Central to the allegations is the claim that the DARUSO president excluded a representative for students with disabilities from the ministerial cabinet. Photo: Courtesy.
By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam—The University of Dar es Salaam's Student Court yesterday, 12th, November 2024, scheduled a hearing for a significant constitutional case filed against the DARUSO president on November 4, 2024.
This case, officially received and opened by the judicial body on November 4, 2024, involves multiple allegations of constitutional violations, with implications for fair representation and procedural integrity within DARUSO's governance.
According to sources from the DARUSO judiciary, the accusations stem from concerns over appointments made by the president without compliance to the DARUSO Constitution and the alleged exclusion of required representatives.
A judicial committee member explained that, in instances where the president delegates someone to fulfill a role temporarily, there must be formal documentation indicating this change for a specified period. "This notice is essential to ensure continuity and legitimacy," the committee member noted. This case has also drawn attention to apparent representation imbalances within the university. Some schools, colleges, and institutes have multiple representatives in DARUSO, while others reportedly lack any, prompting scrutiny from those who support the petition.
The petition was brought forward by Salum Eliasa Reno, a third-year student, who outlined several alleged breaches of the DARUSO Constitution of 2012, which was recently amended in 2024. Specific articles referenced in the petition include Articles 8, 15 (2)(e), 15 (3), 16 (2)(a), and 16 (7)(a), all of which emphasize fair representation, gender balance, and the necessity of proper consultation in governance decisions.
Central to the allegations is the claim that the DARUSO president excluded a representative for students with disabilities from the ministerial cabinet, a move that reportedly breaks with DARUSO tradition, where a representative from this group has always been included.
Furthermore, the president is accused of disregarding gender balance when appointing ministers, raising questions about fair representation in DARUSO leadership. The petition also claims that the president made key appointments without consulting the vice president, a decision believed to contravene Article 16 (7)(a) of the constitution.
The complaint was filed at the Judicial Office on November 4, 2024, and verified by Reno on November 7. Among the remedies sought, the petitioner recommends the discharge of the president from office and the reappointment of ministers to ensure fair representation, gender balance, and the inclusion of underrepresented groups.
During the initial court session, both the DARUSO vice president and judicial panel were present as the petition was read in full. The court has ordered the submission of evidence at the next hearing, during which defendants will present their arguments. A final ruling will follow once all evidence has been reviewed.
