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Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mwigulu Nchemba, has condemned arbitrary arrests of citizens and the confiscation of their working tools without valid reasons, describing such practices as outdated and harmful to people’s economic wellbeing.
Speaking on May 17, 2026 during his working tour in Chemba District, Dodoma Region, the Prime Minister said citizens deserve to live in peace, freedom and security, while urging regional leaders and security organs to protect people’s rights.
“Unjustified arrests are outdated practices. Citizens are the first partners and protectors of our security and defense organs, therefore they deserve respect and should be listened to,” he said.
He noted that confiscating citizens’ working equipment over minor offences affects their ability to earn income and support their families.
“It is not only the arrest of citizens that is outdated, even confiscating working tools is an old-fashioned practice. If someone is carrying out a lawful activity to earn a living, how can you seize their equipment? How will they continue working?” he asked.
The Prime Minister cited the example of a vehicle detained in Mvumi over a fine of Sh700,000 despite the vehicle being worth more than Sh27 million, describing the action as unreasonable and harmful to self-employed citizens.
“When you take away the working tool of a self-employed person, you destroy an entire family. You expect them to pay fines while holding the very equipment they depend on to generate income. How will they pay?” he questioned.
He further revealed that the Government had received directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to abolish the law on property forfeiture in order to protect citizens’ rights and create a more supportive environment for productivity and economic growth.
In another development, the Prime Minister said the Government would continue strengthening accountability among public officials while prioritising development projects aimed at improving the lives of Tanzanians.
He said President Samia’s administration has continued implementing key projects, including the construction of health centres, procurement of modern medical diagnostic equipment, ICU-standard ambulances and the establishment of 103 vocational schools, 29 of which specialise in engineering studies.
He also noted that the Government had procured water drilling machines for every region to improve water services, while electricity projects are progressing, including the national power grid reinforcement project worth Sh1.1 trillion aimed at reducing power outages.
“We have put in place strategies to ensure contractors are paid so that stalled projects can resume and delayed projects regain momentum,” he said.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said the Prime Minister’s tours had restored hope among citizens, adding that regional leaders remain committed to implementing all directives issued during the visits.
“As Dodoma Region, we have adopted the slogan ‘Your Challenge, My Responsibility, Smile with Samia,’ and we are fully committed to resolving citizens’ challenges,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chemba Member of Parliament Kunti Majala acknowledged the work being done by the police force but said there had been incidents where citizens were arrested without valid reasons and charged with loitering offences.
“Our citizens are disciplined and understanding when educated properly. But arresting someone while cooking at their small food kiosk and taking them to the police station creates fear among the people,” he said.
Similarly, Special Seats Member of Parliament for Dodoma Region Jesca Mbogo urged the Government to address challenges surrounding the provision of the 10 percent loans for women, youth and people with disabilities, saying some councils were still failing to allocate the required funds on time.
