In a viral video, Mpina demands the return of funds, accusing district officials of unfairly targeting residents during a recent operation. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam- Luhaga Mpina, the fiery and outspoken Member of Parliament for Kisesa, has once again thrust himself into the political limelight, this time with sharp criticism aimed directly at local authorities in his constituency.
Known for his unflinching stance on governance issues, Mpina has accused these officials of neglecting the pressing needs of the people, vowing to hold them accountable. His bold rhetoric and unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges facing Kisesa have further cemented his reputation as a fearless advocate for his constituents.
Recently suspended from parliamentary sessions, Mpina has shifted his focus to his home turf, where he has openly attacked the Meatu District Commissioner, Fauzia Ngatumbura, and the District Executive Director, Athuman Masasi.
His accusations revolve around an alleged misuse of Sh50 million, collected as fines from residents for supposedly lacking proper sanitation facilities.
In a video widely circulated on social media, Mpina can be seen passionately calling for the return of the money, accusing district officials of unfairly targeting residents during a recent operation. The operation, which began on September 4, 2024, saw people being fined for lacking toilets, with reports emerging that even those with makeshift toilets were penalized.
During a visit to Nzanza Ward, where Mpina was inspecting voter registration stations, residents shared their frustrations with the lawmaker. Many showed receipts indicating fines ranging between Sh50,000 and Sh150,000, and some complained that they were charged even though they had toilets. In some cases, residents were fined for lacking proper roofing on their bathrooms or for not having “chanja” (pit latrines), despite having alternative facilities.
Samson Masele, a resident of Mirongo village, recounted that the operation had taken place multiple times, with fines being imposed regularly. He lamented that this had caused fear among the locals, discouraging them from registering to vote. "People are scared; when they see a car, they run to hide, thinking it's the sanitation officers," Masele explained.
Other residents, such as Pius Magembe from the same village, claimed they were forced to pay fines without being issued receipts. Magembe said he was fined Sh100,000 while his wife was attending a village meeting, despite having no prior warnings or official documentation.
Felista Mange, from Nzanza sub-village, expressed similar concerns, claiming she was fined despite having a toilet and bathroom, simply because she lacked a pit latrine. She appealed to the government to suspend the operation, particularly during the ongoing voter registration exercise, fearing it would negatively impact turnout.
Mpina, visibly angered by the reports, gave district officials an ultimatum: return the money collected from residents within seven days, or face legal consequences. "I believe these fines were collected unlawfully and are a violation of the rights of the people. This is an injustice, and I demand that the money be returned within seven days," Mpina declared.
The lawmaker warned that failure to comply would result in legal action, and he questioned the timing of the operation, which coincided with the voter registration process. He argued that residents were being unfairly penalized and were therefore avoiding registration stations out of fear.
The Kisesa legislator further announced his intention to write to the relevant authorities, including the Minister of PO-RALG, to ensure his demands were met. Additionally, he planned to ask the National Electoral Commission to extend the registration period for Meatu residents, many of whom had been too scared to register due to the operation.
The controversy comes at a time when Mpina, a staunch member of the ruling CCM party, has been at odds with some of his fellow party stalwarts. His recent suspension from parliamentary sessions was seen by some as a consequence of his uncompromising stance on various national issues.
In the past, Mpina has not hesitated to criticize members of the cabinet, earning him both admiration and criticism from different quarters within the party. This latest outburst against local government officials is just the latest chapter in Mpina's increasingly combative political career.
In response to the accusations, Meatu District Executive Director Athuman Masasi defended the operation, stating that it was part of efforts to enforce public health laws and prevent the spread of cholera. "We didn't conduct this operation to punish anyone. It was peaceful, and no one was threatened or harmed," Masasi asserted. He acknowledged, however, that any fines imposed on residents who were in the process of constructing toilets would be refunded.
Masasi added that the district was offering leniency to those who had begun efforts to build proper sanitation facilities. "If people are showing progress, such as digging or constructing toilets, we are giving them time to complete the work," he said.
Meatu District Commissioner Fauzia Ngatumbura echoed these sentiments, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. She clarified that the fines were lawful, targeting individuals who had failed to maintain proper sanitation and contributed to the risk of cholera outbreaks. Ngatumbura firmly denied that any fines were imposed on individuals who were sick or waiting in line to register to vote.
"This is nothing more than political propaganda aimed at gaining popularity by misleading people into thinking they are being protected from health and environmental laws," Ngatumbura remarked.
Meanwhile, several local councilors voiced concerns that the ongoing operation was hindering voter registration efforts. Mwakisandu Ward Councilor Daudi Sollo noted that many residents were afraid to come forward, fearing they would be fined. "I've visited the registration centers in my ward, and people are avoiding them because of this toilet operation," Sollo reported.
Mwanisenga Ward special seats councilor Madete Lugata shared similar grievances, adding that village leaders in her area had also complained about the operation. Tindabuligi Councilor Tabu Magembe urged the government to invest more in educating the public about the importance of proper sanitation, rather than relying on fines.
She suggested that instead of imposing penalties, the government should focus on raising awareness and encouraging the construction of better toilets to curb the cholera outbreak. This, she argued, would lead to a more lasting solution than punitive measures.