By The Respondent Reporter
The Ujamaa Community Resource Team (UCRT) has successfully enabled 18 villages in Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, to obtain land use certificates following comprehensive land mapping, helping to end longstanding disputes and curb the illegal sale of land by untrustworthy local leaders.
As part of this milestone, village leaders received official seals, while customary land ownership certificates were issued to several villagers, including women—marking a significant step toward legal recognition of land rights.
Speaking at Lengasiti village, Simanjiro District Commissioner Fakii Raphael Lulandala praised UCRT for its instrumental role in the initiative, made possible with funding support from IUCN-ICI and Podong. He said the initiative would significantly reduce land conflicts in the area.
“This initiative has made our work easier by reducing land disputes. I will take stern action against any village leader involved in illegal land sales without approval from the village general assembly,” said Lulandala.
He further urged Simanjiro MP Christopher Ole Sendeka and CCM District Chairperson Kiria Laizer not to interfere when disciplinary measures are taken against dishonest leaders. He pointed out that some villagers sell their allocated land and then return to demand more, a practice that undermines community land management.
"Some buyers acquire 50 acres here and another 50 acres there, and soon they own vast tracts of land, only to be accused later of monopolizing land,” he added.
Edward Loure, the UCRT coordinator for Simanjiro and Kiteto districts, listed the 18 villages that received certificates, official seals, and customary land titles as Lengasiti, Naisinyai, Naepo, Losoito, Olchoro Nyori, Magadini, Korongo, Ngorika, Lemkuna, Lormorjoi, Ngage, Naberera, Gunge, Loiborsoit B, Endonyo Engijape, Orkirung’urung’, Irkujit, and Nakweni.
Loure emphasized that some of the persistent land conflicts stem from village leaders who lack integrity. “In some cases, when they lose elections, these leaders take official records and continue to sell land based on outdated meeting minutes,” he explained.
Simanjiro MP Christopher Ole Sendeka lauded Loure’s contribution, describing him as a patriotic figure who has played a vital role in resolving land conflicts through village demarcation and certification.
He also expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for safeguarding pastoralist lands and preventing their conversion into game reserves or protected areas.
“We thank President Samia for touching the hearts of pastoralists. I also stood firm to advocate for this—even when I was criticized and ridiculed—but today, pastoralist lands remain secure thanks to her leadership,” Ole Sendeka said.
Simanjiro District CCM Chairperson Kiria Laizer echoed similar sentiments, saying UCRT’s work has resolved many land disputes and directly supported the ruling party’s election manifesto on proper land use.
“UCRT has implemented CCM’s land use agenda by helping to prevent unnecessary conflicts,” said Laizer.
Baraka Laizer, sub-village chairperson of Edonyonapi, commended the initiative, saying it provides clear land use plans for residential areas, grazing lands, agriculture, and social services, thereby fostering peace and development in the community.
“This plan is detailed and practical. It will greatly reduce conflict and guide sustainable land use,” he said.