The government has ordered the immediate arrest of suspects and pledged to cover all medical costs for farmers who were seriously injured in an attack allegedly carried out by pastoralists in Iramba District, Singida Region.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, issued the directives on January 10, 2026, after being briefed on the incident during his visit to the district as part of a nationwide tour to listen to and resolve challenges facing livestock keepers and fishers.
The attack, which involved a farming family, left two people with serious injuries. One of the victims, Mr Mkoma Mustapha, told the minister that he was assaulted with machetes while carrying out farming activities, sustaining multiple injuries that required hospital treatment.
He said that after receiving medical care, he reported the matter to the police but was informed that the perpetrators had not yet been arrested.
The incident angered Dr Kakurwa, who described the violence as unlawful and unacceptable. He directed the Iramba District Commissioner’s Office to immediately meet all medical expenses for the injured farmer, including reimbursing costs already incurred.
“The government will ensure that all treatment costs are covered. At the same time, all those involved in this act must be traced, arrested and taken before the courts in accordance with the law,” the minister said, while urging communities not to allow the incident to incite hatred or further conflict.
He also instructed local authorities, including village leaders, ward executive officers and community policing officers, under the supervision of the Iramba District Police Commander, to intensify public education for both farmers and pastoralists on the importance of observing the law and resolving disputes peacefully.
Dr Kakurwa stressed that taking the law into one’s own hands cannot be tolerated and warned that individuals who fuel violence between farmers and pastoralists will face legal consequences.
During the same tour, the minister visited Nyahaa village in Bukundi area, Mkalama District, where pastoralists reported being attacked by herders from neighbouring Meatu District in Simiyu Region.
He assured them that the government would engage all sides and listen to their concerns before making decisions aimed at restoring peace.
The minister said the government remains committed to addressing recurring conflicts between farmers and pastoralists through dialogue, law enforcement and proper land-use planning.
Dr Kakurwa and his deputy, Mr Ng’wasi Kamani, have officially concluded a tour of about 13 regions that began on December 10, 2025.
The tour focused on introducing the ministry’s leadership, listening to stakeholders and finding lasting solutions to challenges facing livestock keepers and fishers across the country.