Tanzania’s Mwanza Regional Commissioner Addresses Allegations in Heated Controversy

By Adonis Byemelwa

Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Said Mtanda, has found himself in the spotlight after being implicated by Tumsime Ngemela in allegations involving the former Simiyu Regional Commissioner, Dr. Yahya Nawanda.

 In a press conference on July 5, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tumsime accused Mtanda of pressuring her to withdraw a complaint she had lodged with the police against Dr. Nawanda, who she claims sexually assaulted her.

Responding to the allegations, Mtanda stated that he would leave the matter to the relevant security and law enforcement agencies to investigate. During an awards ceremony on July 6, 2024, where police officers were recognized for their exemplary performance in 2024, Mtanda addressed the controversy.

He expressed resilience in the face of online criticism and emphasized his trust in the legal system. “I do not need to respond to anyone because I know the legal institutions are doing their job. Interfering with their investigations would undermine good governance principles,” he said.

Mtanda’s comments come in the wake of growing scrutiny over his previous conduct when he served as the Mara Regional Commissioner. Known for his flamboyant style, Mtanda has been vocal about his practice of paying journalists generously, a habit that has raised concerns about the integrity of journalism in Tanzania.

His public declarations about compensating journalists double the amount paid by District Commissioners in April 2024, sparked speculation about the influence of money on media coverage.

“If a District Commissioner pays a journalist Sh50,000 (about $19.83), I should double the perks to show my financial prowess,” Mtanda once boasted. “When I am with journalists for a few hours, I pay them Sh60,000 (about $23.79), but if I engage them the whole day, I pay them over Sh120,000 (about $49.90) depending on the event. An RC should always show the value of his office.”

This practice, often referred to as the hunt for "brown envelopes," has drawn criticism for potentially compromising investigative journalism. The concern is that if journalists prioritize financial incentives from political leaders, the public cannot expect thorough reporting on corruption and other misconduct by public officials.

Renowned African media guru Jenerali Ulimwengu commented on this issue, noting that Tanzania’s media freedom has been challenged by the centralization of power and the tendency towards censorship under a single-party system. “The state of Tanzania's media forces professionalism to hang in the balance,” Ulimwengu remarked.

In the recent allegations, Tumsime claimed that Mtanda had called her, insisting on a meeting despite her informing him that she was with the police.

 According to Tumsime, Mtanda spoke to the officers on the phone and directed them to bring her to his office, where he then pressured her to withdraw the case against Dr. Nawanda.

 She alleges that after their conversation, Mtanda called the police officers back in and informed them of the agreement to drop the charges.

Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbroad Mutafungwa confirmed that the police received forensic investigation results on July 5, 2024, concerning Dr. Nawanda's alleged assault on Tumsime.

 The incident reportedly took place on June 2, 2024, around 7 PM in the parking lot of a well-known bar in Mwanza, where Tumsime claims she was forcibly assaulted in Dr. Nawanda’s car.

As the investigation unfolds, public scrutiny intensifies, demanding not just answers but also action. Allegations against Mtanda have cast a spotlight on the critical issues of media integrity and governance in Tanzania, prompting a nationwide call for transparency and accountability. The legal and media sectors stand at a crossroads, where the choices made today will define the landscape of tomorrow.

Ensuring these institutions operate without corruption or bias is paramount for a thriving democracy. Will Tanzania seize this moment to enforce stringent reforms and restore public trust, or will it falter under the weight of complacency and vested interests? The world watches, waiting for a resolution that reaffirms the country's commitment to justice and ethical governance.