By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam, July 2, 2024 – The Tanzania Sugar Producers Association (TSPA) has firmly denied allegations of hoarding sugar to manipulate prices for personal gain. Speaking on behalf of the sugar producers, TSPA Chairman Ammi Mpungwe refuted these claims during a press conference held in Dar es Salaam. “Our goal is to increase production, not to become importers,” said Mpungwe.
“We have been accused and judged without being given a chance to defend ourselves,” Mpungwe explained that since the forecast of El Nino rains was announced, producers had informed the government in December last year about the potential issues. They requested a protocol for sugar imports to address the anticipated shortages.
Despite their efforts, the public debate continued to rage, with accusations reaching the floor of the Parliament on June 28, 2024.
Critics alleged that sugar producers intentionally created shortages to benefit financially. Mpungwe strongly denied these accusations, emphasizing that their intention was never to import sugar but to produce more.
“There was constant communication,” Mpungwe said, “and when December arrived, the situation was exactly as we had predicted.” He pointed out that import permits had not been issued by December, forcing Kilombero Sugar Company to redirect a shipment of 45,000 tons of sugar meant for another country to Tanzania to alleviate the domestic shortage.
Mpungwe, who also chairs the Kilombero Sugar Company Board, clarified that their involvement in sugar importation was only to address severe shortages, not as a business strategy. “We do not want to be in the business of importing sugar.
Our business is to produce sugar,” he stated. Addressing the allegations, Mpungwe noted that they had sought to communicate with the Speaker of the National Assembly to arrange a meeting with the Agriculture and Industry Committee, which was scheduled for August this year.
“We were given a chance to meet with the economic and budget committee last week, but it was only to discuss the finance bill. We tried to communicate, but decisions were made without our involvement,” Mpungwe lamented.
He also highlighted the significant investments made by the sugar industry over the past 60 years, defending the producers against accusations of prioritizing profit over the welfare of over 60 million Tanzanians.
“Being labeled as a cartel is a serious accusation. You can’t make such substantial investments and be involved in such activities,” he argued, suggesting that any concerns about unfair practices should be directed to the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) for investigation.
Bagamoyo Sugar’s representative, Hussein Sufian, also defended the industry, stating that no sugar factories had ever hidden sugar.
“The portrayal of sugar factories hiding sugar is false and damaging,” he said, emphasizing that the sector continues to face challenges, including high production costs and unpredictable market policies.
In response to the allegations, Government Spokesperson Thobias Makoba advised directing such concerns to the relevant ministry.
When contacted, Secretary of Parliament Nenelwa Mwihambi requested a message, which remained unanswered. Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe, his Deputy Joseph Silinde, and Permanent Secretary Gerald Mweri were unavailable for comment.
The controversy surrounding the sugar industry took a dramatic turn with the dismissal of Kisesa MP Luhanga Mpina from the House.
Mpina was ordered to stay away for 15 consecutive parliamentary sessions following a scandal involving Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe over the sugar tendering crisis. The Kisesa legislator accused Bashe of corrupt practices in sugar imports, bringing the issue to the forefront of national debate.
Bashe, supported by National Assembly Speaker Dr. Tuli Ackson, remained firm against the accusations. However, the incident sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many taking sides.
Joseph Kasheku Musukuma, a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) and Geita legislator known for his grassroots popularity and honorary PhD, has been vocal in defending Bashe. Musukuma’s backing highlights the political intricacies within the ruling CCM party.
As the National Executive Committee remains engaged, rumors are circulating that one of their irrevocable decisions could be to expel Mpina from the party after his punishment period ends.
The opposition is keenly watching the situation, eyeing Mpina for his popularity in the Lake Zone Region, which holds a significant number of voters.
This saga underscores the complex political landscape in Tanzania, where internal party dynamics and public perception play crucial roles.
The ruling party’s handling of the situation and the potential expulsion of Mpina could have lasting implications for both the CCM and the broader political arena.
The political landscape is further complicated by the strong stance taken by Bashe, who, backed by influential figures within the party, has managed to maintain his position despite the scandal.
This support from key party members like Dr. Tuli Ackson and the visible backing of figures like Musukuma, who despite his humble beginnings and limited formal education, has risen to prominence and earned significant respect, showcases the power struggles within the CCM.
Musukuma’s recent accolades, including an honorary PhD, have bolstered his influence, making him a formidable ally for Bashe in this turbulent period.
As the CCM stalwarts engage in their internal deliberations, the decision to potentially expel Mpina from the party carries significant weight.
Such a move would not only remove a vocal critic of the current administration but could also shift the balance of power within the party and its support base in the Lake Zone Region.
The opposition, sensing an opportunity, is poised to capitalize on Mpina’s potential expulsion, hoping to draw him into their ranks and leverage his popularity to strengthen their position in the region.
The unfolding events reflect a broader narrative of political maneuvering and strategic alliances, with each faction within the CCM seeking to consolidate power and influence.
The outcome of these internal battles will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of Tanzania, affecting both the ruling party and the opposition as they prepare for future electoral contests.
Amidst this backdrop, the sugar industry’s controversies and the political repercussions they have triggered serve as a microcosm of the challenges and complexities facing Tanzania’s political and economic spheres.
The key players in this saga will continue to navigate these treacherous waters, each step carrying implications for their political futures and the broader trajectory of Tanzanian politics.
The resolution of the sugar industry crisis and the internal party disputes will be closely watched by citizens and observers alike, eager to see how these developments will impact the nation’s path forward.
The stakes are high for everyone involved. For Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe, maintaining his position and proving his integrity in the face of accusations will be crucial.
His support from influential figures like Dr. Tuli Ackson and the outspoken Joseph Kasheku Musukuma will be tested as they rally to defend him against the claims made by the embattled MP Luhanga Mpina.
Mpina’s potential expulsion from the CCM party and his possible alignment with the opposition add a layer of complexity to the political landscape, threatening to shift voter allegiances in the strategically important Lake Zone Region.
The ruling CCM party must carefully navigate these internal conflicts to maintain unity and public confidence. Their handling of the sugar industry crisis and the internal dissent will set a precedent for future challenges.
The opposition, meanwhile, sees an opportunity to capitalize on any perceived weaknesses within the ruling party, positioning themselves as a viable alternative to the electorate.
Tanzanian citizens, weary of political scandals and economic instability, yearn for leadership that can steer the nation toward prosperity and fairness. The sugar industry crisis, now entangled with high-stakes political drama, highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and effective governance.
This period of turbulence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Tanzania’s political fabric. The resolution, or lack thereof, will shape the future of the nation’s leadership and its approach to both economic management and political integrity.
With all eyes on the unfolding events, the actions of these key players will determine whether Tanzania can emerge stronger and more unified, or whether it will continue to grapple with division and controversy. The nation’s path forward hangs in the balance, awaiting the outcomes of these critical moments.
