Tanzania’s Mpina Suspension Sparks National Debate Over Accountability and Transparency in Parliament

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a fiery session at the Tanzanian Parliament, sparks flew as MPs Luhaga Mpina of Kisesa and Hussein Bashe of Nzega locked horns in a high-stakes debate over alleged financial mismanagement totaling a staggering 580 billion Tanzanian Shillings.

 The chamber reverberated with passionate accusations and sharp rebuttals, gripping the attention of the public and prompting intervention from Speaker of Parliament Dr. Tulia Ackson.

Mpina, known for his outspoken defense of public interests, accused Agriculture Minister Bashe of misleading the Parliament regarding the reported loss of taxpayer funds.

The confrontation escalated when Speaker Ackson instructed a parliamentary committee to investigate Mpina for publicly disclosing evidence without authorization, a move perceived as undermining parliamentary authority.

Following deliberations, the parliamentary committee concluded that Mpina's actions constituted a serious breach of discipline.

 He was subsequently suspended from attending 15 parliamentary sessions, sparking widespread public scrutiny and debate over the fairness and transparency of the disciplinary process.

Mpina defended his actions as motivated by a commitment to transparency and accountability in government affairs. He asserted that Minister Bashe's alleged misinformation deserved public scrutiny and demanded accountability. "Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, employing over eighty percent of the population," Mpina emphasized, underscoring the economic stakes involved.

In a surprising turn, Activist and Lawyer Boniface Anyisile Mwabukusi publicly announced his support for Mpina, criticizing Speaker Ackson's handling of the matter. Mwabukusi questioned the Speaker's decision to refer Mpina to an ethics committee rather than addressing the substantive issues directly. "Mpina has consistently advocated for national interests," Mwabukusi stated, highlighting the broader implications of the case.

Critics, including Tanzanian exiled in Finland Ansbert Ngurumo, Chadema cadre Martin Mkude, and Tanganyika Law Society Presidential hopeful Boniface Mwambukusi, have rallied behind Mpina's actions, criticizing parliamentary rules for failing to address serious allegations of corruption in the sugar deal, which could potentially result in financial losses for taxpayers.

Nshoma Maxmillian from Bariadi District and Manyilizu Masanja from Simiyu Region echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of upholding parliamentary decorum while simultaneously ensuring robust oversight over governmental affairs.

"This controversy highlights broader concerns about transparency and accountability in government dealings," remarked Ngurumo, emphasizing the need for effective mechanisms to address misconduct allegations within Parliament.

 "It's imperative to not only scrutinize Mpina's actions but also to safeguard public funds from potential mismanagement," he added, reflecting on the public's demand for stringent accountability measures.

Meanwhile, Chadema cadre Martin Mkude condemned what he perceived as a failure of parliamentary rules to adequately address the gravity of the allegations. "We cannot afford to overlook actions that could jeopardize taxpayer money and erode public trust in our institutions," Mkude asserted, echoing concerns over the integrity of legislative processes.

In defense of Mpina, Tanganyika Law Society Presidential hopeful Boniface Mwambukusi reiterated the importance of holding public officials accountable.

 "Mpina's efforts to expose potential corruption reflect a commitment to transparency and the public's right to know," Mwambukusi argued, advocating for a balanced approach to parliamentary discipline that prioritizes investigative rigor and ethical governance.

While voices like Manyilizu Masanja cautioned against undermining institutional processes, they echoed the sentiment that transparency must align with parliamentary rules to maintain the credibility and effectiveness of oversight mechanisms.

In a recent parliamentary session in Tanzania, tensions flared as MP Luhaga Mpina leveled serious accusations against Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe regarding sugar imports. Mpina's claims of irregularities in the importation of 30,000 tons of sugar sparked a contentious debate, highlighting significant governance challenges.

 Despite domestic production exceeding 93%, Mpina criticized the issuance of import permits that allegedly favored non-industrial traders and ignored regulatory frameworks like the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA).

The controversy deepened as Mpina raised concerns about the quality of imported sugar, citing instances of repackaging and inadequate quality certificates from countries like Brazil and Thailand. These allegations, coupled with Minister Bashe's refusal to engage with local industry stakeholders, intensified criticisms over transparency and economic stewardship.

Amidst growing public scrutiny, the parliamentary proceedings took a dramatic turn when Speaker Dr. Tulia Ackson suspended Mpina from attending 15 parliamentary sessions until November 2024.

The decision, following a report by the Parliamentary Committee on Rights, Ethics, and Privileges, accused Mpina of contempt against the Speaker's authority and disrupting parliamentary order.

 Despite initial proposals for a 10-session suspension, a majority of MPs voted for the extended penalty, signaling widespread concern over parliamentary discipline.

"This decision underlines broader concerns about governmental transparency and accountability," remarked Tanganyika Law Society Presidential hopeful Boniface Mwambukusi, defending Mpina's efforts to expose misconduct while advocating for stringent oversight.

Some activists who have formed a WhatsApp group named "Team Luhanga Mpina" express dissatisfaction with those attacking Mpina personally, while others accuse Geita MP Joseph Msukuma of siding with the Speaker and launching personal attacks against his fellow MP instead of focusing on the issues.

They suggest that Msukuma, allegedly linked to the Magufuli gang, may be seeking to align himself with a faction that could bolster his chances of defending his seat in 2025.

Msukuma was quoted as saying, "I know Mpina has been violating rules in this House and we forgive him. Last time, he insisted we measure fish with a ruler at the Parliamentary Canteen when he was Minister of Fisheries and Livestock,” he said.

He added: “Mpina is experienced, he knows the rules, yet he ignores them. Going public and releasing a report that is already with the Speaker is a violation of the rules... I am still a member of the CCM National Executive Committee; we are waiting for him to face consequences." Msukuma highlighted that despite having only primary education, he would not stoop to Mpina's level.

In contrast, Tanzanian commentator Manyilizu Masanja cautioned against compromising institutional processes in the pursuit of transparency, highlighting the delicate balance between oversight and procedural adherence.

The suspension of Mpina, a vocal advocate for economic accountability, has divided public opinion and ignited discussions on the role of MPs in ensuring governance integrity. As Tanzania navigates these challenges, the outcome of this controversy is poised to influence future legislative reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and fostering equitable economic growth.

The nation's anticipation of Mpina's return to parliamentary proceedings amplifies uncertainties about governance practices and the government's responsiveness to public concerns. The suspension saga starkly highlights the intricate dance between legislative oversight and parliamentary decorum, crucial for steering Tanzania towards accountable governance.

Yes, beyond immediate debates, it signals a pivotal moment for reevaluating transparency standards and reinforcing public trust in political institutions. As stakeholders weigh the fallout, the trajectory of this controversy will inevitably shape future legislative dynamics, setting the stage for a more vigilant and responsive governance framework that resonates with Tanzania's aspirations for democratic integrity and economic stability.