Tanzania’s
Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango (pictured left), has directed the Prevention
and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to intensify preparations for
tackling corruption during the 2025 General Elections, particularly focusing on
curbing bribery through digital platforms and mobile money transfers.
Speaking
at the annual PCCB leadership meeting in Arusha, Dr. Mpango underscored the
threat corruption poses to national progress.
He
warned that leaders elected through corrupt practices are unlikely to address
citizens’ grievances, supervise development projects, or champion integrity.
"Corruption undermines everything we strive to achieve as a nation,"
he said.
The
Vice President urged PCCB staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity
and impartiality.
He
called for fair decision-making, diligent investigations, and a strong
commitment to public service, emphasizing that the bureau must be a model of
ethical behavior.
He
also stressed the importance of adhering to legal procedures while addressing
the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Dr.
Mpango called for robust systems to investigate, prevent, and punish corruption
effectively.
He
directed PCCB to connect all its offices nationwide through advanced ICT
systems and train staff in modern investigative techniques.
Protecting whistleblowers, he added, is
critical to ensuring transparency and accountability.
He
urged the media to play an active role in the fight against corruption by
educating the public and conducting investigative reporting to expose
wrongdoing.
Nevertheless,
he warned against biased or misleading reporting, which he said risks
undermining efforts to inform the public and address corruption.
Dr.
Mpango directed PCCB to focus on eradicating corruption in grassroots
institutions such as local courts and land councils, ensuring citizens receive
fair treatment. He also ordered investigations into officials implicated in
mismanaging or embezzling development funds identified during the 2024 Uhuru
Torch inspection.
The
Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating corruption
under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, emphasizing investment in
strong criminal justice systems and sufficient resources for PCCB.
"We are committed to giving PCCB the
tools and support it needs to fulfill its mission," he said.
PCCB
Director-General Crispin Chalamila reported that the agency recovered TZS 18 billion
over the past year through investigations and monitoring development projects.
These funds were either returned to the
government or used to complete essential projects. He also noted an increase in
successful prosecutions, with a win rate of 75.5% in 2024 compared to 67.7% the
previous year.
The
annual meeting, attended by PCCB leaders from across the country, is aimed at
reviewing progress and developing strategies to strengthen Tanzania’s
anti-corruption efforts.