By Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala
“Immediately after the former Ambassador of Tanzania to Cuba returned home to Tanzania and resigned, this leader began hosting programs on YouTube and other social media platforms. His statements were watched by many Tanzanians and people around the world as he spoke at length about various issues concerning the Tanzanian nation.”
Mwanakwetu closely followed the explanations given by Ambassador Polepole. Among the institutions he mentioned repeatedly—by name and by the name of its leader—was the TCRA under Dr. Jabiri Bakari.
“…Jabiri Bakari is a good scholar, but he should be careful about this ‘switch-cutting’ every time I speak… this is not right.”
Up to the point where brother Humphrey Polepole was abducted and disappeared, the term ‘MKATA SWITCHI’ (the switch-cutter) has remained a dominant expression, becoming a heavy burden on the TCRA under brother Jabiri Bakari.
The question to ask ourselves is this: Do the communications authorities of our countries operate without regard to ethics, or do they act merely as they please?
“Weaknesses in communications regulatory authorities often stem from shortages of resources, political interference (lack of independence), unclear mandates, and challenges in enforcing compliance. These challenges can result in poor service quality for users, declining market competition, and reduced investor confidence.”
When Mwanakwetu examines the issue of limited resources and capacity, it is true that a lack of sufficient funding, human resources, and technical expertise reduces a regulator’s ability to monitor the market effectively, investigate complaints, and enforce rules and laws. However, in Tanzania, to a large extent, let us speak the truth: since 2014 we have received considerable assistance, and there have now been major improvements. Just look at one thing—previously at TCRA we only knew Innocent Mungi, but now TCRA has a multitude of employees. TCRA has become a ‘father of employment.’ All of this is good, but do we remember Humphrey Polepole’s complaints?
“…Jabiri Bakari is a good scholar, but he should be careful about this ‘switch-cutting’ every time I speak… this is not right.”
These remarks by brother Polepole show that communications regulatory institutions are not adequately protected from political influence or pressure from relevant sectors. Leaders have been abusing these institutions for their own political interests, making decisions that favor their own interests rather than those of the majority of the public—something that undermines public trust in institutions such as TCRA.
“This is a problem that Tanzania has learned from and witnessed clearly on October 29, 2025, and the days that followed—evidence available to every Tanzanian who owns a smartphone—when networks were shut down.”
Here too are unclear or inconsistent mandates: unclear definitions of regulatory scope, overlapping responsibilities with other government institutions, or conflicting regulations can cause confusion and loopholes in enforcement.
At present, Mwanakwetu believes that TCRA appears weak and sluggish, operating like a police authority—sometimes shutting down, sometimes blocking networks. For example, Tanzania witnessed the shutdown of Mwananchi Communications over nothing more than a cartoon that touched leaders, and even the blocking of Jamii Forums.
Without robust systems of public oversight, transparent information disclosure, and judicial review, regulators can become negligent or reduce their effectiveness, acting unilaterally as if they themselves are the law and the court, with no one able to hold them accountable.
Who deceived TCRA into believing that they are everything?
“Worse still, TCRA is now widely criticized for poor communication with stakeholders. For instance, TCRA conducts registrations, yet they have become lazy about calling stakeholders to discuss the challenges they face—not even asking what their problems are. For example, delays in registration: why haven’t they registered? If TCRA communicated with stakeholders, they would learn many things. For instance, if registration costs 500,000, they could ask stakeholders to pay even in installments until the registration fee is completed. This builds fraternity.”
This advice was also once given by Professor Musa Assad in Mara Region when the commission on the best way for the government to collect levies and taxes was engaging with the citizens of Mara Region.
In this regard, Mwanakwetu reminds our communications authorities of the following:
“Act with integrity, avoid deception, and correct mistakes promptly when they arise. Be accountable for their actions, disclose conflicts of interest, and promote transparent processes. Ensure that decisions foster productive competition and protect consumer interests without favoritism or discrimination, and remain close to customers—while shutting down networks is not a meaningful weapon, but rather a weak and unproductive one in today’s world.”
What does Mwanakwetu say today?
Indeed, complaints against the TCRA under Dr. Jabiri Bakari are many. At present, Dr. Jabiri Bakari has damaged the good name of Tanzania’s communications authority. In fact, since 2014 TCRA did good work when Tanzania transitioned from analog to digital, a task carried out professionally by Tanzanians. It is possible that some people embrace Dr. Jabiri Bakari for their own political interests—that is understandable. But for the greater interests of Tanzania, from individual citizens onward, especially because of the act of shutting down networks, TCRA has been dragged into the mud and appears to be collaborating with the oppressors of citizens.
Internationally, Tanzania has received substantial assistance for technological improvements. Thus, even the events of October 29, 2025 give the impression that TCRA is politically driven—and that is not the role of Tanzania’s communications authority. This violates the ethics of communications authorities worldwide.
Therefore, the removal of Dr. Jabiri Bakari from TCRA is necessary. There is no ‘spare the Prophet’ courtesy in this matter, because his continued stay—even if Tanzania is given aid—will only benefit certain groups of Tanzanians who are our oppressors, not all Tanzanians. Dr. Jabiri Bakari is the Chief Switch-Cutter, and even internationally TCRA’s image has now been tarnished.
Mwanakwetu, are you there? What should this article be called? Jabiri Bakari Is the Chief Switch-Cutter? Or For Jabiri Bakari, There Is No ‘Spare the Prophet Courtesy?” Mwanakwetu chooses:
“For Jabiri Bakari, There Is No ‘Spare the Prophet’ Courtesy.”
I wish you a good day.
makwadeladius@gmail.com
0717659257
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