Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina. Photo: Courtesy
Tensions rise as Speaker Tulia Ackson refers MP Mpina to the Ethics Committee for alleged disrespect
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam. In a dramatic turn of events in Tanzania’s National Assembly, Speaker Dk Tulia Ackson has referred Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina (CCM) to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rights, Ethics, and Powers of Parliament for allegedly showing disrespect towards her and the Parliament.
The incident, which occurred on June 18, 2024, has sent shockwaves through political circles, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the ruling party.
On June 4, 2024, during the debate on the budget estimates for the Ministry of Finance for the year 2024, Mpina made a statement in Parliament accusing the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, of providing false information regarding the importation of sugar. Mpina claimed that the sugar factories had not failed to import the product as Bashe had asserted.
Following this statement, Dk Tulia gave Mpina ten days to present evidence supporting his claim that Bashe had lied to Parliament, as required by Parliamentary rules.
On June 14, 2024, Mpina submitted his evidence to the Speaker. However, before the evidence could be reviewed, Mpina held a press conference, disclosing the contents of his submitted documents.
Dk Tulia stated that some media outlets continued broadcasting the press conference, leading to public scrutiny and judgment of the submitted documents.
“The act of submitting documents to the Speaker and then presenting them to the media is an act of indiscipline towards the Speaker and the Parliament, undermining the Speaker’s authority, interfering with parliamentary proceedings, and diminishing the dignity and respect of the Parliament,” she said.
She referenced Section 26 of the Parliamentary Immunities, Powers, and Privileges Act, which prohibits disrespect towards the Speaker through words or actions and prohibits acts that demean parliamentary proceedings.
As well, Section 34 of the same Act restricts publishing documents prepared specifically for parliamentary submission without obtaining parliamentary approval and before such documents are tabled.
After considering the circumstances of Mpina’s actions on June 14, 2024, Dk Tulia expressed her opinion that the MP had disrespected both the Speaker and the Parliament by undermining the Speaker’s and Parliament’s authority.
She explained that Mpina had deprived the Speaker and Parliament of the opportunity to use the powers granted to them by parliamentary rules to handle the evidence he presented, without being influenced by public pressure.
Dk Tulia highlighted that parliamentary rules grant the Speaker the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions on MPs committing acts of misconduct. For example, Rule 83 (2) allows the Speaker to suspend an MP from attending up to 10 consecutive parliamentary sessions.
However, considering the principles of good governance, including the right to be heard, Dk Tulia has directed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rights, Ethics, and Powers of Parliament to immediately review the matter and provide recommendations on what action should be taken.
Luhaga Mpina has built his political career on a strong anti-corruption platform, often positioning himself as a crusader for transparency and accountability within the government.
His recent actions, challenging the Minister of Agriculture’s statements and demanding accountability, are consistent with his outspoken stance against corruption.
Nevertheless, this bold move has placed him at odds with his party, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), whose senior members have sometimes been implicated in similar allegations.
Mpina’s decision to publicly disclose the evidence before the Speaker officially reviewed it has been seen as a defiant act against the established norms of parliamentary procedure.
This has drawn criticism not only from the Speaker but also from party stalwarts who view such actions as undermining party unity and the institutional processes of the Parliament.
Despite this, Mpina remains adamant that his actions are driven by a commitment to truth and integrity, believing that exposing corruption should transcend party loyalty.
This incident highlights the delicate balance Mpina must navigate as he continues his fight against corruption while also maintaining his position within the CCM, a party that values discipline and conformity among its ranks.
The outcome of the Ethics Committee’s review could have significant implications for Mpina’s political future and the broader fight against corruption in Tanzania.
