Chiefs from various regions across the country
listen to President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House grounds in Chamwino,
Dodoma, on July 20, 2024.Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
In
a landmark decision in Dodoma on July 20, 2024, the government has greenlit
legislation allowing chiefs to own national trophies for cultural purposes.
Chief Aron Nyamilonda announced this groundbreaking move during a ceremony
where President Samia Suluhu Hassan met with chiefs from across the country at
the State House in Chamwino, Dodoma.
Speaking on behalf of the
chiefs, Chief Nyamilonda expressed gratitude to the government for fulfilling
their longstanding request. He emphasized the cultural and traditional
importance of these trophies, which serve as symbols of identity and official regalia
for chiefs.
"We have received
confirmation of the completion of the law regarding the ownership of trophies,
which we chiefs use in various cultural activities, including as symbols of our
rank and official traditional decorations," said Chief Nyamilonda.
The chief highlighted that this
legislation is not only crucial for chiefs but also for traditional healers and
artists involved in cultural dances. He also addressed the ongoing challenges
faced by chiefs, such as the misinterpretation of laws and regulations
governing cultural activities by some government officials.
Chief Nyamilonda cited several
relevant laws, including the Wildlife Act, Forest Act, Land Act, and the
national constitution, which guarantees every citizen the freedom of worship
and belief within the framework of the constitution and national laws.
He pointed out that despite the
government establishing a cultural department for heritage preservation, this
department suffers from budgetary constraints that hinder its ability to
effectively transmit and uphold cultural practices.
Moreover, Chief Nyamilonda
mentioned the acquisition of land for constructing the Unity of Chiefs' offices
in Dodoma, noting that the surveying process is ongoing to ensure legal
ownership of the site. He appealed to President Samia for support in building
these offices.
In response, Minister of
Culture, Arts, and Sports, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, acknowledged the historical
significance of President Samia’s meeting with the chiefs, noting that the last
such gathering was convened by the late Julius Nyerere.
"Honorable President, by
doing this, you have demonstrated your commitment to upholding Tanzanian
traditions and customs," said Dr. Ndumbaro.
The minister praised the
cooperation received from the chiefs, stating that it has been instrumental in
executing cultural activities nationwide. To formalize the recognition of
chiefs, Dr. Ndumbaro announced the preparation of guidelines to acknowledge these
leaders at various levels.
"The goal is to ensure this
group receives the respect it deserves from our society, led by the Chief of
Chiefs, Chief Hangaya (President Samia Suluhu Hassan)," added Dr.
Ndumbaro.
While the new law marks a
significant victory for cultural preservation, it raises critical concerns amid
the escalating poaching crisis. Allowing chiefs to own national trophies might
inadvertently create loopholes for illegal wildlife trafficking, posing a
threat to conservation efforts.
The wildlife conservation
community is cautious, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations and
monitoring to prevent exploitation of this law by poachers. The government must
balance cultural heritage preservation with robust wildlife protection measures
to ensure that this legislation does not undermine the fight against poaching.
In essence, Tanzania continues
to grapple with poaching, and the implementation of this law will be closely
watched both nationally and internationally. The success of this initiative
will depend on the effective collaboration between cultural custodians and
conservation authorities to safeguard the nation's wildlife heritage while
honoring its cultural traditions.