Ubuntu Times

Oil Money Heralds Trouble For Uganda’s Indigenous Bagungu Tribe, Environment

Diana Taremwa Karakire

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August 28, 2022

Oil Money Heralds Trouble For Uganda’s Indigenous Bagungu Tribe, Environment

BULIISA, Uganda — Baboons wander through shrub-lands that line the sides of newly built roads straddling Uganda’s wildlife reserves close to the shores of oil-rich Lake Albert. Across the border in Congo, magnificent lush green hilly countrysides stand out. If you’re lucky you can catch a glimpse of elephants too. Wildlife is abundant here, but such scenes might be no more in a few years, as oil companies embark on multi-billion projects to pump as much as 6 billion barrels of crude oil from Uganda’s biodiversity-rich Albertine Rift Graben.

Baboons crossing the newly built Hoima-Buliisa road in Buliisa District — Baboons crossing the newly built Hoima-Buliisa road that straddles Bugungu wildlife reserve close to the shores of oil-rich Lake Albert. Credit: Diana Taremwa Karakire / Ubuntu Times

This territory has also been occupied for generations by the indigenous Bagungu people, who tilled the land to cultivate millet and sorghum and gather medicinal herbs and fish on Lake Albert. The Bagungu have over the years used traditional techniques to conserve the lands. From restricting access to sacred areas to designating wildlife sanctuaries, owing in part to a traditional belief that nature and its resources are guarded by spirits.

But planned development of hundreds of oil wells that dot the shores of lake Albert poses new threats to the pristine environment and has come at the expense of indigenous people’s rights. The Bagungu have been uprooted from ancestral grounds and their once revered cultural sites destroyed—including shrines and grazing lands.

Alex Wakitinti a chief custodian removes his shoes at Wandeko sacred natural site in Kasenyi village Buliisa district — Alex Wakitinti the chief custodian removes his shoes at Wandeko sacred natural site in Kasenyi village Buliisa district. Credit: Diana Taremwa Karakire / Ubuntu Times

“We have lost our grazing lands. Our people wish oil had not been discovered in this area,” Alex Wakitinti the chief custodian of sacred sites of the Bagungu, says, pointing at a newly built highway. “We no longer have access to medicinal herbs and sacred trees where we worshiped.”

French oil giant TotalEnergies operates the Tilenga oil project in the remote districts of Buliisa, Hoima, Kikuube, and Nwoya near the ecologically fragile Murchison Falls National Park and the Nile Delta in western Uganda. The project consists of six oil fields and is expected to have 400 wells drilled in 31 locations. It will also house an industrial area, support camps, a central processing facility, and feeder pipelines. The project necessitates the acquisition of 2,901 acres of land across the districts, as well as additional land within the national park.

A map showing the TotalEnergies Tilenga project located near Lake Albert, Western Uganda. Credit: Petroleum Authority Uganda

According to Petroleum Authority Uganda, the process of acquiring land for the Tilenga project is still underway and has displaced 5,523 families. Residents and local officials, however, say that this process has been marred by inadequate and delayed compensation and resettlement.

Three years ago, TotalEnergies, approached Kaliisa Munange, a peasant farmer in kasenyi village, in Buliisa district, near the shores of lake Albert with a proposal. They would take over his 6-acre piece of land for project developments, in exchange for a bigger chunk of land, complete with a house, in a nearby village. With the promise of a better life, Mr. Munange consented to a relocation that he thought would be life-changing.

“When I arrived, I was so disappointed all the promises were empty, yet the company had already taken over my property,” he said, frowning his forehead with anger. “It was very far, there wasn’t a nearby school that my children would attend and the hospital is ten kilometers away. I decided to take them to court but up to now there is no decision.”

A notice board for Tilenga project-related information updates in Kasenyi Village, Buliisa district — A notice board for Tilenga project-related information updates in Kasenyi Village. Locals say these haven’t been effective due to the language barrier. Credit: Diana Taremwa Karakire / Ubuntu Times

Kaliisa’s is not the only case. His plight is shared by thousands of peasants in this lakeside village, which will soon house one of the largest oil processing facilities in Africa. Many have been waiting for compensation for several years since they were ordered not to plant any perennial crops and erect permanent structures on their land.

Fishing on Wanseko landing site on the shores of Lake Albert in Buliisa district — Fishermen at Wanseko landing site on the shores of Lake Albert in Buliisa district. Most fishing sites have been cordoned off due to oil developments. Credit: Diana Taremwa Karakire / Ubuntu Times

locals are nostalgic of the good old days when they had a source of livelihood tilling their land and fishing freely from L. Albert. When the land was communally used for grazing, worship, herbal medicines, and building materials.

“Community involvement and participation in the land acquisition process and environment impact assessment processes has been limited,” says Wakitinti “Our people were not involved in the identification of cultural sites and a number of medicinal herbs and trees were not assessed for compensation.”

Total executives deny the allegations insisting that the company is addressing the complaints of the affected people and has even been providing them with supplies, such as food.

A tamarind tree, one of the sacred trees central to Bagungu worship system, Kasenyi village,Buliisa district — The tamarind tree which is one of the sacred trees central to Bagungu worship system, Kasenyi Village, Buliisa district. Custodians say that a number of these trees were not assessed during the social and environmental impact assessments for Tilenga oil project. Credit: Diana Taremwa Karakire / Ubuntu Times

Pauline Macronald, head of the environment biodiversity at TotalEnergies Uganda says that the project is taking measures to ensure the socioeconomic stability of project-affected persons.

“TotalEnergies is committed to developing the Tilenga project while observing human rights standards and International Finance Corporation performance standards,” she said, adding that the company has been in close contact with project-affected people to minimize the projects’ impact on locals.

The constitution of Uganda safeguards property rights and land ownership. It affirms that everyone has a right to possess property and offers strict protection against unfair property deprivation. This states that everyone whose private property or land must be acquired for a public project should get prompt, fair, and reasonable compensation.

The International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 7 aims to guarantee that corporate operations minimize adverse effects and promote respect for indigenous peoples’ cultures, rights, and dignity. A fundamental criterion is the free, prior, and informed permission of indigenous peoples, as well as informed consultation and engagement with them throughout the project development process. The Bagungu, however, contend that these rights and standards have been violated by oil project developers.

“The land acquisition processes for oil projects have been shrouded in secrecy, no transparency. The processes have not been participatory and consultative in nature and any project resistance has resulted in costly formal court proceedings to the indigenes,” says Enoch Bigirwa, the former chairperson of the Bagungu Community Association.

The Bagungu Community Association BACA is a local group championing the rights of Bagungu amidst oil developments in their territory. It exists for the sociology-cultural and economic development of Bagungu. BACA is part of the environmental groups that filed a lawsuit against TotalEnergies in France over human rights violations and environmental harm in its Uganda oil project.

Who are the Bagungu

The Bagungu are an indigenous tribe native to Uganda and totaling around 83,986 according to the 2014 population census. They are mainly found in Buliisa, Hoima, and Masindi districts of western Uganda-Albertaine Graben. They belong to the historical Bunyoro Kingdom led by an Omukama, their King.

A map showing the location of the Bangungu people of Uganda. Credit: Bugungu Heritage and Information Centre

They are agricultural and fishing folk. Bagungu are the guardians and custodians of Lake Albert, a large freshwater lake that is the the source of Albert Nile, a branch of the River Nile that flows through Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, and DR Congo.

Oil Developments in Uganda

In 2006, oil and gas reserves were discovered in Uganda’s Albertine Graben.TotalEnergies and China’s CNOOC recently reached a final investment decision to inject $10 billion to kick start oil developments in partnership with the government of Uganda through Uganda National Oil Company which will subsequently lead to production in 2023. Output is expected to peak at 220,000 barrels a day of crude, Uganda consumes around 15,000 barrels a day of crude. Part of the crude oil will be refined to supply the local market while the remainder will be exported through a 1,443km buried East African Crude Oil Pipeline EACOP from Uganda to the Indian Ocean port of Tanga in Tanzania for export to the international market.

Uganda envisions the development of the oil and gas industry will accelerate economic growth, and job creation, improve the general prosperity of Ugandans and catapult the country into middle-income status. Petroleum Authority of Uganda estimates that about 200,000 people will be employed in the oil and gas sector.

However, climate campaigners have been opposing oil developments in the country citing environmental issues, climate change, and community rights violations. As a result, financiers of fossil fuel projects like banks, insurers, and other financial players have been urged to refrain from providing financial support for oil projects.

“Biodiversity is seriously threatened by Total’s oil operations. Government should encourage green economic investments in clean energy. These are inclusive and have the greatest multiplier effects on employment,” said Diana Nabiruma, the communications officer, at Africa Institute for Energy Governance.

This story was produced with the support of Internews’ Earth Journalism Network’s Indigenous Story Grants

Uganda Oil Companies Shrug Off Environmental Concerns To Advance $10 Billion Oil Project

Diana Taremwa Karakire

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February 11, 2022

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Uganda Oil Companies Shrug Off Environmental Concerns To Advance $10 Billion Oil Project

KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan government, backed by French and Chinese investors recently announced a final investment decision to kick start the long-delayed development of Uganda’s vast crude oil reserves, opening the way for the East African nation to become an oil exporter. But the planned development of the $10 billion projects, along the shores of Lake Albert, poses new threats in the ecologically sensitive area.

French oil giant TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation say they will start pumping as much as 230,000 barrels-a-day of crude from the region by 2025, which will be shipped for export through a $3.5 billion heated pipeline linking the oil fields along Uganda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Indian Ocean port of Tanga in Tanzania. The 900-mile pipeline will pass through Uganda’s lush green hilly farmlands, vast areas of marshlands, before snaking around Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake.

Fanfare and military parades marked the event to sign the agreements, a firm commitment that the country’s 6.5 billion barrels of crude, discovered more than a decade ago will be commercialized. President Yoweri Museveni and the Vice President of Tanzania Phillip Mpago were among the key figures that witnessed the event.

“It is a masterpiece of a project and will be achieved at low cost and with a low carbon footprint,” said TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné, adding that the Ugandan project comes at a time when the world is facing increased demand for fossil fuel.

Patrick Pouyanné the CEO of TotalEnergies makes remarks at the event to mark the signing of the final investment decision that will kick start the development of Uganda’s vast crude oil reserves — Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO of TotalEnergies makes remarks at the event to mark the signing of the final investment decision where he said that Total was committed to developing the crude reserves in a sustainable manner. Credit: Petroleum Authority of Uganda

But local and international campaigners remain concerned about the environmental impact of the new fossil fuel projects and their carbon footprint. In particular, activists are concerned about the pipeline’s potential impact on water resources for millions of people in Tanzania and Uganda, vulnerable ecosystems, and the climate crisis.

