Tanzania: Five Officials Suspended Over Harsh Penalties on Farmers In Shinyanga

By Adonis Byemelwa

Shinyanga, Tanzania – In a dramatic move, the Minister of State in the President's Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mohammed Mchengerwa, has suspended five employees from the Msalala District Council to allow investigations into allegations of imposing severe penalties on farmers during tax collection.

This bold directive comes on the heels of an order from Parliament Speaker, Dr. Tulia Ackson, demanding the government address serious complaints raised by Msalala MP, Kassim Iddi Kassim. On May 9, 2024, Kassim Iddi alleged in Parliament that local government authorities were illegally charging produce taxes directly on farms and that those who failed to pay were subjected to brutal punishments and beatings by Msalala District Council officers.

Reacting swiftly, Mchengerwa revealed that the Kahama District Commissioner received reports of the incident on May 6, 2024. By 11:00 PM that night, police had arrested all the accused. "On May 7, 2024, at 11:00 PM, the suspects were released on bail," he reported.

The individuals arrested were Riston Said, Salehe Hassan, Michael Likomawagi, Francis Mlay, and Kassim Rweikiza. The main suspect, a driver for the council’s task force vehicle, had already been suspended by the council director. "I advised the director to suspend all five to facilitate a thorough police investigation," Mchengerwa added.

In his statement, Mchengerwa clarified that produce taxes are levied according to the Local Government Finance Act, with agricultural products being a significant revenue source for various local authorities. According to the law, this tax is set at three percent of the farm-gate purchase price for both food and commercial crops, payable by the buyer at the purchase site.

He emphasized that farmers transporting less than one ton of produce should not be charged this tax. "I urge regional commissioners, regional administrative secretaries, district commissioners, and directors of local government authorities to enforce this law fairly, balancing the interests of both buyers and local councils," Mchengerwa said.

Stressing the importance of adhering to legal principles, Mchengerwa called on businesses to recognize their obligation to pay legally mandated taxes. "Regions and districts should continue educating businesses on the laws and guidelines for produce tax collection to ensure mutual understanding during implementation," he added. He issued a stern warning that the government will not tolerate any legal violations and that strict measures will be taken against any officials who breach legal procedures in tax collection.

The swift and decisive action by Mchengerwa highlights the government's commitment to enforcing the law and protecting citizens from abuse. This move not only aims to rectify the immediate issue but also sends a clear message about the importance of accountability and adherence to legal standards in public service.