Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has brokered a settlement between five Mtoni Kizinga residents and businessman Hersi Warsame Mohamed, ending a 17-year dispute over two plots in Temeke Municipality, Dar es Salaam.
The agreement, signed at the Prime Minister’s Office in Magogoni on August 11, 2026, involves Plots No. 2013 and 2014 in Block “U”.
The dispute had dragged on for nearly two decades before the residents, led by Ivan Kihiyo, appealed to the Prime Minister for intervention. They alleged that Mr Mohamed had unlawfully taken control of the disputed property.
Following the complaint, the Prime Minister’s Office formed a team of experts to investigate the matter and facilitate negotiations between the two sides.
The team was led by Tryphone Mkolokoti, Assistant to the Prime Minister responsible for Relations, Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations, while Senso Magessa, Assistant to the Prime Minister responsible for Land Matters, served as secretary.
The mediation considered findings from the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), a court ruling in a case filed by the residents in which Mr Mohamed won, and submissions from land officials involved in the dispute at Temeke Municipal Council.
The settlement was witnessed by Temeke land experts Salim Shedafa and Salim Urembo, alongside officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Speaking after signing the agreement, Mr Kihiyo said both parties had voluntarily agreed to end the dispute through dialogue.
“We reached this settlement through our own understanding, without being forced. We have agreed to end this matter peacefully. Neither side was forced,” he said.
Yassin Hersi Warsame, speaking on behalf of Mr Hersi’s family, welcomed the settlement, saying the family was relieved that the long-running dispute had been resolved through reconciliation.
He said the family would continue with its investment in the area and contribute to national development without further disruption.
The settlement highlights the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in land conflicts, particularly cases that have remained unresolved for years and can affect livelihoods, property rights and investment.
The Prime Minister has established a reconciliation mechanism to address some of the disputes submitted to his office through public meetings and written complaints.
The mechanism brings together relevant experts and authorities to examine disputes and seek negotiated solutions, while taking into account official investigations, administrative records and court decisions.
For the five residents and the businessman’s family, the Mtoni Kizinga agreement closes a 17-year chapter and demonstrates how dialogue can help resolve longstanding disputes while reducing tensions between communities and property owners.