Days after the signing, an oil production ship exploded off the Nigerian coast of Escravos, Delta State in what is considered to be the nation’s second major environmental disaster in three months. It’s yet another oil disaster that has resulted in huge amounts of toxic oil being released into the ocean, a stark reminder of the reality of risks involved in fossil fuels production.

Major funders for the pipeline project have also continued to pull out. Four out of five of South Africa’s largest lenders recently confirmed that they will not be involved in the financing of the pipeline project.

According to data from the World Bank, Uganda accounts for only 0.01% of the total global carbon emissions while its per capita CO₂ emissions are also low at 0.13 tonnes. But, that is expected to change when oil production starts. Experts say, oil transported by the pipeline will emit at least 33 million tonnes of CO₂ every year.

But Ugandan officials sought to allay the fears, pleading to safeguard the environment and social protection in the development of the projects.

“This project comes with a very big responsibility on the work of all stakeholders involved in the management and development of the country’s oil and gas sector,” said Jane N.Mulemwa, Board Chairperson of the state energy regulator Petroleum Authority of Uganda.

Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO of TotalEnergies leads the other joint venture partners -CNOOCUgandaLtd, TPDCTZ, and UNOC in announcing the final investment decision — Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu claps after the announcement of the final investment decision that will unlock the development of Uganda’s vast crude oil reserves. Credit: Petroleum Authority of Uganda

Local civil society actors have also expressed concern about the gross rights violations meted on local oil projects host communities that oil companies and government have failed to address. Locals complain of being intimidated and threatened by local authorities to accept the inadequate compensation for their land. In 2019 a group of NGOs filed a lawsuit against Total in France over human rights violations and environmental harm in relation to planned oil exploitation in the heart of a protected natural area in Uganda. The organizations accuse Total of failure to adhere to its duty of vigilance “Total’s social responsibility.” The case is still in court.

“Oil Companies should walk the talk and comply with social and environmental safeguards, and international best practices on the path to first oil in 2025,” said James Muhindo, the coordinator of the civil society coalition on oil and gas.

The preliminary work to set the stage for the construction of these projects has progressed. The environment and social impact assessments, as well as the front-end engineering design studies for the Kingfisher, Tilenga projects, and the pipeline, were successfully concluded. All the land required for these projects has been identified and surveyed. The processes of compensation and relocation of the project-affected persons are ongoing. These had stalled for years, amid a litany of disagreements such as tax disputes, funding challenges, and opposition from climate activists.

“This milestone puts us on the path to first oil in 2025,” Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu said in a speech adding that close to 160,000 jobs are expected to be created during the project’s development.

China’s Appetite For Furniture Depletes Africa’s Rosewood Trees

Kizito Makoye

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April 22, 2021

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China’s Appetite For Furniture Depletes Africa’s Rosewood Trees

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — China’s insatiable appetite for rosewood tree species is still driving illegal deforestation in Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa, killing forests and sowing civil strife, Ubuntu Times can establish.

A surge in illegal logging is devastating native forests across the east African country, despite efforts by local authorities to prevent the forest losses.

Hundreds of tonnes of endangered Rosewood trees are being cut and smuggled out of Africa each month by timber dealers to feed a lucrative Chinese construction and furniture market, local forest groups said.

Armed Loggers

Armed loggers, usually invade forests at night, targeting, indigenous trees notably rosewood, which is on the verge of extinction due to rising demand, and ferry them in wooden dhows in the Indian Ocean across Mafia island ready to be exported.

Rosewood known locally as Mpodo is a target for a bustling illegal logging trade in east and western Africa due to a lucrative market in China and elsewhere in Asia.

With China’s local rosewood rapidly waning, illegal loggers and traders have increasingly looked towards forests in Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa to feed the $15 billion rosewood furniture market.

Charles Meshack, Executive Director of Forests Conservation Group—a national NGO dedicated to conserving the country’s high biodiversity forests said China’s rising demand for wood is endangering these forests and strain the lives of local Tanzanian communities dependent on the wood for a livelihood.

“We are quite certain illegal harvesting of rare forest species including rosewood persists, and urge the government to take stern measures to stop this trend,” said Meshack.

Lack Of Enforcement Fuels Illegal Harvesting

Although the east African country has an export ban on certain tree species including rosewood in place observers said lax enforcement has allowed illegal harvesting and export to continue unabated.

Across Africa, transnational syndicates are flouting local bans to exploit the remaining valuable rosewood.

Rosewood forests deliver critical climate and livelihood benefits to communities across Africa, reduce water stress, and support sensitive ecosystems.

Local analysts say the ongoing trade in those wood species greatly undermines the communities’ ability to adapt to climate change let alone fuelling local conflicts.

Tanzania has 33 million hectares of forests and woodland, but the country has been losing more than 400,000 hectares of forests a year, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

The east African country’s dense forests found primarily in the southern part of the country are increasingly threatened by logging, agriculture and fire.

Livelihoods At Risk

Although many people in southern Tanzania rely on rosewood as a source of fuel and medicine, corruption and poor governance of forestry resources are allowing loggers to flout the export bans.

“We don’t seem to have adequate regulatory framework in place to deter criminals who are endangering rare forest species,” said Juma Mlingi, a local farmer in Rufiji valley adding that China’s appetite for rosewood is not only bad but also severely impacting the lives and livelihoods of his communities.

Dos Santos Silayo, Chief Executive Officer Tanzania Forests Services Agency (TFS) said the government is determined to deter illegal logging of rosewood and already remedial measures have been taken to conserve and manage forests sustainably.

Classic Furniture

First crafted in China as far back as 1,000 BC, rosewood furniture, or hongmu as it’s popularly known, has been fashioned into imperial-era styled furniture pieces.

As one of the world’s largest consumers of rosewood, the rising demand for wood in China is having a serious impact for endangered forests.

According to a 2018 report published by Forest Trends—a Washington-based non-profit organization with a mission to conserve forests and other ecosystems, rosewood imports into China increased substantially in the past two decades and were worth approximately $2.6 billion between 2013 and 2014.

Rosewood has rapidly become a hot cake in China, where the dark red and oily-textured species, used primarily for making classical Chinese Furniture and décor, attracts new wealth.

According to the report, the surging demand for rosewood has driven massive amounts of illegal deforestation, contributing to smuggling, fraud, corruption and ethnic strife in most African countries.

In 2016, nations meeting at the 17th Conference of Parties (COP) of CITIES, significantly expanded protections for rosewood species and hundreds of other tree species targeted by illegal loggers and traders.

Trade in valuable hardwood species, including rosewood—largely to satisfy demand for classical-style furniture in China—poses an increasing threat to tropical forests.

“Rosewood logging is illegal in Tanzania, but the situation on the ground is proving otherwise since dishonest traders still go after those endangered species,” said Mlingi.

From 2010 to 2014, China’s rosewood imports from Africa jumped 700 percent, and in the first half of 2016 alone, nearly US$216 million worth of West African rosewood was imported into China.

US Military Presence In Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Making SADC Volatile

Gibson Nyikadzino

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April 14, 2021

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US Military Presence In Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Making SADC Volatile

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) might have been defeated, but its ideas and followers did not disappear. It has since reappeared in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado Province, transformed as the Islamic State’s Central African Province (ISCAP). In August last year, the group attacked and ran over Mocimboa da Praia, a port town lying on the Indian Ocean coast, declaring it its capital and raising the ISCAP profile to the world.

The situation at present is threatening a major military and humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) which has so far internally displaced at least 700,000 people. By June, the number is projected to be around one million.

Raouf Mazou, UNHCR’s assistant commission for operations recently said: “If one looks at the speed at which we are seeing the number of internally displaced persons rise, we know that the window of opportunity that we have is closing.”

Fleeing conflict — People fleeing the violence in several districts in Cabo Delgado are seen here homeless as they arrive in Pemba, the provincial capital. Credit: IOM / Matteo Theubet

The roots of the insurgency in Mozambique on October 5, 2017 can be traced to Kenya’s city of Mombasa and spreading along the coast in Tanzania to Mozambique. Where a combination of resources and conflict pan, the United States has presented itself as a counterterrorism partner. Over 2,000 US forces are active in over 40 counter-terrorism training missions in Africa.

Mozambique, a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), on March 15 confirmed the presence of US Commandos in the country for the next two months. A statement by the US embassy in Mozambique revealed that the arrangement is a government to government arrangement in which “US Special Forces will train Mozambican marines for two months to support Mozambique’s efforts to prevent the spread of terrorism and violent extremism.”

This marks the entry of the US-Africa Command in a region that has enjoyed relative peace. On the other hand, Mozambique’s former colonizer, Portugal, confirmed it will send “a staff of approximately 60 instructors to Mozambique to train marines and commandos.”

Is Mozambique Choosing A Wrong Ally?

The SADC bloc has a counter-terrorism strategy that underscores the desire to mete out terrorism and violent extremism under the collective belief that “a threat to one country threatens the peace and stability” of other countries.

University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturer in the Department of Politics and Administrative Studies Dr. Lawrence Mhandara says the decision by the Mozambican government to invite US forces “indicate a vote of no confidence” on the regional bloc.

“The lack of action on the Mozambique issue by SADC demonstrates a lack of collective capacity in the region. Though SADC has a counter-terrorism strategy, it lacks dynamism in dealing with collective security threats. For instance, Angola and Zimbabwe lack counter-terrorism capabilities,” notes Dr. Mhandara.

The SADC protocol to assistance from other nations is based on the “invitation by the country that needs help” so that other countries intervene. In the case of Mozambique, the country only sent an invite in August last year after it had approached individual countries, which did not yield results. The choice of the US by the Mozambican government, according to Dr. Mhandara, “could be based on the USA’s combat experience” on several conflicts fighting terrorism.

US forces have notably been to Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and now in Syria in the name of “fighting” terrorism.

“The obvious implication of this action by the government of Mozambique is that it envinces a vote of no confidence in the collective will and capability in SADC. There could be some incentives for the USA in this arrangement, but it is damaging to SADC,” added Dr. Mhandara.

Resource Protection At The Heart Of Foreign Intervention

The involvement of the US in Mozambique is part and parcel of the political-economy of war. It cannot be refuted that there are incentives for the US in this conflict. In Afghanistan and Iraq, American companies have benefitted from defense contracts through conflicts.

