Tamisemi Orders Crackdown on Local Government Corruption

Tamisemi Empowers DEDs, Mayors to Tackle Corruption

Dodoma, March 13, 2025

The Deputy Minister of State, President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (Tamisemi), Dr. Festo Dugange, has issued a stern directive to local government directors (DEDs), chairpersons, and mayors across the country to identify and eliminate all loopholes leading to revenue loss and take swift legal action against those responsible.

Dr. Dugange made this statement on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, while closing the 39th Annual Conference of the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) in Dodoma. He urged these leaders to assess revenue collection in their respective municipalities and ensure that any individuals involved in financial mismanagement face legal consequences.

Strict Measures Against Corruption

“Ensure the law takes its course. If any department head, unit head, or expert is found guilty of revenue loss, they must face legal action. We want to see these cases reported through the media,” Dr. Dugange emphasized.

He highlighted the increasing sophistication of financial misconduct, including the use of counterfeit receipts and fraudulent revenue collection systems, which undermine local government development efforts. Citing an example from Meatu District Council in Simiyu Region, he revealed that individuals have been using external devices to generate fake receipts that mimic the official electronic point-of-sale (POS) system. He directed the District Executive Director and the Council Chairperson to take immediate action to curb the practice.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Directive

Tamisemi’s directive follows instructions given by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on March 11, 2025, during the opening of the ALAT conference. The President expressed concerns over the persistent inefficiencies in revenue collection, noting that despite the presence of official systems, dishonest individuals continue to exploit loopholes for personal gain, diverting government funds.

“Ministers and directors, ensure that all collected funds pass through the official system to facilitate national development. If we allow misappropriation, our progress will be hindered,” President Samia warned.

She instructed the Minister of Tamisemi, Mohamed Mchengerwa, to take decisive action against corrupt officials. “If you have identified these individuals, show no mercy. If you fail to act, I will summon you and ask what you have done. If you have done nothing, I will take action against both you and those you have protected,” she asserted.

Enhancing Revenue Collection

Dr. Dugange also addressed the challenges in collecting property tax and billboard levies, pointing out that many municipal councils have not met their revenue targets. Current figures indicate that only 38% of the expected revenue has been collected, with the target being 90% by June 2025.

He urged local authorities to analyze the obstacles preventing effective revenue collection and implement corrective measures to enhance financial accountability.

Improving Public Service Delivery

Furthermore, Dr. Dugange stressed the importance of improving service delivery, particularly in the healthcare sector. He noted that complaints persist regarding poor customer service and inadequate healthcare provisions in government facilities. He urged municipal councils to ensure that revenue collected from public service contributions is used appropriately and to enforce measures that prevent financial mismanagement.

Earlier, Tamisemi’s Deputy Secretary-General, Atupele Mwambene, stated that the ALAT conference provided an opportunity for local government stakeholders to identify key operational challenges and seek viable solutions.

Conclusion

Tamisemi’s directive comes at a critical time when the government is intensifying efforts to combat corruption and safeguard public funds for national development. Local government directors and municipal leaders are now tasked with ensuring efficient revenue collection and preventing financial mismanagement in their jurisdictions.