Tanzania Prime Minister Cracks Down: Officials Suspended in Embezzlement Scandals

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a bold move, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa took decisive action against corruption, ordering the immediate suspension of Kilolo District Council Engineer Emanuel Sigachuma and Secondary Education Officer Nelson Milanzi.

The two officials stand accused of embezzling over Sh700 million intended for the construction of a dining hall at a new girls' secondary school in Lugalo, Iringa Region. The announcement, made on July 8th, 2024, marks a significant crackdown on misappropriation of public funds.

These funds are part of the over three billion shillings allocated by the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's initiative to build one secondary school for girls in each region.

 Providing an update on the construction of the school in Mbigili ward, Kilolo District, which began admitting Form Five students this year, a council engineer reported that the dining hall's construction, now over 40 percent complete, has cost over 300 million shillings.

When questioned about the whereabouts of the remaining funds to complete the dining hall, the engineer remained silent, appearing to have no answers.

Instructing the government attorney to ensure the two individuals are brought to court, the Prime Minister directed the Iringa Regional Administrative Secretary to locate and return the former director of the council, Kamendu, to Iringa to join the case.

The Prime Minister questioned why the council paid the contractor all their funds despite the administrative building's incomplete construction, and demanded the immediate removal of all substandard desks from the school. "Bring a truck right now to remove these desks; I don't want to see them here," he said.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, on July 7, 2024, continued his transformative tour of the Iringa region, marking a significant milestone by laying the foundation stone for Iramba Girls Secondary School in Iramba village, Itandula ward, Mufindi District Council. This pivotal event underscored the government's commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and empowering young women in the region. The ceremony not only celebrated the beginning of a new educational institution but also symbolized hope and progress for the community.

After inspecting the school, Premier Majaliwa urged the council to identify additional funding sources to support various development projects. "I commend the councilors for allocating funds and initiating this school project," he said.

"One of the shortcomings of some councils is failing to utilize local funds for visible projects. The construction of this school serves as a model for all councils; increase the pace to complete this project on time."

Majaliwa directed the council to ensure that the allocated funds for the school's construction are fully utilized to match the infrastructure planned.

The Prime Minister ordered a review of the construction costs of teachers' houses through the council's education committee. "Review the funds allocated for teachers' houses; one hundred million shillings is excessive for one house," he stated. He also instructed the removal and return of all desks without proper storage space for student registers.

The construction of the school is expected to cost approximately 1.78 billion shillings upon completion, covering the administrative building (1), classrooms (8), offices (4), laboratory (1), ICT room (1), teachers' houses (5), dining hall (1), and dormitories (4). So far, 363.8 million shillings have been received, with 2.2 million shillings from community contributions and 361.6 million shillings from the district council.

Currently, the school has a total of 8 classrooms, 4 offices, and a dormitory capable of accommodating 80 students, which is in the process of being tiled.

On February 28th, 2024, Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa (MP), directed the Regional Police Commander of Mara, ACP Salum Morcase, to arrest the Chief of Finance and Accounting at Serengeti District Council and a prominent Serengeti businessman involved in the embezzlement of over 213 million Tanzanian Shillings of government funds.

Speaking at the meeting, the Premier identified the perpetrators as Mr. Saad Katunzi Ishabailu, the Treasurer of Serengeti District Council, and Mr. Daudi Matinde, a businessman from Mugumu town. Following questioning by the Prime Minister's office team, they admitted their involvement in the theft.

"The Director of the Council, the Councilors, and officials from the Ministry of Local Government were unaware of this theft because it was carried out through a network involving third-party employees from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) unit," said Majaliwa.

He explained that on June 10th, 2023, they exploited a loophole by seeking approval for surplus funds through a letter signed by the Acting Director of the Council to the Treasury. By June 30th, 2023, they had already expended the requested funds.

"After successfully obtaining the funds, Ishabailu traveled by bus to Nyegezi bus station in Mwanza, where he handed over 150 million Tanzanian Shillings to Mr. Zabron Mponzi, stating the funds were urgently needed by senior officials in Dodoma, and he retained 39 million Shillings," added Hon. Majaliwa.

The Prime Minister has been actively combating corruption in the country, echoing the leadership style of former President John Magufuli, with critics noting that in this fight, it seems he lacks the support of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. For those suspended, it's hard to tell if their cases will end up in court and if they will continue to receive their salaries from the government.