There are double standards coming through over the past ten years, oil companies have discovered the largest gas reserves that push several multi-billion dollar projects that have the potential to turn Mozambique into the next energy giant. As of 2019, statistics indicate Mozambique holds 100 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves, and ranked 14th in the world. In 2011, economic projections from the World Bank pointed that in the next ten years, the biggest investments were going to Cabo Delgado.

In the Cabo Delgado region, Montepuez ruby mine is said to account for 80 percent of global gas output. Besides Montepuez, a myriad of private gas companies have also emerged and protecting their interests by hiring private security companies to protect their interests. When ISCAP ran over Mocimboa da Praia last year, the Mozambican government and French oil company Total announced a strengthened agreement to protect gas installations including the Rovuma LNG gas project led by Italy’s Eni and the USA’s ExxonMobil.

The US and Portuguese troops coming to Mozambique are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) keen to “stop terrorism and extremism.” Simultaneously, they are protecting the economic interests of French’s Total, Italy’s Eni, and USA’s ExxonMobil, exploring gas in Mozambique. France and Italy are also NATO members.

“After this conflict, aims could be economic for the US government and after the mission, certain benefits will accrue to the USA,” further notes Dr. Mhandara.

Mozambique’s President Fillipe Nyusi has also been accused by his critics of pushing the neo-liberal agenda that prioritizes business over ideological principles as enunciated in the SADC framework to solving conflict, ending poverty and ensuring economic development. According to the World Bank, half of rural people in Mozambique live below the poverty line, a figure barely reduced since 2003.

ISCAP Using Religion To Tap Into An Illegal, Neglected Economy

Cabo Delgado has corridors that can improve trade between Tanzania and Mozambique, and the province is said to have an illegal economy used for heroin smuggling from Asia worth an estimated US$100 million which ISCAP is tapping into.

Makeshift shelter — Hundreds of thousands of people have been internally displaced by the ongoing conflict in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado Province. The UNHCR expects the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to be around one million in June. Credit: UNHCR / Martim Gray Pereira

The conflict in Cabo Delgado also has a religious twist. The region is one of the country’s poorest and mostly resident to Muslims. It has the lowest literacy rate, too. The Muslims in Cabo Delgado have over the years felt neglected as the natural gas in their province has not generated any benefits in their communities. ISCAP is using this to promote its anti-State agenda.

US Unwanted Yet Welcome In SADC Region

SADC Executive Secretary Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax is of the view that the region is “collectively committed” to supporting its member States, including Mozambique, in dealing with matters of insecurity that threaten the stability of the region at large. She confirmed the region has a robust policy, institutional and implementation framework to deal with issue of insecurity, including violent extremism and terrorism in Mozambique, without explaining why Mozambique invited the USA and by-passing SADC.

“Terrorism is a global challenge, as such, solutions to the insurgency require collaborative efforts among member states, regional communities and international partners. SADC has taken a multi-sectoral approach in ensuring that such challenges are addressed comprehensively and sustainably at national and regional levels. This is done through a number of policies, strategies and programs,” she said.

SADC committed — SADC Executive Secretary Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax says the region is committed to supporting Mozambique in fighting insurgents and all efforts being undertaken collectively are done considering regional and bilateral cooperations with Mozambique. Credit: The Herald / Zimbabwe

There are some issues the SADC region is not addressing, the spill-over of the conflict to Mozambique’s neighbouring countries. Because of the spatial proximity, conflict and threats of terrorism are likely to be huge in Malawi and Tanzania as neighboring countries.

SADC has long and winding borders that are not policed and monitored, hence for a long time have been porous and conducive to move contraband. The threat of refugees moving from Cabo Delgado into Tanzania and Malawi is great and this can be an opportunity by the ISCAP to export the terror operatives in other countries embedded as refugees.

Regarding possible outcomes to the conflict, Dr. Mhandara argues there is a possible spill-over of the conflict that is set to welcome US military presence in SADC.

“Because of the conflict going on in Cabo Delgado, the immediate issue is that the military presence of the USA will be immediately welcome though unwanted. The USA will then influence and capture the region through counter-terrorism and counter-insurgence experience and in the long term there will be presence of the USA in the region,” added Dr. Mhandara.

According to SADC, there is provision of a Standby Force for the Mozambique conflict if member states pledge support. This has however not happened except for the “collective solidarity” rhetoric by the regional leaders. The response by the region remains a feeble and futile adventure that should be quickly addressed to ensure regional stability.

Tanzania Military Expels Smugglers From Gemstone Mine

Kizito Makoye

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April 9, 2021

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Tanzania Military Expels Smugglers From Gemstone Mine

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — As a newly-wed couple who visited Tiffany and Co Store in New York can attest, the finely crafted wedding rings fitted with velvet blue crystals, capture the allure of Tanzanite—one of the world’s most sought-after gemstones 1000 times rarer than diamond.

What is not so obvious to the revelers, though, is that the dazzlingly glittering stone only found in Tanzania is oftentimes a product of smuggling.

Lucrative Business

Despite being a lucrative business, the global Tanzanite trade has not been giving optimal benefits to Tanzania, the only place on earth where the precious stones are found.

Although the east African country is endowed with huge mineral resources notably Tanzanite gemstones, the local industry for cutting had not developed as fast, as a result, a huge amount of precious minerals is shipped by unscrupulous traders to the far East for processing and value addition.

Tanzanite Discovery

Discovered in 1967 by Meru herdsman, Jumanne Ngoma, who stumbled upon glittering crystals while herding cattle on the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzanite, prized between $600-$800 per carat, is arguably the best money can buy.

A perimeter wall built by Tanzania military has helped in preventing Tanzanite smuggling and increasing government revenue. Credit: Edwin Mujwahuzi

At a dusty township nestled on Mererani Hills in Tanzania’s northern Manyara region—dotted with wooden shacks, artisanal miners scale down squeaking wooden ladders, into shafts and crawl through narrow passages into underground caves to find their luck.

Driven by survival instinct, the diggers, better known as “Wana Apolo” explore every possible means day and night to find their luck, even though they know much of what they get won’t benefit their families.

“I am working here as an employer, there’s no chance at all I will wake up one day to be rich, whatever we get goes to our boss,” said Halfan Hemed, a miner at Mererani.

According to him, much of the resources are being stolen by foreigners.

Plugging The Loopholes

In an effort to curb Tanzanite smuggling, former Tanzania president, John Magufuli, in 2017 ordered the military to build a 24km perimeter wall surrounding Tanzanite mining site in the northern Simanjiro district to control theft of the precious gemstone thus preventing loss of government revenues.

Fitted with surveillance cameras and barbed wires, the 20 feet high wall has reportedly helped in the monitoring of suspicious activities in the mining site thus preventing smuggling of the gems.

Million Dollars Loss

The east African country has repeatedly lost millions of dollars due to Tanzanite smuggling.

The government had thus established new regulations to ensure high security and effective management of mining activities in and around the mining site.

The mustard yellow wall, worth $2.9 million, has only one entrance, which is secured by the army.

Before its construction, officials said about 40 percent of all Tanzanite produced in Tanzania was being smuggled out of the country.

Recent government data show that gemstones worth Tzs 635 (US$288.6 million) were being smuggled out of the country every year through illegal routes and the consignment ended up in Kenya, India, and other destinations in the far east.

For instance, records show that Kenya, was is exporting abroad Tanzanite worth $100 million while India pocketed $300 million worth of Tanzanite sales, surprisingly official export figures in Tanzania before construction of the wall clocked at US $38 million per year.

Parliamentary Enquiry

The move to build the wall followed a parliamentary inquiry in 2017, which revealed massive smuggling of the blue-violet gemstone of which mining operators were the ones reaping the benefits of the country’s tanzanite riches due to corruption and bad contracts.

The government move to control mining activities at the Tanzanite site has helped in assuring buyers especially in the United States that the gemstones are legitimate and all relevant taxes and royalties are being paid.

Officials said the government has created infrastructure for the wholesale gemstone industry in the country where gem cutters, carvers, and jewelers compete with others abroad.

Military Might

Speaking at the burial ceremony of the late Magufuli, Chief of Tanzania Defence Forces, General Venance Mabeyo, said the military has been fully involved in the protection of the country’s minerals wealth especially the construction of the wall.

“We wanted to protect the tanzanite mine, and before doing that we have built the wall surrounding it to prevent smuggling,” Mabeyo said.

Since 2016, the east African country overhauled the legal, regulatory and fiscal framework governing the mining sector ostensibly to seal off loopholes for theft and loss of government revenues.

Dotto Biteko, Minister for minerals said the country has seen an increase in government revenues from sales of Tanzanite and other minerals due to coordinated response such as tightened security at airports and border points through which the gemstones and other precious minerals were being smuggled.

“We are better off, far better off than when the situation was six years ago,” he said,

Magufuli strongly criticized foreign mining companies, accusing them of undervaluing their production of gold, diamonds, and tanzanite, resulting in a loss of billions of dollars in taxes and royalties.

A commission of inquiry set up by Magufuli estimated that $90bn had been lost in tax evasion arising from mining operations since 1998.

Tanzania’s Head Of Ports Arrested For Alleged Corruption

Kizito Makoye

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March 30, 2021

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Tanzania’s Head Of Ports Arrested For Alleged Corruption

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — The former head of Tanzania’s Ports Authority, Deusdedit Kakoko, who was suspended on Sunday by the new President Samia Suluhu Hassan over alleged embezzlement of public funds, in a move widely seen as an impetus to the country’s ongoing war against corruption, has been arrested.

The Director-General of Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) John Mbungo confirmed that Kakoko was arrested and currently in police custody for interrogation over alleged claims.

Speaking in the capital city Dodoma shortly after receiving the government’s annual audit report for 2019/2020, Hassan said she was startled by massive embezzlement of public funds that had been conducted by officials at the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), urging the country’s anti-corruption tsar—the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to urgently investigate and where appropriate institute criminal charges against those behind the scam.

“I now order the suspension of the director-general of the port authority to pave way for the investigation,” Hassan said.

According to her at least Tanzania shillings 3.6 billion($1.56 million) had been embezzled by unscrupulous officials at the sprawling port nestled in the Indian ocean, as highlighted in the report submitted by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) Charles Kichele.

Strong Measures

The president said various reports have been spotting embezzlement and outright theft of public money at the TPA but no strong measures had been taken to curb the loss of public funds.

