Nchimbi Should Not Be Like Mpango

Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala

“Do you know why, when the President of the United Republic comes from Tanganyika, the Vice President comes from Zanzibar—and when the President comes from Zanzibar, the Vice President comes from Tanganyika? Why was this provision included in the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania?”

These are two questions whose answers are as follows:

“According to the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977 (as amended), Article 47(3) clearly states that if the presidential candidate (President) comes from one part of the Union (Zanzibar), then the running mate (Vice President) must come from the other part of the Union (Tanganyika). The Constitution and electoral procedures require that the presidential candidate and the running mate must not come from the same side. This principle ensures balanced representation of both sides of the Union in top leadership positions. This stems from the constitutional amendments of 1992/1995: before these changes, the President of Zanzibar automatically became the First Vice President of the Union, but the current system requires the presidential candidate to choose a running mate from the other side—not necessarily the President of Zanzibar. In short, the Constitution prohibits both the President and Vice President from coming from the same side of the Union.”

Although the presidential candidate and running mate are elected together as a pair, once sworn in, each takes their own oath and assumes their own responsibilities.

 

Even though the presidential candidate chooses their running mate, once they win the election, it does not mean the Vice President should be weak, submissive, or merely a follower of the President. Rather, according to the law and electoral regulations, the Vice President has one major responsibility:

“This principle, introduced in the 1992/1995 amendments, ensures balanced representation of both sides of the Union in top leadership positions.”

So, when you become President or Vice President, you must ask yourself: how are you representing the side of the United Republic from which you come?

Remember:

“This principle ensures balance and representation of both sides of the Union in top leadership positions.”

When you are a representative of one side of the Union in such positions, do you simply sit, fold your arms, and collect a salary?

Let me tell you a story: 

In 2022, the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports received a new Minister, Hon. Mohammed Mchengerwa. He arrived with a team of staff, including an office administrator and a personal assistant. Their arrival discouraged some existing staff, some of whom were reassigned. It later emerged that the office administrator and the assistant were related by blood—their surnames matched. Some said they were siblings; others said mother and child.

“Has Minister Mchengerwa brought his entire family here? This is not fair.”

Employees were talking. One employee, Mwanakwetu, investigated and asked a human resources officer, who confirmed the issue was being looked into. Mwanakwetu argued that such behavior is harmful, creates division, and that a leader should feel ashamed and be capable of working with any team they encounter. If they lack this quality, the public service should enforce it.

“These practices have serious consequences for society and create division and resentment toward the government.”

Mwanakwetu wrote an article advising the then Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango, to meet with ministers and discuss issues such as working with existing teams in ministries—from drivers to office assistants—since they are government employees. Bringing personal teams into public institutions is harmful and may affect major national decisions.

Mwanakwetu was not sure whether Dr. Mpango acted on this advice. Later, the minister moved with the same team to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.

After the 2025 General Election, Hon. Mohammed Mchengerwa became Minister of Health, while his wife, Hon. Wanu Amiri, was appointed Deputy Minister of Education. Both were reportedly related to the current President.

 

This reminded Mwanakwetu of the 2022 incident.

What is Mwanakwetu saying today?

Since 2021, many questionable events have occurred without clear answers. Mwanakwetu is unsure whether Dr. Mpango fulfilled his responsibilities adequately, including issues like the sale of the Port of Dar es Salaam.

In this article, Mwanakwetu reminds the current Vice President, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, that although they assumed office under contested circumstances, he has a great responsibility to work hard and defend the interests of Tanganyika. Some leaders lack accountability, and such individuals must be told the truth about public service.

It is not right to let things continue as they are—for example, a situation where a husband is a minister and his wife is a deputy minister, while also being part of the President’s extended family. Dr. Nchimbi has remained silent on this matter and must be held accountable.

He must be careful not to become like Dr. Mpango. If Mpango had addressed the 2022 issue, perhaps the 2025/2026 situation involving Wanu and Mchengerwa would not have happened. If Dr. Nchimbi is not careful, more such cases will arise.

Let us remember: Tanzania is a large country with over 72 million people. Leadership opportunities should not circulate within the same families. When one family holds many positions, innovation declines, and public resentment grows, weakening public service.

Mwanakwetu, are you there? Remember:

“Dr. Nchimbi should not be like Dr. Mpango.”

Have a good day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com
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