Minister of State in the President's Office for Regional Administration and Local Government. Mohamed Mchengerwa. Photo: Courtesy
By
Adonis Byemelwa
On
October 22, 2024, Tanzanians cast their ballots in primary elections for local
government leaders, a pivotal event that will significantly influence the
future of grassroots governance. This election follows a substantial expansion
of administrative units implemented a decade ago, reflecting the government's
commitment to enhancing local representation and service delivery.
In
October 2014, the government increased the number of wards from 2,802 to 3,337,
villages from 11,795 to 12,423, neighborhoods (Mitaa) from 2,995 to 3,741, and
hamlets from 60,359 to 64,616.
This
surge was driven by rapid population growth and settlement expansion, aimed at
improving service delivery by decentralizing power. However, the expansion has
also sparked concerns about resource allocation and administrative efficiency,
raising questions about whether the increase in local units has improved
governance or strained it further. The 2024 elections are crucial in addressing
these challenges and determining the effectiveness of this expansion.
However,
while celebrations were held by those who emerged victorious, questions linger
about the quality of leadership that these elections may bring. Is the
competition fierce enough, and do the candidates possess the qualifications to
lead effectively? These are issues that demand critical thinking.
One
example of this election process is in Kitobo ward, located in Misenyi
District, Kagera Region, where residents were voting for prospective
chairpersons for hamlets and villages in their locality. The stakes were high
as these elected leaders would be responsible for ensuring representation at
the village and hamlet levels.
Nevertheless,
unlike in the 1990s, when political enthusiasm was high, today, there is a
noticeable decline in the energy surrounding these elections, particularly
within the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Veteran
politicians recall that in previous years, there was intense excitement
surrounding local elections. Older candidates would go to great lengths to
secure these positions, sometimes even taking out loans to finance their
campaigns.
However,
the dynamics have shifted. Nowadays, those contesting these grassroots
positions are often individuals with limited financial means, and qualified
people are increasingly reluctant to engage in politics. The reason? Many see
it as diminishing their social status, perceiving local political leadership as
a burden rather than an opportunity for influence.
This
reluctance is compounded by the fact that these leadership positions are, in
many cases, unpaid or come with little financial incentive. Since the
introduction of end-of-term gratuities for councilors, who receive a modest
amount of Sh 15 million after five years of service, other local leaders,
including ten-cell leaders and village chairpersons, remain essentially
volunteers.
This
disparity has demotivated many would-be leaders from prioritizing these
critical roles. As a result, individuals who do step up to fill these positions
often do so out of necessity, and without the backing of regular pay, their
focus can shift away from public service.
Moreover,
local leaders, especially those in villages and hamlets, face substantial
challenges. They are the frontline responders when issues like theft, floods,
or other emergencies arise. Despite their critical roles in maintaining
community security and coordinating with regional defense and security
committees, they receive little recognition, let alone financial compensation.
These
leaders are also expected to play a significant role in campaigning during
general elections, drumming up support for Members of Parliament, councilors,
and even the President. However, these same politicians often fail to
acknowledge their contributions once elected, leaving local leaders with no
steady income and a feeling of betrayal.
The
lack of financial support has led to an increasing number of allegations of
corruption among local leaders. For example, in some rural areas, there have
been widespread accusations of village leaders demanding small bribes for
services like affixing official stamps on National Identification Cards (NIDA)
or for loan application forms.
While
these payments, typically around Sh 2,000, may seem insignificant, they
represent a larger issue of systemic corruption, rooted in the leaders' need to
supplement their incomes. These acts of petty corruption tarnish the image of
local governance, but they also reflect the financial struggles that many of
these leaders face. If leaders are expected to serve without compensation, how
can they be expected to refrain from engaging in such practices?
In
recent times, some senior political figures have publicly criticized the
financial status of local leaders. They argue that individuals seeking these
positions should have adequate personal wealth to avoid becoming beggars or
accepting bribes from the citizens they serve.
However, this critique overlooks a key issue:
why would someone with a stable job or reliable income give up their time to
engage in local politics, especially if it offers no financial rewards? It is
unreasonable to expect individuals to dedicate themselves fully to unpaid roles
while simultaneously maintaining their primary jobs.
The
quality of leadership at the village and hamlet levels has declined in recent
years, with positions increasingly filled by individuals of questionable
integrity, including those with criminal backgrounds. This deterioration has
led to increased land disputes, as some leaders have been accused of selling
the same plot of land multiple times for bribes.
In September 2024, discontent surged among
local leaders in Maswa District, Simiyu Region, who demanded the government pay
a debt of Sh 152,533,050 in unpaid allowances and stipends.
During
a council meeting, Hamlet chairpersons expressed their frustrations,
highlighting their continued service despite the government's neglect. George
Gogadi, chairperson of Majebele Hamlet, called for an audit into potential
embezzlement, while Madaraka Saira of Kiwanja cha Ndege criticized officials
for misusing their allowances for personal gain.
With local elections set for November 27, some
leaders threatened protests if payments were not made by October 25, with Nkinda
Idama of Nyabiti Hamlet vowing to march to the district council for justice,
regardless of the risks.
The
solution seems clear: if local leaders are genuinely essential to the political
and social fabric of the country, then they should be compensated for their
work. Setting aside a portion of the national budget to pay these leaders would
motivate them to focus on their duties without resorting to corrupt practices.
Political will and a coordinated effort are
needed to make this change happen. After all, if the government can allocate
significant funds for other sectors, why not ensure that local leaders, who
serve as the foundation of governance, receive fair compensation?
One
glaring example of the consequences of underpaying local leaders can be seen in
the issue of illegal immigration. In the past, no one could enter a village
without first reporting to the local leader, usually a hamlet chairperson.
Today,
with an influx of illegal immigrants, these leaders are often the first to be
blamed. However, how can they be expected to perform their duties effectively
when they are not even given the basic resources needed to do their job?
The
growing grievances among local leaders underscore the urgent need for reform in
Tanzania’s governance system. Countries like Rwanda and Ghana have successfully
tackled similar issues by ensuring timely compensation and fostering strong
accountability measures for local leaders. By addressing the unpaid wages of
local officials, Tanzania can strengthen the integrity of governance at the
community level. The time for action is now, as the future of local
leadership—and, ultimately, the welfare of the citizens—hangs in the balance.
On
April 24, 2019, during a parliamentary session in Dodoma, Former Iringa Urban
MP Peter Msigwa from Chadema raised concerns about inadequate compensation for
village and hamlet chairpersons, questioning the government's plans to improve
their salaries.
In response, former Deputy Minister Mwita
Waitara acknowledged the issue, stating, “We could pay salaries, but many
leaders are doing significant work. We recognize this and have directed that
they be paid, though the amount may be small.” He emphasized that while some
areas have not compensated these leaders adequately, “if the government's
capacity allows, our fellow leaders will receive their entitlements,”
highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure fair remuneration in community
governance.