“From these reports I have seen massive fraud that has been conducted at TPA, we need to take actions on this for the country to benefit from its own resources,” she said

The president’s move is part of continued government efforts to seal off loopholes for theft of public monies that are channeled to non-existent development projects.

Hassan, who was sworn in on March 19 after John Magufuli suddenly died, is Tanzania’s first female head of state and is expected to complete Magufuli’s five-year term which started last November.

Special Audit

The president has also instructed the Controller and Auditor General and the state’s anti-corruption agency to conduct a special audit of development expenditures in the third quarter (January to March 2021) of the current financial year.

“We want to see an audit of all funds released for the implementation of development projects from January to March, this year,” the president said.

After reading the executive summary of the report, the president spotted a number of issues that required immediate action to improve efficiency and better use of public money.

She has also instructed the CAG to be more transparent when preparing audit reports so that the government can act accordingly.

Dirty Bills

TPA is among public institutions which prominently feature in the CAG report with “dirty bills”.

The institution has for a long time been embroiled in corruption allegations and misuse of public funds.

In December last year, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa formed a probe team to investigate alleged corruption at the port. Two officials including Nuru Mhando, the port’s finance director, and Witness Mahela, its financial expenditure manager, were suspended to pave way for investigations over accusation of embezzlement of public funds.

As part of her efforts to control leakages of government revenue the president has instructed the ministry of finance to harmonize six systems that are being used for revenue collection by making them more efficient to simplify collections, spending, and monitoring process of all development projects.

Tanzania’s New President Vows To Sustain Magufuli’s Legacy

Kizito Makoye

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March 26, 2021

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Tanzania’s New President Vows To Sustain Magufuli’s Legacy

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — In his maiden budget speech in June 2016, Tanzania’s finance minister, Philip Mpango described foreign aid as “toxic.”

Amidst thunderous applause from packed legislators, Mpango said foreign aid can be a conduit of bad policies and projects since the conditions attached to it, potentially cripple the government’s ability to make informed choices.

Worse Than Ineffective

According to the minister, foreign aid was worse than ineffective, perpetuated corruption, and slackened internal revenue collections.

True to his word, the minister spearheaded government’s revenue policies by widening the tax base and improving domestic revenues.

Cutting down foreign aid has been a key government’s objective under President Magufuli, who died of heart complications.

As attested by 2020/21 budget figures, for instance, foreign aid and concessional loans dropped to 8.2 percent compared to over 30% a decade ago.

President Magufuli, known as ‘the bulldozer’ had criticized western countries for imposing humiliating conditions on aid.

Budget Deficits

As one of Africa’s biggest per capita aid recipients, Tanzania has repeatedly experienced yawning budget deficits because development partners invariably failed to fulfill their promises.

Since rising to power, Magufuli’s overarching objective had been to unleash growth potential and addressing the country’s infrastructural bottlenecks in energy, ports, roads, railways as well as honing people skills through education, science and technology to improve lives.

Throughout his leadership, Magufuli steered the country toward authoritarianism by implementing a nationalistic economic agenda characterized by stifled regional and international trade thus affecting foreign direct investment.

The no-nonsense leader went further by silencing dissent—banning statistics that challenged official government data, locking opposition leaders, stifling civil society, and muzzling the media.

His global notoriety peaked during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic when he claimed the deadly virus had been eliminated in Tanzania, thus stopping releasing COVID-19 data.

In a bid to sustain the political legacy of her predecessor, Tanzania’s new president Samia Suluhu Hassan, has promised to tread on the development trajectory that Magufuli initiated.

“I will continue where Magufuli left off and will get to where he envisioned Tanzania to be,” she said during the swearing-in ceremony.

Party Supporter

President Hassan, who becomes east Africa’s second-female president will serve out the remainder of Magufuli’s five-year term until a new election in 2025.

A stalwart of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party from Zanzibar, Hassan served as vice president since 2015.

Her first moves, observers say, are likely to feature an appeal for unity among Tanzanians.

“She’s very much disturbed by the growing division among Tanzanians. She would like to restore unity” said Justine Bigawe, a political analyst based in Dar es Salaam.

According to Bigawe, Hassan will almost certainly seek to consolidate her grip on power.

According to him, as a first-ever female head of state, Hassan stands a chance to raise national confidence that she has the skills and abilities to run the country.

Magufuli, who had been pursuing nationalist policies that prioritize economic development and empowerment of the poor, had attracted criticism on alleged human rights violations.

Armed with relative macroeconomic stability and strong GDP growth, analysts say Magufuli relentlessly and successfully built costly infrastructural projects in his quest to translate economic growth into poverty reduction to deliver sustained improvement of the lives of the poor.

As a reformist, Magufuli’s leadership style portrayed devotion to work, close scrutiny of plans and proposals.

Armed with a philosophy hinged on the assumption that development should be people-centered, Magufuli mobilized resources to finance major development projects without foreign assistance.

Notable Progress

Magufuli’s notable achievements include improvement of social and basic services, reviving the country’s defunct national carrier; Air Tanzania, constructing modern road and railway infrastructures, installation of flyovers, construction of a crude oil pipeline from Uganda, and a hydropower facility to create energy independence.

Magufuli’s unique leadership style earned him praise across Africa, however, his courage to wage sustained war on corruption, drugs, tax evasion, poaching and economic sabotage, opened the door for criticism.

“He was doing the right thing for the country but not everyone was pleased with what he was doing,” said Bigawe

Observers say Magufuli’s leadership style and philosophy was a game-changer in Tanzania and across Africa where local citizens wished to have their own Magufuli’s.

Magufuli plugged loopholes for theft of public funds through questionable transactions, ghost workers, and unnecessary foreign trips by public servants, said Bigawe.

For example, Bank of Tanzania data shows the country saved $429.5 million from foreign travel within a year after Magufuli took office, he said.

Despite being rich in natural resources such as gold, coal, gemstones, etc, the east African country has for decades seen plunder of its natural wealth, consequently affecting the quest for development.

President Magufuli vowed to reverse the trend and ensure that the country gets a reasonable share of the revenue from natural wealth by reviewing mining laws to ensure that future contracts benefit the country, said Bigawe.

According to him, the government under Magufuli had rolled out a cocktail of bold directives, such as introducing new laws intended to boost the country’s revenues from mineral wealth.

Tanzania President John Magufuli Has Died

Kizito Makoye

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March 17, 2021

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Tanzania President John Magufuli Has Died

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Tanzania’s President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli has died at the age of 61, Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced.

In a televised speech on the national broadcaster TBC, the Vice President announced that the President died of a heart complication on March 17, 2021, at about 6 PM at state-run Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam where he was admitted on March 14.

“It is with great regret that I inform you that today, 17 March 2021, at 18:00, we have lost our courageous leader, President John Pombe Magufuli of Tanzania,” said Hassan.

The Vice President said Magufuli was first briefly admitted to the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute on March 6 but was subsequently discharged.

But he was rushed to the hospital again on March 14 after feeling unwell. She announced that the nation will observe a 14-day period of mourning.

The shocking news comes after weeks of speculation on his whereabouts with the suspicion that he had been hospitalized for COVID-19.

President Magufuli has not been seen in public for 18 days and a flurry of rumors suggested that he was ill.

The speculation had led to several arrests, as the government attempted to curb the spread of false rumors.

On Tuesday, the opposition leader from the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo) issued a statement asking for Magufuli’s whereabouts.

The party also urged the police to release all citizens who have been arrested for circulating rumors about the president’s health.

There has been a flurry of wild conspiracy theories and speculations on social media that the 61-year-old president may have contracted Coronavirus and been airlifted to a Kenyan hospital for treatment and subsequently flown to India a day later.

Tanzania’s main opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who lives in Belgium in exile, said, citing sources that Magufuli was gravely ill from COVID-19, exacerbated by underlying health conditions.

According to the Constitution, Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan is now the acting president of Tanzania.

While a date for her swearing-in has not yet been announced, she will be Tanzania’s first female president.

Born in Chato, Geita Tanzania, in 1959, Magufuli studied chemistry and mathematics at the University of Dar es Salaam. He subsequently worked as a chemistry and mathematics teacher. He was first elected as an MP in 1995, became a cabinet minister in 2000 and first elected president in 2015.

Can Zumbani, Zimbabwe’s Local Tea Leaves Treat COVID-19?

Farai Shawn Matiashe

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March 17, 2021

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Can Zumbani, Zimbabwe’s Local Tea Leaves Treat COVID-19?

Nickson Mpofu (38) a resident of Cranborne, a medium-density suburb in Harare the capital of Zimbabwe, recalls how they used tea leaves to treat colds growing up in his rural home, Zvishavane.

As a young boy, he did not know the plant would one day treat the symptoms of a novel virus: COVID-19.

Last year, after many decades he realized the power of the plant in saving lives when he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

“I first developed a severe headache. I suspected it was just flu,” he tells Ubuntu Times.

“As the day went on the headache and fever became worse.”

Mpofu went to a COVID-19 testing center in Harare where he tested positive for Coronavirus.

He was asked to quarantine at home.

At that time little was known about COVID-19, thus, Mpofu turned to Zumbani tea leaves.

“I took Zumbani tea leaves. I also steamed using Zumbani, lemon, gum tree and guava tree leaves,” he said.

Since March 2020 when Zimbabwe recorded its first COVID-19 death, people have been using local remedies such as Zumbani to treat illnesses related to the virus.

Zumbani, a woody erect shrub that grows naturally in Zimbabwe and other African countries, is known scientifically as Lippia javanica.

Up until now, the world is battling to find a cure to the pandemic.

But as research efforts go on citizens of poor countries, who can hardly afford medical treatment have had to rely on local remedies to treat the symptoms of COVID-19.

Several countries have developed vaccines that are currently being rolled out including United States’ Johnson and Johnson, Russia’s Sputnik V, China’s Sinopharm vaccine.

After receiving a donation of 200,000 Sinopharm vaccines from China, Zimbabwe rolled out its COVID-19 vaccination program on the 18th of January 2021.

The initial phase of the vaccination program targets health workers, members of the security sector, and journalists.

The government aims to inoculate 60 percent of its population of over 14 million people with vaccines from China, Russia, and the Far East.

In April 2020, the government allowed traditional herbalists to treat COVID-19 using herbs since very little information was available on how to treat the symptoms of COVID-19.

