By Lilian Kasenene, Morogoro
Residents of Bwakila Chini village in Morogoro District have rejected a district government decision allowing them to cultivate disputed land for only one year, insisting that authorities instead release the findings of a commission established to investigate ongoing land conflicts in the area.
The disagreement surfaced during a public meeting held at the village and ward offices, where District Commissioner’s representative Hilary Sagala announced that Morogoro Sugar had agreed to grant residents temporary access to the contested land.
The announcement sparked strong reactions from villagers, who said the move fails to address the root causes of the land dispute and undermines their demand for justice and transparency.
“We do not want favors from the investor. What we need is justice for our land,” said resident Kulwa Malunga, describing the one-year arrangement as a delay tactic rather than a genuine solution.
He added that the community had expected the meeting to present the findings and official decisions of the commission appointed to examine the dispute.
“The commission did its work. We expected answers and lawful decisions based on facts. Without that, this meeting serves no real purpose,” he said.
Several residents raised concerns about alleged corruption, unfair compensation, and abuse of power by village leaders.
Victoria Francis claimed she was denied compensation despite voluntarily giving up her land to Morogoro Sugar, while others allegedly received payments tied to her property.
“They are benefiting from money that does not belong to them. While my child was hospitalized, village leaders registered people who had no land on my plot. I was told to open a bank account for my compensation, but to this day I am being pushed around without payment,” she said emotionally, presenting bank documents to district officials.
Another resident, Said Hamad, alleged serious governance failures, including illegal land allocations, lack of community meetings, missing financial accountability, and village leaders being implicated in the dispute.
“The village currently has no legitimate leadership since the office was closed by residents and the Village Chairperson was suspended for investigations. Yet decisions are still being made as if everything is normal,” he said.
The Tanzania Police Force, represented by SSP Denis Mujumba, warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that legal action would be taken against anyone who violates the law while opposing the decision.
Speaking as a member of the district security committee, he urged the community to remain calm as investigations into alleged criminal matters continue.
Despite the tension, members of the citizen-led commission expressed confidence in the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying they believe authorities will eventually ensure fairness and justice.
“The commission’s findings belong to the people. Without transparency, this conflict will continue,” said Salum Kassim, the commission’s secretary representing community members.
“We uncovered many issues and made recommendations, yet today we are only told about a one-year farming permit, even though the investor is also accused of acquiring land without following proper procedures.”he added
Commission Chairperson Abuu Silia said residents remain hopeful that Morogoro District Commissioner Mussa Kilakala will publicly release the commission’s report and make fair, lawful decisions.
He warned that uncertainty over land ownership is preventing farmers from planning sustainable, long-term agricultural activities.
In September last year, DC Kilakala appointed a 10-member citizens’ commission to investigate land disputes, allegations against Village Chairperson Hemed Mvunyo, and other grievances that had led residents to shut down village offices.
Although authorities warned that closing government offices was a criminal offense, villagers maintain they were defending what they believe are their legitimate rights.
As the standoff continues, Bwakila Chini residents say only transparency, accountability, and the official release of the commission’s findings can bring lasting peace and a fair resolution to the land dispute.