Political Firestorm: Mpina Exposes Minister Bashes’s Sugar Import Scandal, Demands Accountability

By Adonis Byemelwa

A firestorm of controversy has engulfed Tanzania's Parliament, igniting fierce debates over the Ministry of Finance's budget for the 2024/2025 financial year. Sparks flew as Luhaga Mpina launched a blistering attack against Agriculture Minister Hussein Mohamed Bashe, accusing him of repeatedly misleading the House on critical issues concerning sugar imports.

The dramatic exchange has captivated the nation, fuelled a public outcry, and demanded accountability as Mpina's explosive 40-page document, detailing alleged deceptions, went viral on social media. The ensuing uproar has left the Parliament reeling and the government scrambling to respond to mounting pressure.

Mr. Luhaga Mpina, a vocal critic of the government's handling of the sugar industry, accused Agriculture Minister Hussein Mohamed Bashe of deceiving Parliament on multiple counts concerning sugar imports.

 This confrontation has sparked widespread public interest, with Mpina's detailed 40-page document circulating on social media, igniting outrage and drawing sharp rebukes from various quarters, including the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Mpina's document, rich in detail and evidence, alleges Minister Bashe misled Parliament on at least 18 occasions during the budget debate. Central to Mpina's accusations is the claim that Bashe falsely stated that the Ministry, through the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), authorized the importation of 410,000 tons of sugar starting from January 2024. Mpina argues that this figure is grossly inflated and misrepresents the actual situation.

In his document, Mpina presents a letter from the Tanzania Sugar Board, dated March 29, 2023, which indicates that the approved sugar gap for the 2022/2023 season was only 30,000 tons, not the 60,000 tons claimed by Bashe.

As well, Mpina references the Controller and Auditor General's (CAG) report for 2022/2023, which reveals that 6,801 tons of sugar were imported during that period, contradicting Bashe's assertion that no sugar was imported.

Mpina's dossier provides extensive evidence to back his claims, including official documents, reports, and permits. One key piece of evidence is a report from the CAG, which highlights that permits for importing 12,500 tons of sugar were issued to various producers in early May 2023.

Mpina contends that these permits had a short validity period, leading to challenges in importing the sugar on time, hence disproving Bashe's claim that producers were given permits for 60,000 tons and failed to import any sugar.

Another significant point of contention is Bashe's statement about the NFRA's regulations. Bashe claimed that the NFRA had changed its rules to allow sugar imports.

However, Mpina refutes this, stating that no new government regulations have been enacted, and the proposed changes are still under consideration. "This is a blatant lie," Mpina asserts in his document. "The Minister's claim has no legal backing, as there is no Government Notice (GN) to support such changes."

The release of Mpina's document on social media has caused a firestorm. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Tulia Ackson, expressed her dismay, stating that circulating parliamentary documents to the public violates the House's decorum.

"This act undermines the integrity of our parliamentary processes," she said. "Hon. Mpina's decision to publicize these documents is a direct challenge to our procedures and must be addressed."

Despite this, Mpina has garnered significant public support. Many citizens view his actions as a courageous stand against corruption and governmental inefficiency.

 Martin Maranja, a cadre from the Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), praised Mpina's efforts. "Mpina is a true patriot," Maranja said. "He has exposed what could be one of the biggest financial scandals in our nation's history."

Mpina's allegations suggest that the mismanagement and deception surrounding sugar imports have cost the Tanzanian government over TZS 580 billion. This figure dwarfs other notable corruption scandals, such as the Tegeta Escrow (Sh306bn) and EPA (TZS 133bn) cases. "This is a monumental loss," Mpina wrote. "It's more significant than any corruption scandal we have seen in recent times."

Mpina's document compares this financial loss to the infamous Richmond scandal, which led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa.

“The scale of this financial mismanagement is unprecedented," Mpina argues. "It is high time we hold those responsible accountable."

Mpina has called for the formation of a parliamentary select committee to investigate these claims thoroughly. However, instead of initiating an inquiry, the Parliament's ethics committee has summoned Mpina for allegedly overstepping the Speaker's authority by publicizing his evidence. This move has been widely criticized as an attempt to silence Mpina and protect those implicated in the alleged financial mismanagement.

"Rather than addressing the serious issues raised, they are trying to intimidate me," Mpina stated. "This is not about me; it's about ensuring transparency and accountability in our government."

The public reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive of Mpina. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about the allegations and the broader implications for governance in Tanzania. Hashtags like #JusticeForMpina and #StopCorruption have trended as citizens express their frustration with the government's response.

"Mpina is a hero," tweeted one user. "We need more leaders like him who are unafraid to speak the truth." Another user wrote, "This is a wake-up call for all of us. We must demand better from our leaders."

Mpina's revelations have brought deeper issues within Tanzania's political and economic systems to light. The allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption are not just about sugar imports but reflect broader systemic problems. As Mpina's document continues to circulate and gain traction, it remains to be seen how the government will respond.

Martin Maranja emphasizes the need for accountability. "The government must take these allegations seriously," he said. "We cannot afford to lose such vast amounts of money through corruption and inefficiency. The people of Tanzania deserve better."

Luhaga Mpina's bold accusations against Agriculture Minister Hussein Mohamed Bashe have sent shockwaves through Tanzania's political landscape. With a detailed 40-page document, extensive evidence, and public support, Mpina has ignited a crucial conversation about transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.

The nation is watching closely, and the pressure on Parliament to take decisive action and restore public trust in the government's handling of vital economic issues is intensifying. Mpina’s brave stance has not only put him in the spotlight but also at risk, highlighting the need for heightened security measures, possibly including microchips for protection, akin to those demanded for Tundu Lissu and former escrow account whistleblower David Kafulila.

Kafulila, now the Public Private Partnership CEO, has since aligned himself with CCM, leaving only a few daring critics within the party to champion transparency and accountability. As tensions rise, the government must confront these allegations head-on, ensuring that those who dare to speak out are safeguarded against any retribution.