Zimbabweans are using Zumabani tea leaves to treat COVID-19 related illnesses — Zumabani, known scientifically as Lippia javanica, grows naturally in Zimbabwe and other African countries and has been used to treat ailments such as colds and flu. Credit: Farai Shawn Matiashe / Ubuntu Times

The southern African nation is experiencing its worst economic crisis in decades which has hit the health sector characterized by shortages of medicines and personal protective equipment (PPEs).

Poor countries like Zimbabwe are struggling to purchase vaccines for their citizens.

They are relying on vaccine donations from developed nations.

Towards the end of 2021 COVID-19 cases surged as Zimbabwean residents returned from neighboring South Africa for the festive season.

As of the 16th of March 2021, COVID-19 had claimed the lives of over 1,500 people while infecting more than 36,500 people in the southern African nation, according to the Health Ministry.

At this time, the majority of people in Zimbabwe—constituting almost 80 percent of the population resorted to using home remedies to treat common illnesses before seeking modern medical care services, according to Itai Rusike, the executive director of the Community Working Group on Health, a network of community-based organizations.

Another Zimbabwean, Constance Makoni says her parents tested positive for COVID-19 in July 2020 and they took Zumbani and other home remedies.

“When they tested positive we asked them to steam. My father was in terrible shape. He was not breathing well.”

“My parents could steam 15 times a day. They also drank Zumbani tea leaves. My father was later put on oxygen. They all recovered,” she said.

Zimbabwe is not the only country that at the height of the pandemic resorted to home remedies.

Other African nations such as Madagascar and Tanzania authorized and promoted the use of home remedies to cure COVID-19.

In April 2020, Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina launched a herbal tea that was marketed in bottles.

The herbal remedy made from artemisia-a plant with proven efficacy against malaria, according to the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research.

This herbal remedy was reportedly exported to other countries.

In Tanzania, President John Magufuli, who did not put the east African nation on lockdown while declaring it COVID-19 free, also ordered a shipment of the Madagascan herbal to treat the respiratory disease in May 2020.

Magufuli died from heart-related complications aged 61 on the 17th of March 2020.

In Zimbabwe, there has been a rise in the number of traders packaging Zumbani tea leaves, for sale in major cities.

The World Health Organisation has been urging nations to use scientifically proven traditional medicine to treat COVID-19 related illnesses.

Zimbabwe’s Health Minister Constantino Chiwenga has encouraged medical facilities to undertake a scientific study to ascertain the efficacy of traditional medicine and herbs to combat COVID-19.

There is no scientific research that Zumbani can treat COVID-19 — In Zimbabwe, entrepreneurs are packaging Zumbani tea leaves for sale in major cities. Credit: Farai Shawn Matiashe / Ubuntu Times

Africa University, located in the eastern part of Zimbabwe, is in the process of developing cough drops made from the Zumbani plant.

The cough drops are not going to be sold as a pharmaceutical drug for now but as a herbal remedy and will be available commercially in one month’s time, according to Africa University.

Despite its popularity among poor Zimbabweans medical practitioners are not convinced that it can treat COVID-19.

“Zumbani is a herbal remedy which is probably good for general health and wellbeing. It has been found to have antioxidants like rooibos. It has no known specific effect against any particular bacteria or virus,” Shingai Nyaguse, president of the Zimbabwe Senior Hospital Doctors Association tells Ubuntu Times.

Medical experts say prolonged use of the triterpenoids in Lippia javanica causes liver damage, with jaundice being the most notable result.

Tanzania’s Health Officials In Trouble Over Dubious Drugs Procurement Deals

Kizito Makoye

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March 16, 2021

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Tanzania’s Health Officials In Trouble Over Dubious Drugs Procurement Deals

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Tanzania anti-corruption officials are investigating loss of Tanzanian shillings 27 million(US$11.5 million) allegedly swindled by unscrupulous health officials accused of flouting procurement rules when purchasing and distributing essential medicine and medical equipment in various public hospitals, officials said two weeks ago.

According to officials from the Ministry of Health Community Development, Women, Elderly and Children, the revelations were made by a probe committee formed by the government on February 1 to assess possible misappropriation of the said public funds.

Litany Of Complaints

The investigations were prompted by a litany of complaints from ordinary citizens who questioned the shortage of medicine and medical equipment.

The suspects are reportedly being investigated by the country’s anti-graft watchdog– the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) their possible involvement in the scam that has tarnished the image of the health ministry.

The east African country, which has long been dogged by corruption, had won rare praise from international donors in 2016 when President John Magufuli overhauled procurement processes and sealed off loopholes for theft of public monies in the health system.

Yawning Deficits

Observers say, the donor funds, whose disbursement hinges on the government’s resolve to fight graft, are badly needed to bridge yawning deficits.

The probe committee was formed after a litany of complaints from members of the public about persistent shortage of essential supplies and medical equipment despite a nine-fold increase of the country’ annual health budget, which rose from Tanzanian shillings 31 billion in 2015 to a whopping 270 billion in the first quarter of 2021.

Dorothy Gwajima, Tanzania’s Minister for Health said in 28 referral hospitals that had been investigated, officials had flagrantly flouted procurement rules and in some cases were involved in outright theft of the money earmarked for purchasing drug supplies.

“Stern measures will be taken against all those involved, no stone will be unturned,” she told reporters.

According to her disciplinary actions will be taken and criminal charges will be instituted against those who will be found to have flouted standard procurement procedures.

Supplier To Face Music

The minister said private suppliers who allegedly sold drugs and medical equipment without adhering to procurement rules will also be investigated.

According to the 2020 Public Expenditure Review, which provides framework trends and patterns of the country’s health expenditure in the public sector, Tanzania has not been able to translate its rapid economic growth and development into increased access of quality health services.

The total per capita health spending increased modestly from US$23.6 to US$28.5 million between 2010 and 2017.

While Tanzania has made good progress in health service delivery, rural populations still don’t have access to better health services.

Systemic Corruption

Recent studies show that systemic corruption coupled with dwindling donor funding has affected health service delivery in Tanzania’s public hospitals.

While foreign donors have always used aid as a tool to effect change and guide the country’s health policy, a huge chunk of their money has not been put to good use due to systemic corruption.

Deus Kitapondya, a public health professional working with Muhimbili National Hospital said corruption in Africa is deeply embedded in the system of life, which manifests in different forms such as abrupt policy shifts to attract funding.

“The situation is critical, workers morale in public hospitals has fallen down in a way you cannot explain it,” he said.

Desert Locusts Invasion Cause Panic In Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Region

Kizito Makoye

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March 4, 2021

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Desert Locusts Invasion Cause Panic In Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Region

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — At first glance, Hilder Tarimo, a local farmer in a sleepy Ngai Nairobi village in Tanzania’s Siha district, thought the dark dense blot darkening her horizons was clouds ushering in some rains.

But when a swarm of fast-moving creatures finally descended on her farm, the danger was real.

“It felt like a huge cloud falling from the sky,” said Tarimo, who grows maize, beans, and vegetables on her farm.

Efforts to scare them away with smoke did not work since the insects descended in their millions, Tarimo said.

“They caused a lot of destruction in a matter of hours,” she said.

Pleasant Surprise

As local villagers struggled to scare away the invaders, they had a pleasant surprise when they spotted a small plane sprinkling powdery water from the sky barely hours after they arrived, thanks to the swift government action.

Tanzania is battling a wave of desert locusts that has spread in the northern Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions, razing vegetation causing panic among farmers who fear the destruction of their crops.

Although local authorities say the latest invasion of highly mobile creatures is under control, local farmers are still worried about the unwelcome guests who pose a real threat to their crops.

Onesmo Biswelu, Siha District Commissioner said swarms of locusts, which invaded plantations at Ngare Nairobi ward since Tuesday have been obliterated by pesticides sprinkled from special planes.

“We have successfully contained the spread through aerial spraying of powerful pesticides,” Biswelu said.

The Worst Invasion

East Africa had experienced the worst invasion of locusts in the past year, triggering food shortages in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. The destructive creatures, believed to be fuelled by the changing weather patterns are a potential threat to food security, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

In January last year, Kenya suffered the worst outbreak of desert locusts in 70 years, as millions of insects swarmed into farmlands destroying crops thus threatening the country with hunger.

Contingency Planning

As part of its contingency planning, the government of Tanzania said it will apportion a sufficient budget in the next financial year to purchase insecticide spraying and mapping equipment including motorized drones to combat destructive insects.

Adolf Mkenda, Tanzania Minister for Agriculture and cooperatives said spraying is an effective strategy to combat locust infestation adding that officials are currently using two hired planes for the task.

“There’s no reason for people to panic, the problem is under control,” he said Wednesday.

The minister said the government is closely monitoring the movement of locusts in all affected regions and will accordingly spray pesticides to kill them.

The minister warned local residents in Siha, Simanjiro, and Longido districts where locusts have been spotted to avoid eating or touching insects since they may contain poisonous substances.

Jeremiah Sanka, a resident of Longido told The Citizen newspaper that locusts invasion is disconcerting especially now maize has started to germinate.

“If the maize is eaten it will be such a huge loss,” he said.

Nearly Half Of Tanzania Female Journalists Offer Sexual Bribery, Survey Finds

Kizito Makoye

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February 25, 2021

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Nearly Half Of Tanzania Female Journalists Offer Sexual Bribery, Survey Finds

Dar es Salaam — Widespread economic doldrums and the rising wave of moral decay have forced an unprecedented number of female journalists into the trap of sexual bribery where they exchange sex for job offers.

According to the research, titled Sexual Harassment Among Women Journalists in Media Houses conducted by Tanzania Media Women Association(TAMWA)—a local charity working to protect women’s rights, the root causes include poor pay, professional incompetency which force women journalists to offer sexual bribery to secure their jobs, ethical misconduct, immoral behavior, lack of professionalism and abuse of office.

Moral Trade-off

The report, seen by Ubuntu Times found women in the media experienced sextortion a form of non-monetary bribes by senior editors and managers which exposed them to moral compromise to exchange sex for employment.

Widespread Phenomenon

Sextortion—a form of corruption that employs non-physical forms of coercion to extort sexual favors from a victim, is a serious problem in Tanzania.

People entrusted with power in organizations such as editors or educators often abuse authority to suit their sexual fantasies.

The survey which was conducted in Dar es Salaam suggests, 48% of the respondents faced sexual discrimination at work, while 52% refused to comment on the matter which is a crime according to Tanzania laws.

Culture Of Shame

A culture of shame widely embraced by society has made it increasingly hard for victims to come forward, according to women’s rights groups.

