The Missenyi District Council in Kagera Region has embarked on a week-long working tour to Songwe and Mbeya regions to gain insights into revenue-boosting strategies from more advanced councils.
The tour, which commenced on March 3, 2025, includes visits to the Momba District Council, Tunduma Town Council, and Mbeya City Council.
Speaking at the tour's launch, Missenyi District Council Chairperson Projestus Tegamaisho emphasized the visit's primary objective—to learn from the international produce market project in Momba's Ndalambo Ward, Kakozi Village, located on the Tanzania-Zambia border.
The project closely aligns with Missenyi's planned strategic Kabakesa Market at the Mutukula border with Uganda.
“We need to understand the methods used in constructing and managing this market, as well as how the council generates revenue from it,” Tegamaisho noted, underscoring the council's ambition to replicate a similar initiative at the Uganda border.
Beyond the market project, the Missenyi delegation is set to explore large-scale maize farming, a major revenue source for Momba District Council.
Other focal areas include cross-border trade with Zambia, the implementation of strategic projects through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), and the operation of modern slaughterhouses integrated with livestock auction centers.
Acting District Executive Director Egidius Kahendaguza highlighted that the delegation would also examine various investment models, revenue sources, investor attraction strategies, and challenges encountered in executing investment projects in Momba.
However, the tour has drawn mixed reactions from Missenyi residents, with some alleging extravagance and misuse of taxpayers' money.
Critics argue that the trip, covering over 784 kilometers, is an unnecessary expense, especially considering that most councilors will leave office in June 2025, raising doubts about the long-term impact of the excursion.
Erick Kasharankoro, a resident of Buhanga Village in Bwanjai Ward, expressed his frustration, stating, “They know their term is ending, and this is just a last-minute scheme to drain the council’s remaining funds.
Ever since Magufuli passed away, no leader seems to care about taxpayers’ money—it’s all about self-enrichment.”
Kasharankoro's concerns align with findings from the 2022 Controller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which exposed widespread embezzlement and financial mismanagement in several local councils across Tanzania.
The report indicated that billions of shillings were lost due to dubious expenditures and irregular procurement processes.
Similar concerns were raised by Kahesi Godwin from Kitobo Ward, who questioned the timing of the trip. “If they wanted to learn, they should have done this earlier in their term.
This is nothing but a farewell tour at the taxpayers' expense,” he remarked.
Despite the criticism, some residents support the initiative. Praxeda Cleophase from Kashasha Village defended the tour, emphasizing that exposure to best practices from other regions could enhance Missenyi's revenue streams.
“It is important for our leaders to learn from others. Even though Missenyi and Tunduma have different dynamics, both are border towns. If they implement what they learn, our council can boost its income,” she argued.
Similarly, Omulaza Ngondwe from Nsunga Ward viewed the trip as an opportunity to broaden the leadership's perspective. “Our councilors need to see how others are managing their affairs.
Staying confined to one place limits their understanding of what is possible,” he noted.
Despite the polarized opinions, the success of the delegation will largely depend on the practical implementation of the lessons learned.
As residents await the outcomes, the debate highlights the broader challenge of balancing knowledge acquisition with responsible public spending—a recurring issue for many local councils in Tanzania.