], spouses of sitting Presidents are set to enjoy substantial benefits. Each month, they are entitled to 60% of the current President's salary, translating to TZS 30,000,000 if the sitting President receives TZS 50,000,000.

Upon the President's retirement, the spouse(s) will receive a lump sum amounting to 25% of the President's total earnings during their tenure. For instance, if a President served for a decade, receiving a total of TZS 4,000,000,000, the spouse will be granted a one-time payment of TZS 1,000,000,000.

Beyond financial perks, the Act bestows additional privileges upon the six spouses of the Presidents of the United Republic of Tanzania. Notably, any residence provided to the President post-retirement becomes the legal property of the spouse after the President's passing.

In a comprehensive package, the spouses will also receive a monthly maintenance allowance equivalent to 60% of the sitting President's salary. Moreover, medical expenses, both within and outside Tanzania, will be covered by the government.

As an added benefit, the widow or widower of a retired President is entitled to two vehicles and two drivers for their daily activities, with the government covering the fuel costs. This legislation aims to ensure sustained well-being and support for the spouses of former Presidents throughout their lives.

The controversial bill, part of the Fourth Miscellaneous Amendments Bill, has ignited debates in the parliament and beyond. Speaker of the Parliament Dr. Tulia emphasized the need for clarity, stating that an individual cannot receive two payments simultaneously from the government. He raised concerns about potential scenarios where all leaders could have spouses entitled to benefits simultaneously, highlighting the importance of specifying eligibility criteria.

Dr. Tulia recommended considering the duration of a leader's service and suggested a minimum period for leaders to qualify for specific benefits, promoting transparency and fairness.

She stressed the importance of reviewing standard benefits, taking into account the length of leaders' service, to avoid situations where those serving for a short period receive the same benefits as those serving for an extended period.

The Attorney General, Dr. Eliezer Feleshi, presented the bill, outlining amendments to the Public Service Law and addressing benefits for retired leaders' spouses. The proposed changes affect ten laws, including the Judges' Pensions and Benefits Act, the Political Officeholders Retirement Benefits Act, the Public Service Act, and the Tanzania Investment Authority Act.

As Tanzanians navigate the implications of these amendments, a cloud of controversy hovers over the benefits accorded to political leaders' spouses. The ongoing discourse transcends mere fiscal concerns, delving into the heart of societal disparities between the political elite and the daily struggles of the majority.

Against a backdrop of widespread poverty, the government's priorities face unprecedented scrutiny, with citizens fervently calling for a recalibration in the distribution of resources and benefits. This moment not only challenges the status quo but also beckons for a reevaluation of values, urging for a system that resonates with the principles of fairness and justice. In this chapter of Tanzania's narrative, the people's collective voice echoes a resounding plea for a future where the dividends of governance are equitably shared, promising a more inclusive and harmonious society for generations to come.