The National Sports Council of Tanzania (BMT) has issued firm governance and administrative directives to the newly elected leadership of the Tanzania Judo Association (JATA), stressing strict compliance with the law, the association’s constitution and principles of good governance as key to the sport’s growth in the country.
Speaking after the completion of JATA’s election, BMT Election Committee chairperson Charles Maguzu said the council expects the new leadership to critically review the association’s constitution and initiate necessary amendments where gaps are identified, in accordance with legal procedures and through a properly convened General Assembly.
He emphasized that the association must be run in line with existing laws and regulations, noting that adherence to constitutional provisions is not optional.
Maguzu said the leadership is required to convene General Assembly meetings within the timelines stipulated in the constitution, even if this requires holding more than one meeting in a year.
Among the key directives, BMT called for the immediate handover of offices and all official documents, alongside the prompt change of signatories to the association’s bank accounts.
He said the measures are aimed at eliminating confusion and strengthening accountability and transparency.
“The new leadership must foster unity and cooperation, operating as one team with a shared vision of advancing judo in Tanzania,” Maguzu said.
He further urged the leaders to uphold transparency in governance, guarantee equal opportunities for all eligible athletes to participate in international competitions and ensure openness in the use of funds to stakeholders, sponsors and BMT.
Maguzu also stressed that all financial expenditures must strictly follow constitutional procedures to avoid unnecessary disputes and internal conflicts.
He encouraged the leadership to be innovative in mobilising sponsorships that would support the training and professional development of coaches both locally and abroad.
He added that sustained investment in grassroots development particularly among youth and school students is critical to expanding the sport’s base and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, BMT Sports Officer Halima Bushiri called on the new leadership to strengthen the participation of women in judo alongside broader youth inclusion.
She also urged JATA to ensure that the registration and operation of affiliated associations and clubs fully comply with BMT regulations.
Responding on behalf of the association, newly elected JATA President Richard Marton Ndayirukiye thanked members for entrusting the new leadership with the responsibility of steering the association.
He said the leadership has received all the directives issued by BMT and committed to implementing them diligently in the interest of developing judo nationwide.
In the elections, Andrew Thomas Mlugu was elected Vice President, Yohana Edward Jiji as Secretary General, Saleh Baraka Saleh as Assistant Secretary General and Lawrence Peter Maganga as Treasurer.
Michael Jeremia Kweka was elected Director of Referees, Clement Lubasha Mabala as Technical Director, while Raphael Daud Raphael assumed the role of Director for Welfare, Education and Volunteerism.