Speaking to reporters in Dar es Salaam two weeks ago TAMWA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, John Ambrose said the survey involved freelancers, journalists with short-term contracts, and trainee reporters.

The research, which involved senior editors, media managers, journalism colleges, and non-governmental organizations, revealed some incompetent female journalists often lure their bosses for sex to get favors, and in other cases, editors force trainee reporters into sexual affairs.

“Most female journalists are incompetent but since they still want to retain their jobs, so they’ve to seduce their bosses to protect their jobs,” the survey finds.

Inappropriate Relations

The findings further say the problem is largely fuelled by trainee reporters since most of them are often jostling to establish inappropriate relations with senior editors in the hope to get employed upon completion of their studies.

“Most female reporters find themselves caught up in sexual trap whenever they want to enter in a radio or TV studio,” the survey says.

Rose Reuben, TAMWA’s Executive Director, however, said sexual bribery does not only affect female reporters but also male journalists who find themselves entangled in a dangerous moral trade-off.

“Many female journalists experience this problem but they don’t think it’s cause for concern, I ask them to raise their voice against this social malady,” she said.

Researchers have recommended the enactment of a clear-cut gender policy that explicitly spells out sexual corruption as a violation of human rights.

According to her the policy on sexual bribery in newsrooms and frequent reminders should help in resolving the problem.

As part of efforts to fight sexual harassment at work, Tanzania’s Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), recently launched a special campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of sexual corruption.

Under the banner of “kataa rushwa ya ngono,” Swahili meaning, “reject sexual corruption,” trained officials were scheduled to educate people on how to avoid the social malady.

A Criminal Offense

While sexual bribery is criminalized in Tanzania, campaigners say the law is too weak to deter perpetrators who often pay fines and walk scot-free.

Section 25 of Tanzania’s anti-corruption law of 2007 states: “Anybody being in the position of power or authority, who in the exercise of his authority, demands or imposes sexual favours, or any other favours on any person as a condition for giving employment, a promotion, a right, a privilege, or any other preferential treatment, commits an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine of not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.”

In Tanzania, where nearly nine in every 10 women have experienced sexual harassment, activists say awareness campaigns against it can potentially raise the momentum to curb it.

Tanzania, Burundi Shun COVID-19 Vaccines

Kizito Makoye

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February 11, 2021

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Tanzania, Burundi Shun COVID-19 Vaccines

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — As nations worldwide are banking on COVID-19 vaccines to quash the deadly Coronavirus, Tanzania and Burundi have rejected the badly needed jabs, a move likely to derail efforts to fight the disease.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), which has started shipment of about 90 million COVID-19 vaccines to African countries including 320,000 jabs to Rwanda, Cape Verde, South Africa, and Tunisia, said this week it had excluded the two east African countries from its rollout plans.

No Plan For Vaccines

Earlier this week Tanzania insisted it had no plans to import COVID-19 after President Magufuli, who declared the country as COVID-free said the vaccine could be potentially dangerous.

Africa, which has seen a deadly resurgence of COVID-19 cases, recorded 3.6 million as of Monday, with 93,647 deaths.

While scientific modeling has shown an overall lower infection rate in Africa compared to Europe and the United States, experts warned that health systems could potentially become overwhelmed due to the on-going resurgence.

Herd Immunity

Health experts say to achieve herd immunity, about 60 percent of the continent’s population has to be immunized.

In Burundi, where more than 1,600 cases of Coronavirus had been recorded, officials said this week the country is counting on prevention measures since the majority of the COVID-19 patients are recovering.

COVID-19 personal hygiene — People wash their hands as a preventive measure against COVID-19 in Gatumba, Burundi. Credit: Onesphore Nibigira

“Since more than 95% of patients are recovering, we estimate that the vaccines are not yet necessary,” said Thaddee Ndikumana, Burundi’s Health Minister.

Testing Controversy

Tanzania recorded 509 cases of Coronavirus infections and 21 deaths, in May 2020 when authorities halted testing policy. The move came after President Magufuli cast doubt on the efficacy of the Chinese-made testing kits, which he claimed returned positive results on unlikely samples taken on a goat and pawpaw fruit.

President Magufuli’s decision to stop COVID-19 testing provoked widespread criticism among public health experts who have debunked wild conspiracy theories against COVID-19 vaccines with no scientific basis.

President Magufuli, who has largely abhorred social distancing measures including mask-wearing is strongly criticized for peddling wild conspiracy theories that contradict the global scientific consensus on the deadly disease.

Dorothy Gwajima, Tanzania’s minister of health said the east African country is not intending to import COVID-19 vaccines, including free doses it could get from the global Covax initiative which targets poor and middle-income nations.

“We are not satisfied that those vaccines have been clinically proven safe,” said Dr. Gwajima.

Tanzania government has shunned conventional medicines, it is instead promoting traditional remedies, such as steam inhalation to fight respiratory infections

“It’s better we continue to use traditional remedies that have been with us for generations,” she said.

Gwajima emphasized Magufuli’s stance against foreign vaccines while demonstrating how to make a drink using ginger, onion, pepper, and lemons which she claimed can help to obliterate the Coronavirus.

Despite facing strong opposition, WHO has urged the Tanzanian government to prepare for a vaccination campaign, encourage mask-wearing, and share information about Coronavirus infections.

“Vaccines work and I encourage the [Tanzanian] government to prepare for a COVID vaccination campaign,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s Africa director.

Tanzania Asks For Clarification On U.S Visa Sanctions

Kizito Makoye

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January 26, 2021

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Tanzania Asks For Clarification On U.S Visa Sanctions

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Barely a day after the U.S Department of State imposed visa restrictions on unspecified number of Tanzanian officials it accused of subverting the electoral process, Tanzanian government has demanded clarifications on the basis of the imposed bans since the country’s electoral laws allows aggrieved parties to seek legal redress whenever they feel dissatisfied by the results.

Semistocles Kaijage, the Chairman of Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) told reporters that there’s nothing unusual about the Visa restrictions although the U.S Department of State did not categorically state the motives for the alleged bans.

“The basis for imposing sanctions is what matters. Those who have imposed restrictions should substantiate their claims that the election process was breached because their statement is too general and not concrete,” said Kaijage.

Visa Restrictions

The U.S Department of State said last week it was imposing visa restrictions on unnamed Tanzanian officials it accused of undermining democracy and gross violation of human rights during the last year’s general elections.

According to the statement, such officials subverted the electoral process thereby continuing, what it called ‘the downward trajectory of the country’s democracy.’

The statement cites reports from independent election observers, highlighting widespread irregularities and alleged human rights abuses, violations, before, during and after elections in which opposition candidates were reportedly routinely disqualified, harassed and arrested.

Tanzania government, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the opinion that the election was sabotaged needed detailed explanations.

Resounding Victory

President John Magufuli, won a resounding election victory with 84% of the votes, followed by his main opposition challenger, who garnered 13% of the vote.

Lissu who returned to Tanzania last year after a three-year exile in Belgium where he was recovering from 16 bullet wounds sustained in an assassination attempt rejected the results.

Violence And Intimidation

However, the basis of the U.S Department of State’s action emanated from widespread voting irregularities, internet disruptions, intimidation of journalists and violence by security forces that marred the election process.

According to the U.S Department of State, leaders of Tanzania’s civil society groups are still threatened and some opposition leaders have been forced to flee the country fearing for their safety.

“We urge the government of Tanzania to reverse course and hold accountable those responsible for the flawed election, violence, and intimidation,” said the statement.

According to the statement, the U.S will continue to closely follow developments in Tanzania, and will not hesitate to take action against individuals complicit in undermining democracy and violating human rights.

“Finally, we emphasize that today’s actions are not directed at the Tanzanian people.

“We commend Tanzanians who participated in the election peacefully and in good faith, and we will work together with all those committed to advancing democracy, human rights and mutual prosperity,” the statement concludes.

Lissu, who in December called for sanctions, asset freezes and travel bans against officials behind rights violations described the move by the U.S government as a warning to dictators.

“The U.S has sent a clear and unmistakable warning to those who stole the elections in Tanzania and Uganda. No impunity for your violent and fraudulent actions and there’s more to come.”

Robert Amstardam, Lissu’s International Lawyer who played an instrumental role to guarantee his safety during the elections said restriction against Tanzania’s regime sends strong signals, thus “corrupt officials” won’t be sending their children abroad for studies.

“I congratulate this important decision by secretary (former) Pompeo and the State Department leadership to bring accountability to Tanzania. We hope that this may be the first penalty of many more to come,” he tweeted.

Tanzanians Raise Eyebrow Over $100 COVID Screening Fee

Kizito Makoye

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January 26, 2021

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Tanzanians Raise Eyebrow Over $100 COVID Screening Fee

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Amidst rumours of the rising number of people with respiratory diseases in private hospitals, Tanzania authorities have issued new policy directives requiring national and foreign travellers to be screened for Coronavirus.

Dorothy Gwajima, Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children said in a statement that COVID-19 screening is mandatory at the fee of Tanzanian shillings 230,000 US$100 for all national and international travelers.

“All travelers are required to go to respective health facilities designated for COVID-19 testing, those whose results turn out negative will be issued with COVID-19 clearance certificates and their names will be transferred electronically to relevant officials,” she said.

All travelers, foreigners and returning citizens, whose countries or airlines require them to get tested for COVID-19 with a negative test result as a condition for travel are required to present a certificate upon arrival, the government said.

Questionable Data

The east African country which halted COVID-19 testing and subsequently stopped publishing relevant data in April 2020, on the grounds that the Chinese-made testing kits were defective, recorded a total of 509 confirmed cases and 21 deaths.

The new guideline sets out procedures for applications, testing, how to take the results, border checks and testing costs for travelers.

According to Minister Gwajima, technological changes have necessitated the cost of testing for COVID-19 to rise from Tanzanian shillings 40,000 (US$ 17) to $100.

At present getting COVID-19 test results, which involve a nasal and throat swab, takes up to 48 hours.

According to officials, COVID-19 positive patients have the option to stay under observation and treatment at the designated health facilities or isolate themselves at home under strict supervision.

Alternative Remedies

While the rest of the world has embraced conventional approach to fight the deadly pandemic, Tanzania switched to prayers, ginger, lemonade concoctions and steam inhalation to fight the virus.

Unlike other African nations, Tanzania shunned lockdowns opted instead to rely on the power of prayer and alternative remedies.

