Tanzania Orders Elections for Expired Trusteeship Boards

Tanzania Orders Elections for Expired Trusteeship Boards

Dar es Salaam, March 17, 2025 – The Tanzanian government has mandated institutions with expired trusteeship boards to organize elections within two months, emphasizing the importance of lawful governance.

Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, issued the directive while addressing a seminar organized by the Registration, Insolvency, and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) over the weekend. The event, held for Dar es Salaam-based trustees, aimed to reinforce ethical leadership and compliance with governance regulations.

“All trusteeship boards whose terms have expired must conduct elections without delay,” Dr. Ndumbaro asserted, urging current leaders to step aside when their terms conclude to prevent leadership conflicts. He further encouraged trustees to embrace President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4R philosophy—Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform, and Rebuild—to resolve disputes amicably rather than fueling tensions.

Reinforcing Trusteeship Ethics and Legal Compliance

The RITA advisory board chairperson, Dr. Amina Msengwa, highlighted the seminar’s purpose: educating trustees on their legal responsibilities and preventing the misuse of institutional assets for personal gain.

Frank Kanyusi, Chief Registrar and RITA’s Executive Director, revealed that over 65% of Tanzania’s trusteeship boards operate in Dar es Salaam, making the seminar essential for governance improvements. He also confirmed that similar educational programs would be rolled out across the country to promote nationwide compliance.

The seminar received widespread support from participants, including Pastor Godwin Chimaisi of TAGT Airport Church, who commended its timing, stating that it significantly improved trustees’ understanding of their roles.

Additionally, Women Trustees Fund (WFTT) board member Nasim Losai praised RITA for involving legal experts in the training, as many trustees lack sufficient legal awareness regarding their duties.

With continued efforts from RITA and government authorities, the seminar is expected to minimize governance disputes, promote accountability, and strengthen institutional asset management across Tanzania.