Chairperson of the Union of Women of CCM (UWT), Mary Chatanda, speaks at a seminar for special seat MPs, deputy ministers, ministers, and regional and district level parent association secretaries today, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Dodoma city.
Photo: Courtesy
UWT Chair Slams Makonda’s Treatment, Sparks Leadership Ethics Debate Across Tanzania
By Adonis Byemelwa
Mary Chatanda, Chairperson of the Union of Women of the CCM (UWT), has issued a powerful condemnation of Paul Makonda, the Regional Commissioner of Arusha, for his alleged mistreatment of a female government employee.
This denunciation, made on May 25th, 2024, has further ignited tensions among CCM stalwarts, public leaders, and executives from the Legal and Human Rights Center (LHRC).
Amid escalating altercations, Chatanda’s critique highlights a growing concern over leadership ethics and the treatment of women within the highest echelons of Tanzanian public service, drawing intense scrutiny to Makonda’s controversial actions and sparking a renewed debate on respect and accountability in governance.
Speaking during a seminar attended by high-ranking officials including special seat MPs, deputy ministers, and ministers in Dodoma today, Chatanda expressed deep concern over the incident, which occurred during a meeting in Longido, Arusha. She stated:
“I am deeply saddened by the video clip circulating in Arusha; it was neither appropriate nor acceptable. If you are a senior government official and see your employee making a mistake, you cannot use disrespectful language. It is better to sit down with them and talk to them. As for the harassment of women, Mr. Chairman, we cannot condone it.”
She further emphasized the importance of respecting women and called for an end to such humiliating behavior.
The clip in question shows Makonda engaged in a heated exchange with the female employee regarding a project’s completion timeline. Makonda’s interruption and condescending remarks have sparked outrage, prompting calls for accountability.
Paul Makonda’s leadership style and conduct once again came under intense scrutiny. In a recent video clip, Makonda was captured ridiculing a female employee’s attempts to explain delays in completing a school construction project in Longido District. Makonda bluntly stated, “Address the public, these are taxpayer funds; cease speaking as if you’re arguing with a person in need of courting you. Your words don’t intimidate me…I have a wonderful wife…speak up, do you comprehend?”
Mary Chatanda expressed her deep disturbance upon viewing the video. “I’ve seen the video and was deeply disturbed by it,” Chatanda said. “I felt compelled to speak out because if I don’t address this, I might suffer. I might get hypertension for no reason.”
This incident is not an isolated one for Makonda. In 2016, he faced accusations of derogatory remarks towards public servants during his tours, earning him a reputation for being brash and confrontational. The latest episode has reignited scrutiny over Makonda’s leadership style, with critics questioning his suitability for public office. Amid mounting pressure, calls for Makonda to apologize and change his ways have intensified.
Dr. Anna Henga, Director of the Legal and Human Rights Center (LHRC), also condemned the incident involving Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda. “Besides her duties, the female employee is a mother who, like any other human being, deserves to be protected and not demeaned,” Dr. Henga recommended that Makonda apologize to Tanzanians and cease such behavior as it undermines efforts to advocate for women’s rights.
Newly appointed Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda swiftly assumed office upon arrival, succeeding John Mongella, now Deputy Secretary-General of CCM, on April 8th,
2024.Photo: Courtesy
Addressing a large crowd while flanked by security forces on May 26th, 2024, Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda responded assertively to mounting criticisms. “I heard a government official on television claiming that I demean civil servants. I couldn’t believe if it was the voice of God or not. Wrongdoers and corrupt individuals always band together. It’s like reprimanding a drunkard; all of them will rise against you, only to realize that you’re not one of them, and perhaps discover that the person is their in-law.”
Makonda emphasized that his administration does not accommodate corrupt officials or those who fail to serve the public with integrity.
He highlighted that effective and diligent employees have ample opportunity to showcase their capabilities through the leadership and strategies he employs.
He illustrated his point with an example from the water department, where an employee recently received spontaneous applause for exceptional work.
“There is someone in the water department who recently received a lot of applause. Did anyone force you to applaud? I know you did it willingly because of his outstanding work. Truly, someone who hinders public progress and engages in corruption will not receive kind words from me. If you hear someone defending wrongdoing and accusing me of demeaning civil servants, know that they are among the bad actors, they are one of them,” Makonda declared, as the crowd listened in silent contemplation.
The recent incident has drawn comparisons to Makonda’s past controversies. In 2016, during his tenure as the Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, he was accused of humiliating public servants by calling them “deranged.” Various statements made during his tours caused panic in the city, with accusations of issuing threatening statements, particularly to public servants.
The ACT-Wazalendo party has previously sued Makonda at the Ethics Commission for Public Officials and Good Governance, urging accountability for his actions. In a statement sent to the media, Esther Kyamba, Secretary of the Women’s Fort of ACT-Wazalendo, said, “We are saddened and disappointed by the lack of leadership and non-compliance with the principles of public service ethics that continue to be exhibited by RC Makonda.”
Joyce Urio, a long-serving public secondary school teacher in the Arusha region, observed that the government has been inundated with inept civil servants, necessitating a resolute leader like Makonda. She explained that relying solely on pampering civil servants and strictly adhering to the laws will not drive progress. “Tanzania has witnessed a wanton loss over inept leaders. Just look—we may spend some days without water, electricity is a challenge, but nobody cares. Business as usual. People are rather tired of complacency among civil servants. Makonda is right, so to speak,” she noted.
Stephen Mwemezi, a retired construction company executive, emphasized the need for CCM to acknowledge Makonda’s unwavering resolve. “Makonda doesn’t hesitate to remain as Regional Commissioner, unfazed by challenges. He’s fearless, prompting even the ethics committee, silent on the impact of his allegations against ministers tarnishing the President’s image on social media,” Mwemezi noted.
Mwemezi emphasized the need for strong leadership: “Makonda’s fearlessness and commitment to tackling corruption and inefficiency are precisely what the region needs. His direct approach may be controversial, but it gets results.”
The charges against Makonda highlight violations of the Public Service Act of 2002 and the Public Service Code of Ethics, which mandate public servants to refrain from humiliating their colleagues. The ongoing scrutiny and calls for accountability reflect a broader societal demand for respectful and ethical leadership in public office.
