Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala
Indeed, the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) of Tanzania for the 2024/2025 financial year has done a commendable job. However, it is disappointing that Tanzanian media outlets have largely ignored this report, instead prioritizing issues that lack substance or logical importance. Mwanakwetu compares the CAG’s arguments to a beautiful young woman from Mbagala being overlooked.
“Ignoring a beautiful woman does not mean you take away her beauty; she remains beautiful, and those who recognize beauty will appreciate, respect, and love her.”
This situation has deeply troubled Mwanakwetu, prompting him to examine the CAG’s findings—starting with the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports—regarding the Arusha stadium, whose construction cost rose by 81%, reaching 338.54 billion Tanzanian shillings from the initial 187 billion.
In his explanation, Dr. Charles Kichere states:
“First, the initial estimates were inaccurate. The contractor was obtained through a single-source procurement method, eliminating competition. Contract negotiations were weak, and illegitimate costs were included and ultimately borne by the government. We recommend that the Ministry strengthen procurement oversight and contract negotiation controls, with the goal of protecting public funds.”
Clearly, Mwanakwetu’s aim in this article is also to protect public resources.
Dear reader, the difference between 338.54 billion and 187 billion is 151.54 billion—an 81% increase, as Dr. Kichere noted.
“These funds—both the original and the increase—are enormous and could support several government projects. For example, with just 5 billion shillings (the cost of Azam Complex stadium in Mbagala), Tanzania could build nearly 70 stadiums. Are we really this weak as a nation? What extra value are we getting from a stadium costing 338.54 billion? This is clearly a misuse of public funds.”
Mwanakwetu further explains that with the original 187 billion, Tanzania could have built about 37 stadiums like Azam Complex and still have money left over. The additional 151.54 billion could build another 30 such stadiums. Altogether, 338.54 billion could provide two such stadiums in each region of Tanzania, with 17 more remaining.
These issues are deeply painful to Mwanakwetu, even reminding him of his days as a secondary school teacher—where he would have disciplined careless students over such public matters. These are serious mistakes that have caused national losses and could lead to a heavy debt burden in the future—not just from this project but others as well. This is a warning sign that must not be ignored.
In a major institution like a ministry, such problems cannot occur without the knowledge of the Minister and the Permanent Secretary. If they truly do not know—then why not?
Thus, regarding the Arusha stadium issue, several officials must be questioned. As we await detailed answers, we should also examine the assets they currently possess and when they acquired them.
“Ministers Mohammed Mchengerwa and Dr. Damas Ndumbaro should explain what they know. Former Permanent Secretaries Dr. Hassan Abbas, Said Yakub, and Gerson Msigwa must also respond.”
They cannot evade accountability—wherever they are, they must face these questions.
Mwanakwetu also suggests that President Samia Suluhu Hassan bears some responsibility:
“She transferred Dr. Hassan Abbas, promoted Said Yakub, later sent him abroad as ambassador, then appointed Gerson Msigwa. Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary roles kept changing—from Nicolous Mkapa to Dr. Seleiman Serera, who was diligent and inquisitive, and later to Methusela Ntondo.”
Here, Mwanakwetu argues, the President “cooked undercooked ugali,” meaning she made a flawed decision whose consequences are now evident. Mwanakwetu criticizes the appointment of officials from State House, claiming they tend to follow instructions rather than implement projects creatively or independently. They are loyal but lack innovation and may protect each other’s mistakes—leading to failures like the 81% cost increase.
Mwanakwetu believes Dr. Seleiman Serera should not have been removed, as he was diligent and experienced in project supervision. After his transfer, some staff reportedly celebrated because his probing questions had disrupted their usual practices.
Drawing from personal experience in Chamwino village, Mwanakwetu gives a humorous but insightful example:
“In our local church community near State House, we avoid electing both chairperson and secretary from State House employees. Not out of discrimination, but to ensure independence and accountability in leadership.”
This analogy underscores the need to avoid concentration of similar institutional cultures that may weaken oversight.
In conclusion, Mwanakwetu calls for urgent action:
“The Arusha stadium cost escalation must be thoroughly investigated. All responsible departments—including procurement and legal units—must be held accountable. Ambassador Said Yakub should be recalled to respond to these issues. The Ministry should undergo a special audit, possibly extending to other projects like the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium renovation, which may also have hidden issues.”
Mwanakwetu ends with a reminder:
“The goal is to protect public resources.”
Wishing you a good day.
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