President John Magufuli—nicknamed “The Bulldozer” for his solid track record of getting things done declared in June last year that the nation had eliminated the virus after three days of prayers.

His remarks, however, casted serious doubts among public health professionals, with officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and African Centre for Disease Control, strongly criticising the government’s move to halt COVID-19 testing in May.

Infections Rumours

Speaking on conditions of anonymity for fear of reprisals, health workers at major private hospitals in Tanzania’s largest commercial city claim the number of people with respiratory-related complications and high fever has been rising although most of them recover quickly.

“There has been an increase in admission into health facilities, I would like to advise you to maintain precaution,” said a doctor at Safe Hospital in Dar es Salaam.

The government denied the claims.

Veneer Of Truth

Aidan Eyakuze, the Executive Director of Twaweza—a local governance think tank, criticized the official narrative on Coronavirus in Tanzania terming it “veneer of truth”

“We hear whispered insights from medical professionals, and circumstantial evidence of friends and colleagues losing loved ones after sudden respiratory distress which proved fatal,” wrote Eyakuze in The Citizen, Tanzania’s leading independent newspaper.

While neighbouring Kenya and Uganda are increasingly worried by the pandemic, Tanzania seems blissfully relaxed about it, Eyakuze said.

“Lack of open data contributes to this sense of security,” he said.

Train Accident In Tanzania Highlight Country’s Vulnerability To Extreme Weather

Kizito Makoye

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January 10, 2021

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Train Accident In Tanzania Highlight Country’s Vulnerability To Extreme Weather

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — The fatal accident of a passenger train which derailed on Sunday, January 3rd near Tanzania’s capital city, Dodoma, killing three people while injuring 66 highlights growing danger and the vulnerability of the railway infrastructure to extreme weather, a local expert has warned.

The accident, which happened at Kigwe village, about 508km from Dar es Salaam, highlights structural weakness of the aging central railway line built in the 1960s.

Climate Change Adaptation

Wilbard Kombe, Professor of Urban Land Management at Ardhi University urged Tanzania authorities to devise measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation to contain natural hazards that frequently destroy railway networks.

According to Kombe sudden torrential rains have the capacity to wash away track beds and make railway crumble.

“We need better strategies to increase the reliability of the rail infrastructure and prove to our neighbors that our train operations get on uninterrupted throughout the rainy season,” Kombe said.

Train transportation, which is heavily relied on by Tanzanians is highly susceptible to flooding triggered by the worsening impacts of climate change.

Recurring Flood Spells

The floods frequently wash away the railway infrastructure forcing trains to derail, and disrupt operations, officials said.

According to Kombe, wet and windy weather can significantly impact the rail network.

“There is the potential for damage to rail tracks caused by debris or fallen trees which could severely impact passenger services,” Kombe said.

Flood water in particular can block the lines with debris, silt, and mud making its way into the track, he stressed.

“The damage that flood water can cause to infrastructure may lead to on-going repairs that can last for weeks even months,” he told Ubuntu Times

New Lease Of Life

While the east African country is determined to give its aging railway network a new lease of life through the construction of the Standard Gauge (SGR) railway along the central corridor, analysts say such efforts are likely to be hampered by the risk of heavy rains hazards.

As part of its broader push to improve the infrastructure for road and railway transportation, Tanzania is implementing multiple projects to tap the potential of a thriving trade with landlocked neighbors.

Landlocked Neighbors

Perched on a lush landscape with vast minerals, agricultural resources, and potential for world class tourism, the east African country plays a pivotal role as a transport hub for its landlocked neighbors including, Rwanda, Burundi, and Zambia, providing unrivaled opportunities for cross-border trade.

As Africa experiences a huge economic recovery with strong growth projections, rail transport is expected to play an important role in the conveyance of freight over long distances. However, the condition of the existing railway networks in Tanzania is poor.

Binilith Mahenge, Dodoma Regional Commissioner, said depending on budgetary allocation the government is determined to build strong rainwater drainage system along major road and railways to withstand the forces of floodwater.

However, critics say railway operators in Tanzania are totally unprepared to deal with the powerful forces of extreme weather which frequently wreak large swathes of rail infrastructure and halt train operations.

Overwhelmed Drainage Systems

Heavy rain can overwhelm the drainage systems on the railway, technically known as culverts and make flooding more likely, experts warned.

“Piles of wet earth, mud, and debris spreading into the track can be a huge problem,” said Kombe.

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events thus increasing risks on the railway.

Kombe urged Tanzania authorities to devise a long-term plan to assess flood risks to the railway and identify earth works likely to be flooded thus building a flood-warning database for monitoring the area.

“There are many ways to prepare for and reduce the possibility of flooding, such as deploying flood defense system such as inflatable barriers and clearing branches and leaves from ditches and culverts near the railway,” he said

While local experts had always referred to historical climate data when designing railway transport systems, to help them withstand drainage storms especially extreme weather, Kombe said such data is no longer reliable due to climate change.

A Million Livelihoods In Kenya, Tanzania At Risk As Mara River Fish Driven To Extinction

Kizito Makoye

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December 15, 2020

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A Million Livelihoods In Kenya, Tanzania At Risk As Mara River Fish Driven To Extinction

By Kizito Makoye & Zuberi Mussa

Rorya, Tanzania — At Koryo village, in Tanzania’s northern Rorya district brightly dressed women flock to the river with piles of their laundry bags.

Some of them walk for hours just to be on time to access an increasingly endangered resource: water.

Nestled on the Tanzanian border with Kenya, the village receives enough rainfall, but for some reason, the water doesn’t meet the growing needs of the inhabitants.

“We have lost six permanent rivers in the past two decades,” says 57-year-old Andrew Nyamaka a local resident, adding “When the dry season sets in finding water is a constant struggle.”

Endangered Livelihoods

Depleting water resources in this impoverished village highlight the worsening plights of people in the wider Mara basin whose lives are increasingly endangered.

Mara river degradation — Hippopotamuses usually suffer in the dry season due to water abstraction. Zuberi Mussa / Ubuntu Times

The livelihoods of 1.1 million people in Kenya and Tanzania are on the brink as fish are driven to extinction, according to WWF.

A new report by the wildlife NGO says the trans-boundary river is threatened by among others, unsustainable farming, deforestation, mining, illegal fishing, and invasive species.

The report, which examined freshwater biodiversity in the river basin identified 473 native freshwater species including four mammals, 88 water birds, 126 freshwater associated birds, four reptiles, 20 amphibians, 40 fishes, 50 invertebrate species, and 141 vascular plants.

According to the report, some fish species including; Niangua, Singed and Victoria tilapia are critically endangered and increasingly threatened by the Nile perch that had been introduced in Lake Victoria.

Birds Too At Risk

The report also listed some bird and fish species including Madagascar pond-heron, grey crowned crane, and killifish as endangered whereas the shoebill, and some crab and freshwater mussel species, are described as vulnerable.

Amani Ngusaru, country director, WWF Tanzania said the river is under huge pressure from destructive human activities such as unsustainable agriculture, tourist facilities, water pollution, and land degradation.

Gold extraction is one of the destructive activities — An artisanal gold miner displays his refined find. Credit: Zuberi Mussa / Ubuntu Times

“Several aquatic species have not been seen for many years and may be extinct before they have been studied,” he said in the report.

His remarks were echoed by Yunus Mgaya, professor of Marine Biology at the University of Dar es Salaam, who concurs with the report saying that the farming and irrigation activities have seriously affected the river flow and ecological balance of the basin.

“The basin is facing a bleak future that put the river at risk, unless deliberate efforts are taken to reverse this trend many livelihoods will suffer,” he told the Ubuntu Times.

As the world is grappling with rapid decline of freshwater biodiversity due to the changing weather patterns, WWF is calling for joint efforts to preserve critically endangered freshwater biodiversity.

Tourist Attraction

The Mara basin, which sprawls across 13,750 sq km is home to many plant and animal species. Known for its great spectacle of wildebeest and zebra migration, the area attracts tourists who inject millions of dollars in Kenya and Tanzania economies.

Gold mining at Rorya — A group of artisanal miners working close to the river. Credit: Zuberi Mussa / Ubuntu Times

Tourism plays a pivotal role in the economies of both countries. The sector provides direct employment to thousands of people and contributes roughly US$1 billion to the economies of Kenya and Tanzania.

The Maasai Mara National Park, for instance, attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year, bringing roughly Kenyan Shillings 650 million, or 8 percent of the country’s total tourism earnings.

Water Abstraction

As the only water source in the dry season, the Mara River, which runs through Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, has experienced erratic flow, partly due to the abstraction of water for irrigation and hydropower.

The basin and its adjoining wetland is under increasing strain due to farming, overgrazing and irrigation activities, which have affected the quality of water and the flow of the river.

Fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities and sources of livelihood for many people in the Mara basin. More than 80% of the population in communities around the swamp are engaging in farming and fishing.

Local residents both in Kenya and Tanzania rely on fish and other aquatic foods harvested in ponds, lakes, and rivers to get healthy diets for their families and livelihoods.

Rose Kasoka, a 44-year-old fish vendor travels far to buy a stock of dried fish to sell at retail price.

“I don’t realize much profit because I don’t often get Ningu which most customers love,” she said.

Reversing Deforestation

In the village of Ikoma, Waridi Mwita, a 51-year-old farmer, is busy packing soil into plastic seedling bags. She’s trying to plant trees in the hope to restore forest cover that has long been destroyed.

“People are very busy making charcoal, they don’t realize they are destroying the environment and are preparing for their own extinction,” Mwita told the Ubuntu Times.

Deforestation especially in the Mau Forest and dry-season soil erosion have exacerbated the effects of drought as the water level drops to its lowest ebb, consequently affecting humans and wildlife.

Indigenous forests have been logged for timber and charcoal burning.

“One of the reasons trees are cut down is to produce charcoal, which is a lucrative business in these communities,” Mwita said.

In this tiny village, perched on groves of banana trees, water was once plentiful. But due to spells of drought, most small rivers have dried out.

Wildebeests — Recurring drought spells have affected migration patterns of wildebeests. Credit: Zuberi Mussa / Ubuntu Times

“When I was young, my parents never experienced water problems that we experience today,” she said.

According to WWF report, the quality of water in the Mara River is also affected by domestic waste whose disposal has negatively affected aquatic life by reducing fish spawning sites and even clog their gills.

“Heavy metal contamination from mining activities is posing a huge risk to ecology and people,” the report warned.

