Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe and Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina. Photo Courtesy.
Political Firestorm: Mpina Exposes Minister Bashes’s Sugar Import Scandal, Demands Accountability
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a dramatic turn of events, Tanzania’s Parliament has been thrust into the center of a heated controversy over the Ministry of Finance’s budget for the 2024/2025 financial year. The catalyst for this uproar was a blistering attack by Luhaga Mpina, a vocal critic of the government’s handling of the sugar industry, against Agriculture Minister Hussein Mohamed Bashe.
Mpina accused Bashe of repeatedly misleading the House on critical issues concerning sugar imports, sparking fierce debates and public outcry.
Mpina’s explosive 40-page document, detailing alleged deceptions, went viral on social media, captivating the nation and demanding accountability. The document accuses Bashe of lying to Parliament 18 times about the state of sugar imports, the sugar production deficit, and the government’s role in managing the sugar crisis. Mpina’s allegations have fueled a public outcry and drawn sharp rebukes from various quarters, including the Speaker of the National Assembly.
In his document, Mpina meticulously outlines several instances where he claims Bashe misled Parliament. Among the allegations, Mpina asserts that Bashe lied about the sugar deficit figures for the 2022/2023 season and falsely stated that no sugar was imported during that period.
Mpina provides evidence from government agencies and sugar producers to support his claims, including reports from the Tanzania Sugar Board and the Controller and Auditor General.
During the debate on the budget estimates for the Ministry of Finance on June 4, 2024, Bashe told Parliament that sugar factories had failed to import the necessary quantities to fill the local production gap, leading to price hikes.
He claimed that factories were mandated to import sugar but did not fulfill their responsibilities effectively, resulting in shortages and high prices. Mpina immediately challenged Bashe, stating that the government had failed to cooperate with the companies, causing delays in sugar imports.
Mpina presented evidence to the Parliament, showing that domestic sugar producers and traders had indeed imported sugar during the 2022/2023 season. He cited a letter from the Tanzania Sugar Board and a report from the Controller and Auditor General to substantiate his claims.
According to Mpina, the approved gap sugar for the season was 30,000 tons, not 60,000 tons as Bashe had stated. He also provided import permits and production data to counter Bashe’s assertions.
“The approved gap sugar for the 2022/2023 season was only 30,000 tons and not 60,000 tons as stated by the Minister of Agriculture,” Mpina said, referencing a letter from the Tanzania Sugar Board.
He further noted that domestic sugar producers and traders had imported 6,801 tons, contradicting Bashe’s claim that not even a single kilogram was imported.
Mpina also highlighted that permits were issued to import 12,500 tons, but the short duration of the permits and the proximity to the start of factory production hindered timely imports.
Mpina’s allegations did not stop there. He accused Bashe of lying about the government’s regulatory changes and the role of the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in importing and distributing sugar.
Mpina pointed out that no government notice indicated the enactment of new regulations, and the proposed amendments were still pending in the Finance Act of 2024. He also challenged Bashe’s complaint about sugar import delays, arguing that it was unrealistic to expect imports to arrive within two weeks of permit issuance.
Despite these procedural disputes, the gravity of Mpina’s allegations cannot be ignored. He claims that the mismanagement and deception surrounding sugar imports have cost the Tanzanian government over Sh580 billion, a figure that dwarfs other notable corruption scandals in the country’s history.
Mpina compared this financial loss to the infamous Richmond scandal, which led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa.
“The scale of this financial mismanagement is unprecedented,” Mpina argued. “It is high time we hold those responsible accountable.”
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive of Mpina. Many citizens view his actions as a courageous stand against corruption and governmental inefficiency.
Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about the allegations and the broader implications for governance in Tanzania. Hashtags like #JusticeForMpina and #StopCorruption have trended as citizens express their frustration with the government’s response.
“Mpina is a hero,” tweeted one user. “We need more leaders like him who are unafraid to speak the truth.” Another user wrote, “This is a wake-up call for all of us. We must demand better from our leaders.”
In response to the allegations, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Ackson, announced that Mpina’s evidence has been submitted to the Parliamentary Privileges, Ethics and Powers Committee.
The Committee, chaired by Ally Juma Makoa, will scrutinize the evidence and decide if Bashe lied to Parliament and what actions need to be taken. Dr. Ackson emphasized the importance of respecting parliamentary procedures and expressed discontent with Mpina’s decision to hold a press conference before the Speaker had reviewed the evidence.
“Having been a Member of Parliament since 2005, Mpina is an experienced lawmaker who knows the rules governing parliamentary business,” Dr. Ackson said. “By holding a press conference, he acted in contempt of the Parliament and disrespected the Speaker’s authority.”
Despite this, Mpina has garnered significant public support. Martin Maranja, a cadre from the Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), praised Mpina’s efforts.
“Mpina is a true patriot,” Maranja said. “He has exposed what could be one of the biggest financial scandals in our nation’s history.”
Mpina has called for the formation of a parliamentary select committee to investigate these claims thoroughly. However, instead of initiating an inquiry, the Parliament’s ethics committee has summoned Mpina for allegedly overstepping the Speaker’s authority by publicizing his evidence.
This move has been widely criticized as an attempt to silence Mpina and protect those implicated in the alleged financial mismanagement.
“Rather than addressing the serious issues raised, they are trying to intimidate me,” Mpina stated. “This is not about me; it’s about ensuring transparency and accountability in our government.”
As the saga unfolds, the nation’s attention remains fixed on how the government will respond to these allegations.
The pressure on Parliament to take decisive action and restore public trust in the government’s handling of vital economic issues is intensifying. Mpina’s brave stance has not only put him in the spotlight but also highlighted the broader systemic problems within Tanzania’s political and economic systems.
“The government must take these allegations seriously,” Maranja said. “We cannot afford to lose such vast amounts of money through corruption and inefficiency. The people of Tanzania deserve better.”
With a detailed 40-page document, extensive evidence, and public support, Mpina has ignited a crucial conversation about transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.
The nation’s eyes are on the Parliament as it navigates this complex issue, and the call for justice and reform grows louder with each passing day.
As tensions rise, there is a growing call for heightened security measures for Mpina and other whistleblowers to protect them from potential retribution.
Mpina’s allegations suggest that the mismanagement and deception surrounding sugar imports have cost the Tanzanian government over Sh580 billion. This figure dwarfs other notable corruption scandals, such as the Tegeta Escrow (Sh306 billion) and EPA (Sh133 billion) cases.
“This is a monumental loss,” Mpina wrote. “It’s more significant than any corruption scandal we have seen in recent times.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be put to the ultimate test. Mpina’s bold accusations against Agriculture Minister Hussein Mohamed Bashe have sent shockwaves through Tanzania’s political landscape, bringing deeper issues within Tanzania’s political and economic systems to light.
The allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption are not just about sugar imports but reflect broader systemic problems. As Mpina’s document continues to circulate and gain traction, it remains to be seen how the government will respond. The nation is watching closely, and the pressure on Parliament to take decisive action and restore public trust in the government’s handling of vital economic issues is intensifying.
