Lawyer and activist Boniface Mwambukusi. Photo: Courtesy
Tanganyika Law Society Prepares for Leadership Shake-Up as Controversies and Advocacy Heat Up
By Adonis Byemelwa
In the bustling corridors of legal discourse, a tempest brews within the Tanganyika Law Society as it stands on the precipice of transformative change. As controversies reach a crescendo and the flames of advocacy burn brighter than ever, the society finds itself poised for a seismic leadership shake-up.
The Election Committee of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has extended the nomination period for members to run for various positions, with lawyer Boniface Mwabukusi throwing his hat into the ring for the presidency. Meanwhile, outgoing AYL chairman Edward Heche has announced he will not seek re-election.
The society plans to hold its main election on August 2, 2024, in Dodoma, to elect new leaders for various positions, including president, vice president, treasurer, trustees, and committee representatives both within and outside the society.
Nelson Frank, the Secretary of the TLS Election Committee, informed reporters that elections for these top positions will be preceded by the election for the chairman of the Young Lawyers Association (YLA) and regional leaders of the society.
The elections for these leaders, who are members of the TLS Governing Council (GC), will take place on July 31, 2024. As for the AYL chairmanship, held by lawyer Edward Heche who has completed his two terms, the candidates running to succeed him include Emmanuel Phales Ukashu (Ilala), Victor Kweka (Dodoma), Karangi Joel Karangi (Kinondoni), Joseph Gidion Lameck (Kinondoni), and Moses Matiko Misiwa (Mwanza).
Heche has stated that after completing his tenure as AYL chairman, he will not seek any other position within TLS in this election. He expressed his gratitude to the young lawyers for trusting him to lead and for their excellent cooperation.
During his leadership, Heche noted that they had achieved significant milestones, including advocating for the interests of young lawyers within and outside the society and strengthening TLS.
“After these two terms, as a believer in democracy, I trust that new leaders will come with fresh ideas to take the society forward from where I left off,” Heche said. “I will not contest any position within TLS for now; I need to rest and observe how others build the society.”
The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) plays a crucial role in the legal landscape of Tanzania. Established to regulate the legal profession and advocate for the rule of law, TLS provides professional development, legal education, and ethical guidelines for its members. It also serves as a platform for lawyers to engage in public discourse on legal and human rights issues.
Prominent figures such as Fatma Karume, Tundu Lissu, Charles Rwechungura, and Dr. Lugemeleza Nshala have led TLS in the past. Each has contributed significantly to the society’s mission of upholding justice and advocating for legal reforms.
The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has stood firm against the controversial DP World contract in operating the Dar es Salaam Port, highlighting its commitment to advocating for justice and the rule of law. The society has raised concerns about the transparency and legality of the contract, emphasizing the need for accountability and fair treatment of public assets.
TLS has voiced its opposition to the deal, citing potential risks to national sovereignty, economic interests, and the welfare of Tanzanian citizens. Through public statements, legal analysis, and engagement with relevant stakeholders, TLS has sought to ensure that the government upholds its constitutional duties and respects due process in matters concerning significant national assets.
By taking a principled stance against the DP World contract, TLS has demonstrated its role as a critical watchdog, safeguarding the interests of the Tanzanian people and advocating for transparent and responsible governance. In doing so, TLS continues to shape the future of the legal profession and broader governance in Tanzania, promoting accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
