The youthful RC has built a reputation for bold power moves, fiery critiques of officials, and an unwavering fight against corruption. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
On November 17, 2024, the city of Arusha was the backdrop for a high-profile event that captured the attention of both supporters and critics of Regional Commissioner (RC) Paul Makonda. The event, broadcast live on UTV, was a presentation of his six-month progress report in office.
Makonda, known for his bold and often controversial leadership, has made significant strides in regional development, tourism, and social cohesion. His efforts, including boosting Arusha’s tourism and organizing the successful Land Rover Festival, have garnered praise.
Nevertheless, speculation about his future political ambitions remains. While rumors of a potential run for the Arusha Constituency seat swirl, he has remained vague about his intentions, leaving his political future uncertain.
His leadership has attracted both support and criticism. Many religious leaders, including Prophet Boniface Mwamposa and Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, back his vision of unity and progress.
Yet, accusations of corruption and authoritarianism have plagued his tenure, with critics questioning his methods and motives. Despite this, Makonda remains steadfast, using his strong religious beliefs to deflect criticism and maintain his influence in the region.
One of his more recent high-profile actions was his involvement in an emergency medical evacuation at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha, where he assisted in loading a critically ill patient into a helicopter for transfer to the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi.
The event was part of a wider campaign where Makonda has paired medical specialists with rapid airlifts to enhance healthcare access in remote areas of the region. “This helicopter will serve Arusha residents for the next seven days during the specialist camp,” he said amid applause.
We are transforming lives,” Makonda declared, his words met with applause from the audience. Yet, while some hailed the gesture as a life-saving initiative, others saw it as a move designed to boost his public profile. “Makonda thrives on theatrics,” one social media user commented. “What happens to these patients after the seven days? Where is the long-term solution?”
The reaction spoke to a growing cynicism among the public about the sustainability of Makonda’s projects, with some accusing him of focusing on short-term headlines rather than addressing the deeper, systemic issues in the region.
This kind of public spectacle is hardly new for Makonda. Throughout his career, he has made a name for himself with dramatic displays of power, often making headlines for his blunt criticism of local government officials and his aggressive stance on corruption.
In one high-profile incident, Makonda publicly scolded a municipal official for delaying the issuance of a title deed to an elderly man, accusing the bureaucrats of incompetence and corruption.
“Some officials should retire for the good of the public,” he declared, receiving cheers from a crowd that was no doubt happy to see a powerful figure taking a stand against inefficiency.
However, not everyone was impressed. Some of his critics argue that Makonda’s confrontational approach does little to address the underlying problems in government bureaucracy and instead serves as a means to inflate his image.
At the same time, Makonda has continued to cast himself as a defender of President John Magufuli’s legacy, repeatedly describing the late president as a "great man" who was deeply loved by the Tanzanian people.
“Magufuli was a good man, and he was dedicated to his country,” Makonda said during a recent speech, drawing loud applause from the audience. But his remarks have been met with criticism, especially given his tendency to repeatedly invoke Magufuli’s name whenever the subject of his conduct comes under scrutiny.
For some, the constant praise for the late president seems less about honoring his legacy and more about deflecting attention from Makonda’s controversies. “Why does Makonda keep bringing up Magufuli?” one critic wrote online. “It’s as if he has nothing else to stand on.”
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Makonda’s leadership is his tendency to frame himself as an uncompromising figure who is willing to take on anyone, no matter the cost. This was most evident when he responded to accusations related to his involvement in the 2017 assassination attempt on opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Lissu, who survived being shot more than 30 times in an attack that left him critically injured, has long accused Makonda of being involved in the attack. The accusation stems from the fact that on the day of the shooting, Makonda was reportedly in Dodoma, even though Lissu had been targeted in the capital, Dar es Salaam.
Makonda has consistently denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. “If I were involved, why hasn’t Lissu—a lawyer by profession—filed a case against me?” Makonda asked. “On that day, I was in Dar es Salaam attending a medical campaign at Mnazi Mmoja grounds.” While his supporters have rallied behind him, Makonda’s denials have not silenced the critics.
Social media has been abuzz with skepticism, with many questioning the lack of hard evidence to support his claims. “Makonda says he was in Dar, but where’s the proof?” one post asked. “Why does his story always feel rehearsed?”
Despite the controversy, Makonda has made it clear that he is not interested in engaging in a back-and-forth with Lissu. “Lissu has mentioned me several times, but I am unbothered,” Makonda said. “If he truly believes I orchestrated such a heinous act, he should have pursued legal action long ago.”
While Makonda's public denials may satisfy some, his critics have pounced on his ongoing efforts to distance himself from the issue. His constant references to Magufuli’s legacy and his ability to deflect responsibility have done little to quiet the growing suspicion surrounding him.
To some, his every move seems more about personal branding than about serving the public good. As one political analyst put it, “Makonda is not just running Arusha; he’s building a brand. He seems more interested in being a public figure than actually solving problems.”
Makonda’s public persona, as both a reformer and a controversial figure, has led many to question his political ambitions. His willingness to take on high-profile roles, publicly clash with critics, and continuously promote himself suggests that he is not just content with his current position.
Some believe he is positioning himself for a more significant role in the national government, with Makonda’s frequent appearances on national television and his unrelenting self-promotion drawing comparisons to other high-profile figures in Tanzanian politics. However, this strategy has its risks.
Critics argue that his abrasive tactics and penchant for drama will eventually alienate the public. “Makonda may leave a mark, but is it the kind of mark Tanzania needs?” one social media user asked.
Despite the mounting criticism and growing skepticism about his leadership style, Makonda shows no signs of backing down. “Wherever I have worked, I leave a mark. My track record speaks for itself,” he said during his recent report presentation. But with his image increasingly clouded by controversy, the question remains whether the mark he leaves will be one that history remembers with pride—or one that is quickly erased.
