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| Head of the Anti-Corruption Desk at PCCB Manyara Paschal Mhagama. Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
Manyara — Sexual corruption remains a persistent challenge within communities, yet victims are reluctant to report incidents to the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). This reluctance has allowed such practices to thrive in secrecy, leaving victims to endure their suffering in silence.
Speaking recently during the launch of a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, the head of the Anti-Corruption Desk at PCCB Manyara Paschal Mhagama, expressed concern over the minimal number of reports received and called for greater community involvement in combating this vice.
In 2023, PCCB recorded just 28 cases of sexual corruption nationwide. Mhagama emphasized that this low figure starkly contrasts the reality on the ground, as these acts continue to infiltrate workplaces, schools, and communities at large.
Fear, shame, and stigma are the main reasons victims refrain from reporting, perpetuating a cycle of abuse that undermines human dignity and justice. He urged the public to break the silence and cooperate with PCCB by reporting any incidents of sexual corruption to safeguard victims and uphold fundamental human rights.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC) in collaboration with the Manyara Press Club, aimed to enhance awareness of gender-based violence and the media’s pivotal role in addressing it.
Kenneth Simbaya, Executive Director of UTPC, underlined the media's influence in shaping public opinion and inspiring societal change. He highlighted the need for journalists to be involved from the outset of such campaigns to ensure precise and impactful reporting.
Peter Konki, Presiding Bishop of the Elim Pentecostal Church in Tanzania and guest of honor at the event described education as a powerful tool to combat gender-based violence.
He lamented Manyara’s troubling record as one of Tanzania’s top regions for cases of gender-based violence, second only to Iringa. According to 2021 statistics, Manyara recorded 3,400 incidents, predominantly cases of assault, rape, and female genital mutilation. Konki urged local communities to reject violence in all its forms and work towards building safer environments for everyone.
Anna Fissoo, the Regional Social Welfare Officer for Manyara, reinforced this call to action, stressing that the fight against gender-based violence requires collective responsibility.
She expressed optimism that Manyara can become a violence-free region if everyone fulfills their role in combating abuse. She noted that acts of violence not only harm individuals but also disrupt social cohesion and hinder the region’s development.
While the efforts of PCCB in addressing sexual corruption have been lauded, they are not without criticism. Concerns over the integrity of the Bureau itself have cast a shadow over its effectiveness. A report by Transparency International highlighted challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies like PCCB, citing internal corruption and lack of transparency as major obstacles.
This has led to diminished public trust and skepticism about the Bureau’s ability to fulfill its mandate impartially.
Critics argue that PCCB must lead by example in demonstrating accountability and transparency. Renowned anti-corruption advocate, Professor Patrick Lumumba of Kenya, has consistently stressed the importance of ethical leadership within anti-corruption agencies.
He argues that such institutions must remain above reproach to effectively mobilize public confidence and participation in the fight against corruption. Lumumba warns that when the credibility of anti-corruption bodies is questioned, their ability to prosecute offenders and secure convictions is significantly undermined.
For Tanzania, these criticisms highlight a critical juncture for PCCB. To regain public trust and encourage victims of sexual corruption to come forward, the Bureau must prioritize institutional reforms, ensure financial accountability, and adopt a victim-centered approach.
Strengthening its internal mechanisms will not only restore confidence but also bolster the fight against systemic corruption at all levels.
The campaign against gender-based violence in Manyara marks a significant step forward in addressing a pervasive issue, but it also underscores the need for a united front.
With the media playing an essential role in amplifying voices and exposing injustices, and communities taking active steps to report abuse, there is hope for meaningful progress.
However, the fight against sexual corruption requires an unwavering commitment from all stakeholders, including the PCCB, to maintain integrity and deliver justice.
Tanzania faces an uphill battle in its quest to eradicate corruption and violence. Yet, as Professor Lumumba aptly states, "A society that tolerates corruption nurtures impunity."
This serves as a reminder that the fight against sexual corruption and gender-based violence must be relentless, as the stakes involve nothing less than the preservation of human dignity and the protection of fundamental rights. For Manyara and Tanzania as a whole, the journey may be long, but the resolve to create a fairer, safer society must never waver.