Former Tanzanian Opposition Leader Granted Asylum In Canada

Kizito Makoye

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December 11, 2020

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Former Tanzanian Opposition Leader Granted Asylum In Canada

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Former Tanzanian opposition leader, Godbless Lema and his family, who fled Kenya a month ago fearing for his life, has been granted asylum in Canada in a move highlighting a deep political rapture in the east African country.

Lema, who has been living in Nairobi along with his wife and three children, has arrived in Canada.

George Wajackoyah, a Kenyan lawyer who represented Lema, said Thursday the outspoken politician was granted asylum with assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He has attained refugee status.

“I want to thank President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Kenya government for being an observer of human rights,” said Wajackoyah.

Leaders Exodus

The former Member of Parliament (MP) for Arusha Urban has become the second opposition leader to flee the country after the disputed October 28th election, which observers say was riddled by widespread irregularities and fraud.

The level of persecution of political opposition rose dramatically in Tanzania after President Magufuli’s re-election.

Tundu Lissu, who contested in the presidential race on the ticket of Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) fled to Europe in November, fearing for his life.

He was reportedly stripped off the security detail he had during the election and he also claimed to have had death threats.

Disputed Elections

President John Magufuli, who was running on the ticket of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) was declared the winner with 84 percent of the votes against Lissu, who garnered 13 percent of the vote, the national electoral commission announced.

Speaking to Ubuntu Times before his departure Lema said he doesn’t wish to return to Tanzania because he would endanger his own life and the lives of his immediate family.

Lema, who served two terms as an opposition legislator described the east African country as a “Persecution paradise”.

“I am not a criminal running away from justice, but a bonafide political leader escaping repression and possible assassination attempt,” he said.

Car Trackers

According to him, back in Arusha, his car was constantly being trailed by unmarked vehicles, and his family has repeatedly received death threats that were hard to ignore.

Lema who sneaked into Kenya incognito through the Namanga border aboard a Taxi was intercepted by Kenyan authorities and briefly detained at Kajiado County.

His plight was raised in the local media, prompting global human rights charity—Amnesty International to urge Kenyan authorities to rescind any plans to deport him to the country where Lema claimed his life would be in danger.

“Godbless Lema and his family must not be forcibly returned to political persecution and likely imprisonment,” said Irungu Houghton, Amnesty International Kenya’s Executive Director.

A Friend In Need

Lema is among several members of the main opposition party-CHADEMA who were arrested and detained ahead of Magufuli’s inauguration in November.

Chadema’s national chairman Freeman Mbowe traveled all the way to Nairobi to bid him, his family farewell.

Since taking office in 2015, President John Magufuli’s security forces have cracked down on the media, critical civil society organizations with the police arbitrarily arresting senior opposition politicians on charges related to sedition.

Tanzania’s Accidental Journalist To Serve One Year Suspended Sentence

Kizito Makoye

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November 23, 2020

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Tanzania’s Accidental Journalist To Serve One Year Suspended Sentence

Dar es Salaam — A Tanzanian court on Tuesday, November 17 sentenced a well-known media entrepreneur to one year suspended sentence after he was found guilty of obstructing police investigations.

Maxence Melo, the co-founder of JamiiForums—a popular whistle-blower website in Tanzania, and the winner of New York Based 2019 CPJ International Press Freedom Award, was charged for obstructing justice by refusing to reveal the identities of anonymous users disclosing suspected Tanzanian corrupt public officials.

Controversial Cybercrime Law

The defendant was charged under a controversial 2015 Cybercrimes Act, which human rights campaigners say was enacted to promote the government’s desire to silence critical voices in one of east Africa’s popular online chat rooms.

President John Magufuli, who has won the second and final term in office, promising to intensify the war against corruption and wasteful spending has come under strong criticism for undermining democracy stifling basic rights to opinion and expression.

One Year Suspended Sentence

Presenting the verdict, Huruma Shaidi a Resident Magistrate at Kisutu court, said the accused is convicted on similar charges of the cases which had been filed earlier. He acquitted him on conditions that the defendant would refrain from committing a similar offense within a year. The Magistrate also set free Melo’s co-accused Mike Mushi after the prosecutors failed to prove the charges against him.

The protracted case against Jamii forums’ founders is part of a series of police allegations that have been dragging since 2016.

In a similar case, Melo was sentenced to pay a fine of Tanzanian shillings 3 million (US$1,300) or to serve a jail sentence for one year. He paid the fine.

No Action Plan

Reacting to the verdict, Mello told reporters that he’s dissatisfied but respects the court’s decision.

“It is too early to know the next move, my lawyers will decide on our action plan for appeal,” he told reporters.

During the case, the prosecutors accused him of ‘intentionally and unlawfully’ concealing the identities of anonymous people who posted false information on the website.

The duo were charged for obstructing investigation contrary to Section 22(2) of the Cybercrimes law. The specific charges was refusing to cooperate with investigators who needed information about an anonymous JF Expert Member calling him/herself Fuhrer, who had alleged on the platform that Oil Com company was embroiled in tax evasion scam by illegally leasing and draining oil at the Dar es Salaam port. The company denied the allegations.

Vague Charges

In dramatic turn of events, the police were interested in knowing users’ information including IP and email addresses. With time the state changed the case and instituted new charges accusing the defendants of corrupting and distorting data in blatant violation of the law.

The accused also faced cybercrimes charges in two other related cases, including one accusing them of operating an unregistered website.

However, critics have criticized the government for failing in its mandate to investigate corruption allegations; instead, targeting whistle-blowers who assisted in exposing corruption.

Under the Cybercrimes law, anybody who publishes “false, deceptive, misleading or inaccurate” information on a website commits an offense and upon conviction can be jailed for three years or made to pay a fine of at least Tanzanian shilling 5 million or both.

A Trained Engineer

Melo, who is a trained civil engineer co-founded JamiiForums—a website that exposes corruption and help push for political accountability almost two decades ago.

Although the website has won global acclaim, it had put him at loggerheads with Tanzania authorities.

In 2008, Melo was arrested on accusation of terrorism. Although the charges were dropped it was not the end. Seven years later the east African country passed the controversial Cybercrime Act of 2015, which, critics say, authorities have been using to censor and limit criticism.

In a bid to comply with harsh online regulations, JamiiForums was shut down for 21 days. The whistle-blower website has since hired a legion of lawyers to review its editorial policy, strategies, and modus operandi so that it complies with government regulations.

Deforestation Endangers Kilimanjaro’s Tourism

Kizito Makoye

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November 3, 2020

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Deforestation Endangers Kilimanjaro’s Tourism

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania — As firefighters were battling raging inferno on Mt. Kilimanjaro, plumes of smoke belching into the sky captured the destruction on Africa’s highest mountain and its surrounding ecosystems.

The fast-spreading bushfire erupted at an overnight resting camp for hikers—provoked roaring flames that have destroyed one of the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystems.

World’s Tallest Mountain

Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing mountain at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, is highly vulnerable to environmental degradation partly caused by worsening impacts of climate change and increasing human activities.

Rampant illegal logging, poaching wildfires, pollution, and beekeeping have encroached on the ecosystem around the mountain, thus disturbing a forest belt surrounding it, officials said.

The snow-capped mountain, which attracts thousands of tourists every year, is a UNESCO Heritage Site with rare plants and animal species.

Tourism is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economy, contributing about 17.2% to the country’s GDP and 25% of all foreign exchange revenues. The sector, which employs more than 600,000 people, generated approximately $2.4 billion in 2018, government statistics show.

Favorite Tourist Destination

As one of Africa’s favorite tourist destinations, Kilimanjaro is known for its breath-taking attractions, including stunning landscapes dotted with wildlife, waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage.

However, activists are increasingly worried about the rapid shrinking of the natural forests cover.

“We must do something to prevent frequent fire outbreaks,” said Eliakim Meena, an environmental activist from Nkweshoo cultural tourism program in Kilimanjaro.

Illegal Logging

As the country’s best tourist attraction Mount Kilimanjaro generates an estimated US$ 50 million in revenue annually but is vulnerable to environmental risks, local experts said. Padili Mikomangwa, a Dar es Salaam based environmentalist said native forest and shrubs are being destroyed by illegal loggers and beekeepers, consequently disturbing rainfall patterns.

“The forest itself is the key element in this. It completely affects the amount of rain running off the mountain,” he said.

With less rainfall on the lower slopes, the snow on the summit is also shrinking.

Mikomangwa said forests that vanished in the past four decades on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes — felled by villagers for charcoal and open farmland — were just as much to blame as rising heat.

Extreme Weather

The extreme weather currently experienced in Kilimanjaro is a surprise to many local residents, who are used to a cold misty climate.

Jacob Chuwa, 72, a resident of Moshi, told Ubuntu Times that the annual rainfall has been declining from year to year, affecting the livelihoods of farmers.

“We have never experienced such erratic weather before, it is quite surprising,” he said.

While trees play an important role in maintaining natural water cycles around Mt. Kilimanjaro, Meena said its forest cover is rapidly waning.

Fandey Mashimba acting Manager, (Seed Biology) at Tanzania Forest Services Agency said deforestation is driven by increasing energy needs as people are engaging in charcoal making.

“It is a huge problem and most of it is happening because people don’t have energy supplies so they are cutting down the trees to make charcoal,” Mashimba said

Government Intervention

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), reduced rainfall and increasing temperatures around Kilimanjaro have triggered the mountain’s vulnerability to fire and deforestation.

However, the government is taking measures to fight illegal logging and to educate local people on the importance of conserving their environment.

“We have several tree-planting initiatives and local residents are actively participating in the schemes,” said Anna Mngwira Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner.

Jane Masawe, who lives on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, uses a traditional inter-cropping method in her farm to grow a mix of coffee, bananas, and vegetables.

The 47-year-old farmer is profoundly attached to the environment, for she knows her family directly depend on the natural ecosystems of the mountain.

Masawe, who displays a vast indigenous knowledge of her environment, has respect for natural resources.

“Most of the perennial streams flowing down had dried up due to deforestation in the catchment area,” she said.

Changing Weather Patterns

Rapid population growth, changing weather patterns, increasing deforestation have resulted in worsening soil erosion, soil infertility, and an increase in damaging surface runoff, which resulted in decreased land productivity and food insecurity.

To address those issues Masawe has adopted sustainable farming practices and land management technologies to restore productivity.

“I was trained to use bench terraces, to conserve soil and water. They help to reduce the slope steepness and prevent loss of soil downhill,” she said.

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