Arusha’s Bodaboda Fund Crisis: 400 Million Missing

Arusha’s Bodaboda Funds Saga: 400 Million Shilling Dispute Continues

Arusha – The ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged embezzlement of 400 million Tanzanian shillings from the Arusha Bodaboda Association (Uboma) has taken a new turn. Association leaders have now appealed to the government for intervention in an attempt to recover the funds, which they claim are crucial for boosting their economic growth and strengthening their financial base.

Of the 400 million shillings, a staggering 280 million is said to have been withdrawn from the association's bank account by former leaders over different periods. Additionally, 120 million shillings were reportedly given as loans to women, though the fate of these funds remains uncertain following the closure of their account for investigation.

Government Intervention and Investigation

In response to these concerns, Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda has ordered the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (TAKUKURU) to submit a detailed report on the progress of the investigation by March 27, 2025.

This appeal was made during a special session of the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) meeting, which was convened on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026.

The funds in question were donated in 2018 by various stakeholders, including businesspeople, at the request of the then-Arusha Regional Commissioner, Mrisho Gambo, who is now a Member of Parliament for Arusha City. The donations were placed in a dedicated account for the Bodaboda Association.

Alleged Mismanagement and Lack of Accountability

During the meeting, the association’s Secretary, Hakim Msemo, raised concerns about the delay in arresting the suspects accused of withdrawing the funds. He expressed frustration over the lack of legal action despite the fact that the embezzlement occurred over several years, from 2018 to 2021.

Msemo emphasized that in 2018, 120 million shillings were disbursed as loans to women, and by 2020, 280 million shillings were withdrawn from the association’s account without proper procedure. He also revealed that their attempts to trace the missing funds began in 2022, after the new leadership discovered the account was empty. Bank documents showed that funds were withdrawn from branches in Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

“I even traveled to Dar es Salaam and obtained the vehicle registration number of the chairman, yet TAKUKURU has not followed up on this. We visited the home of another suspect in Sinoni, but TAKUKURU did not take any action. We informed them about another signatory who was reportedly receiving treatment in Rombo, but still, no investigation has been initiated,” Msemo stated.

Political Interference and Calls for Leadership Support

Hemed Mbaraka, the association's Deputy Chairman, called on politicians not to interfere with the unity of the organization for their personal gain. He warned that any attempt to divide the group would result in them reporting the matter to the regional leadership.

Makonda, for his part, emphasized that the issue, which he was already aware of before taking office, must now come to a resolution. He questioned why the authorities had not been able to apprehend the suspects if the Bodaboda community knew their whereabouts. Makonda demanded that TAKUKURU provide answers by March 27, 2025. Failure to do so, he warned, would suggest that the government was protecting criminals.

“If the Bodaboda members know where the suspects are, why can’t the investigative authorities find them? TAKUKURU, how do you feel about having an unresolved case?” Makonda asked. “This issue has been raised repeatedly, and it has become a nuisance. I’m giving you until March 27, 2025, to report back on the investigation. If there are no answers, we will conclude that you are benefiting from this situation. How will you respond to these accusations?”

Makonda also appealed to political leaders, urging them not to sow division among the Bodaboda members, traders, and vendors, but instead to allow them to conduct their businesses peacefully.

TAKUKURU’s Efforts and Ongoing Search

Daniel Kapakala, the acting head of TAKUKURU in Arusha, responded by explaining that the agency had been investigating the matter but encountered significant challenges in locating the suspects. He revealed that efforts to track down the individuals had been ongoing since 2023, with collaboration from the police and inquiries made with the bank, members of parliament, and other parties.

“We’ve questioned the bank officials, the MP, and others, but the challenge remains in finding the suspects. We began searching for them in 2023. As for the women’s loan account, 68 million shillings has been repaid, but the account is currently closed to prevent further withdrawals,” Kapakala stated.

Calls for Presidential Intervention

The Bodaboda scandal has continued to make headlines, with Mohamed Kawaida, Chairman of the CCM Youth Wing (UVCCM), stating in December 2024 that the matter would be brought to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for intervention in resolving the dispute and ensuring that the funds are returned.

During the same RCC meeting, the proposed budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, amounting to 430.7 billion shillings, was approved.