Posthumous Appointment Sparks Outcry: President Hassan’s Reshuffle Exposes Flaws in Vetting Process In Tanzania

By Adonis Byemelwa

In an unexpected twist, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s announcement on June 5, 2024, of a major government reshuffle has ignited widespread controversy. The changes, revealed on June 6 by Chief Secretary Dr. Moses Kusiluka, included the shocking appointment of Milton Lupa—a man who had tragically passed away just days earlier.

This startling revelation has cast a harsh spotlight on the vetting processes and administrative oversight at the highest levels of government. The appointment of Milton Lupa, who died in a car accident in Morogoro on June 2, 2024, has raised serious questions about the efficiency and reliability of the government’s vetting system.

Lupa, who had been recently appointed as Director of the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) Tanzania, was supposed to begin his new role shortly before his untimely death.

 Yet, his name appeared on a new selection list days after the fatal accident, triggering significant public outcry and scrutiny over the handling of such high-profile appointments.

This glaring mistake not only highlights flaws in the current vetting process but also underlines the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to prevent future embarrassments.

The incident has overshadowed other notable appointments, such as Ms. Zuhura Yunus being named Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (Labour, Youth, Employment, and the Disabled), and the transfer of Ms. Fatma Nyangasa from Kisarawe to Kondoa District.

Milton Lupa had a distinguished career trajectory: he served as the Director of the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), and then as the Director of the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA).

 Most recently, on Friday, May 31, 2024, he was appointed Director of the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) Tanzania.

On June 2, 2024, while traveling from Tanga to Dodoma to assume his new role, Lupa tragically died in a car accident in Dumila, Morogoro.

He was scheduled to report to his new post on Monday and start work by Tuesday. Yet, just days after his death, his name appeared on a new selection list announced by the government.

This situation has ignited suspicion and controversy. Renowned journalist and political analyst Ansbert Ngurumo, who lives in exile in Finland, criticized the lack of thorough vetting in leadership appointments.

He argued that the President’s extensive powers often lead to hasty and ill-considered decisions. Ngurumo, who runs the Sauti Kubwa network and an online television station, stated that this isn’t the first time senior leaders have been caught in questionable appointments.

Ngurumo vividly recounted a debacle from the past decade of leadership, where two individuals sharing similar names found themselves appointed to the same position. One arrived ready to assume the role, only to realize it wasn't meant for him, while the intended appointee was tardy. Though quietly resolved, this incident starkly illuminates the systemic flaws entrenched within the appointment process.

In his widely shared audio message, Ngurumo emphasized that in developed countries, appointments undergo rigorous scrutiny. Candidates are thoroughly vetted through questionnaires and panel interviews to verify their qualifications. These countries prioritize the appointee's patriotism, ideology, education, and expertise, all assessed in public view.

Ngurumo criticized Tanzania's reliance on connections and nepotism, leading to appointments that are often revoked within days without public explanation.

"President Samia's reshuffle has brought to light serious flaws in the vetting process," Ngurumo said. "How can a deceased individual be appointed to a new position? This is not just an administrative error; it's a sign of deeper systemic issues."

This incident with Lupa's posthumous appointment indicates a lack of proper vetting by the President and her aides.

The problem lies in the flawed systems, not in a lack of capable leaders. Strong systems could transform even inadequate leaders into effective ones. The current imbalance, where leaders overpower the systems, results in visible and embarrassing mistakes.

Ngurumo noted that when he questioned these errors, he was told they were human mistakes. However, he argued that the government's extensive reach and numerous officials make such errors inexcusable. Even if human error is possible, this case exposes systemic weaknesses.

General Jacob Mkunda, the Chief of Defence Forces, has also raised concerns about refugees and asylum seekers occupying sensitive government positions. He suggested repatriating them, as their prolonged presence poses a national security risk.

From January 1 to December 31 of the previous year, Tanzania received 138,149 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These individuals often seek better economic opportunities, disqualifying them from asylum.

General Mkunda noted instances of non-citizens being appointed to critical positions, leading to systemic sabotage. This has prompted public frustrations among officials.

"The risk is significant," General Mkunda said. "Especially in the western regions where many refugees have settled, their prolonged presence poses a national security threat. The government must take steps to ensure sensitive positions are held by qualified citizens."

Ngurumo concludes that while Tanzania has capable individuals, the main issue lies in the flawed systems. Effective systems could mitigate leadership flaws, but the current state allows leaders to overshadow the systems, resulting in significant consequences.

"The problem is not the lack of qualified leaders," Ngurumo emphasized. "It's the lack of robust systems to support and vet these leaders. Strong systems could turn even mediocre leaders into effective ones, but our current processes are deeply flawed."

The controversy surrounding Milton Lupa's posthumous appointment underscores a critical need for reform in the government’s vetting and appointment processes. As Tanzania navigates this latest scandal, it is clear that without significant changes, similar errors and embarrassments are likely to continue.

Among the notable appointments, Dr. Hamis Mkanachi has been transferred from Kondoa to Urambo District, replacing Mr. Elibariki Bajuta, who will be reassigned.

The administrative landscape sees further changes with Mr. Reuben Chongolo being transferred from Songwe District to Mufindi District, and Mr. Frank Sichwele moving from Mufindi to Songwe District. President Hassan has also appointed new executive directors for various councils.

 Mr. Mussa Kitungi will lead the Mafia District Council, and Ms. Kalekwa Kasanga has been appointed Executive Director of Shinyanga District Council, transitioning from her role as a Senior Legal Officer at the Law Reform Commission.

The posthumous appointment of Lupa has not only sparked public outrage but also highlighted the urgent need for thorough and effective vetting procedures. As the nation grapples with the implications of this glaring oversight, the pressure is on the government to implement robust reforms to restore public trust and ensure such mistakes are never repeated.

Adding to the emotional weight of this controversy was the solemn funeral service for Milton Mailos Lupa, held at Moravian Church in Mabibo. Following the service, Lupa's body was laid to rest in his home village in Mbozi District, Songwe Region. The community gathered to honor his memory, even as questions about his untimely death and the subsequent administrative error continued to reverberate through the nation.