Let Me Go Eat My Easter Pilau

Adeladius Makwega – MBAGALA

April 5, 2026 is the Easter holiday worldwide, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. By tradition, Mwanakwetu usually does not prepare any articles on such a day, as he gives space so that fellow Christians may listen to Easter messages, which are often delivered by bishops from various regions and dioceses starting from Good Friday. Even dioceses that are usually slow to use media tend to do so properly during Easter. At such times, Mwanakwetu’s articles take a break.

On this day, after attending prayers and returning home, Mwanakwetu contacted a longtime friend. They discussed many issues, and among their conversations was a matter that touches on the livelihood of individual Tanzanians in 2026. This issue prompted Mwanakwetu to write this article.

For longtime readers, this is well known, but for new readers: during church holidays, Mwanakwetu usually puts his pen down. Today, however, his pen is writing.

Mwanakwetu asked his friend—who is a Doctor of Philosophy, has taught at several universities, and has served in leadership positions at both council and regional levels—about the challenge of rising fuel prices in Tanzania: what is the problem?

His friend responded:

“If you look at the EWURA announcement, you will notice that the Director, in front of the responsible minister, reported on the fuel stored in our tanks, saying it could last for three months.
In the oil business, that statement doesn’t apply because the oil trade already follows established rules—you don’t question why those rules exist. These rules are like mathematical principles such as PAI.

If war breaks out or there is a shortage of fuel, you are forced to follow global rules, where you must announce prices based on the international market.”

From this explanation, Mwanakwetu observes that when the former EWURA Director, Dr. CPA James Andilile Mwainyekule, was speaking, the Minister responsible for Energy, Deogratius John Ndejembi, was present—which is why the Director kept repeating Honorable Minister.

Removing Dr. Mwainyekule alone seems unfair—why does the responsible minister remain untouched?

For those unfamiliar with Minister Ndejembi: his mother is Zanzibari, and his father is a Gogo from Chamwino.

 

 Locals from Chamwino sometimes say:

“Deo Ndejembi is not a true Mgogo, but a Mkonongo,”

Meaning he is not originally from that ethnic group but an outsider.These thoughts crossed Mwanakwetu’s mind during the conversation. He then asked the scholar: if the fuel situation is like this, what should Tanzania do?

The scholar replied:

“You look at countries with similar conditions—what have they done? For example, Malawi, Namibia, and France. France communicated with the Iranian government, and their ships passed safely and reached France—they now have fuel.
Namibia provided subsidies to its traders, enabling them to purchase fuel.

In Tanzania, six wealthy individuals have contracts with the government to import fuel and distribute it through suppliers to retailers.”

According to him, the simplest solution for Tanzania now is to subsidize these major fuel importers.

But how can Tanzania achieve this?

“The financial year is ending in 85 days. Budgets were set—what to collect and what to spend. Where will the money come from? Who will sacrifice? For example, should funds be taken from regions like Mara, Mtwara, Lindi, or Singida?All this must be presented in Parliament—perhaps reallocating 200–300 billion shillings. The Prime Minister must introduce such a bill.

If that is difficult, the Minister of Foreign Affairs should engage with Iran’s ambassador to ensure safe passage of fuel ships. No investor will risk their ship being bombed.”

These are ideas from Tanzanians within government. The key issue is: for such ideas to be implemented, are these thinkers given a chance? Their abilities must be recognized and utilized—otherwise, Tanzania will remain stagnant.

 

What does Mwanakwetu say today?

There are only two key actions:

Present a motion in Parliament to subsidize fuel importers (as Namibia did). The Minister of Foreign Affairs should negotiate with Iran (as France did).  Otherwise, the situation could become very dangerous.

Dear reader, remember that today is Easter—the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Let me go eat my Easter pilau.

Mwanakwetu, are you there? Remember:

 

“Let me go eat my Easter pilau.”

Have a good day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com

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