By The Respondents Reporter
The government has started paying about TZS3.8 billion in compensation to livestock keepers whose animals were confiscated but who later won court cases, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has announced.
The payments offer relief to livestock keepers who have waited for compensation after successfully challenging the confiscation of their animals in court.
Speaking to residents at Polisi Mwandoya grounds in Kisesa Constituency, Meatu District, Simiyu Region, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Dr Mwigulu said the payments followed his directives to the Ministries of Finance and Natural Resources and Tourism to resolve the claims.
He assured livestock keepers who had submitted their claims to the relevant authorities that they would be compensated.
“Your cattle cannot be returned if they have already died, but you will be paid their value,” he said.
The announcement addresses a long-standing concern among affected livestock keepers, with the government now moving to fulfil its financial obligations following the court decisions.
In another development, Dr Mwigulu said cotton buying would be liberalised from the next marketing season following an agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and industry stakeholders.
He directed the ministry to ensure the agreement is implemented, barriers to cotton purchases are removed and farmers have access to the requirements needed to sustain production.
The move could widen farmers' marketing options and improve competition in the buying of the crop, although its impact will depend on how effectively the agreed changes are implemented.
The Prime Minister also turned his attention to education, urging parents in livestock-keeping communities to prioritise schooling rather than keeping children at home to look after animals.
Drawing from his personal experience, he recalled how a teacher intervened with his parents to ensure he returned to school after he had left classes to herd livestock.
“Let us take even those who are particularly capable to school. When they succeed, you as a parent have also succeeded,” he said.
On healthcare, Dr Mwigulu directed that patients referred to higher-level hospitals should not be asked to contribute money for fuel for government ambulances.
He also questioned why patients were still being directed to buy medicines from private pharmacies d