Reporter, Dickson Ng’hily. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Tanzanian Human Rights Defenders
Coalition (THRDC) has strongly criticized the recent arrest of Dickson Ng’hily,
a journalist and the Digital Business editor at The Guardian newspaper,
along with several teachers whose exact number remains undisclosed.
Their alleged offense? Capturing
photographs of students studying under trees at Kwembe Primary School. Ng’hily
reported sustaining injuries and a broken phone during the incident, which took
place under the jurisdiction of Ubungo District authorities.
In a WhatsApp message, Ng’hily
detailed the physical assault he endured, stating that his arm was severely
beaten and his phone's screen shattered. Following the arrest, he was taken to
the local government office and is currently being held at the Ubungo District
Commissioner’s office.
"I was arrested by teachers at
Kwembe Primary School in Kwembe Ward, Ubungo District," he recounted.
"They started beating me and then instructed students to attack me upon
discovering me taking photos of them studying outside under a tree."
"After they injured me, they
brought me to the Ward Executive Office, where heated arguments ensued. They
demanded that I delete the photos I had taken before they would consider
releasing me," Ng’hily added.
He continued, stating, "They refused
to take me to the Ubungo District Commissioner's Office. They confiscated my ID
and phone but allowed me to answer incoming calls. During one such instance, I
managed to clandestinely send some of the photos elsewhere without their
knowledge."
"After prolonged arguments
involving the District Administrative Secretary (DAS), who intervened following
instructions from the absent District Commissioner (DC), they finally
instructed me to delete the photos before allowing my departure," he said.
"They claimed I had taken photos of children on school premises. I
clarified that I was not even near the school; I was far away. Even if someone
tried to identify a child or student, distance would make it impossible."
The THRDC, closely monitoring the
situation, vehemently defends Ng’hily’s actions as protected under Article 18
of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which guarantees
freedom of expression and the right to disseminate information to the public.
They assert that photographing public spaces, including schools, is a
legitimate journalistic practice aimed at highlighting societal issues.
The incident underscores broader
concerns about press freedom in Tanzania. The government has increasingly faced
criticism for attempts to stifle media reporting on infrastructure deficiencies
and other societal challenges. Critics argue that such actions threaten
democratic principles and hinder efforts to address public concerns
effectively.
Recently, there has been a pattern of
crackdowns on journalists and online critics. This crackdown includes legal
threats and intimidation tactics aimed at silencing dissenting voices. Human
rights groups and media watchdogs have raised alarms over what they perceive as
a growing trend of authoritarianism, with the government accused of using legal
frameworks to suppress independent journalism.
The appalling conditions at Kwembe Primary School, Kwembe Ward, Ubungo District. Photo: Jamii Forum
The arrest of Ng’hily and the
subsequent outcry highlight the delicate balance between press freedom and
government control in Tanzania. As the country prepares for the 2025 General
Election, tensions surrounding media freedom are expected to intensify. Many
fear that restrictions on journalistic freedoms could undermine transparency
and accountability during the electoral process.
Ng’hily’s case is not an isolated
incident but part of a larger narrative of press freedom challenges in
Tanzania. Advocacy groups like THRDC continue to call for the release of
Ng’hily and the protection of journalists’ rights to operate without fear of
reprisal.
On February 16, 2020, former Arusha
Regional Commissioner, Mrisho Gambo, sparked controversy by ordering police to
hunt down individuals who criticized road conditions within the Ngorongoro
Conservation Area on social media.
Gambo equated the online posts to
economic sabotage, insisting proper channels should have been used for such
complaints.
He, however, gave authorities a
seven-day ultimatum to apprehend those allegedly undermining water
infrastructure at the vital Kandet source, crucial for onion farmers in Karatu
District.
The government's response to these
criticisms has been mixed. While officials have defended actions taken against
what they describe as undermining national interests, civil society
organizations argue that such measures restrict the public’s right to access
information and participate in public discourse.
In light of these developments,
international observers and human rights organizations have urged Tanzanian authorities
to uphold constitutional freedoms and ensure that journalists can operate
freely and safely. The outcome of cases like Ng’hily’s will be closely watched
as a barometer of Tanzania’s commitment to democratic values and human rights
ahead of the upcoming elections.
The debate over press freedom
continues. Stakeholders within Tanzania and abroad are grappling with how best
to support independent journalism while addressing legitimate concerns about
national security and public order. The resolution of these issues will likely
shape Tanzania’s democratic trajectory and international standing in the years
to come.