A LEADER THRIVES WHEN THE COMMUNITY SUPPORTS THEM

 

Adeladius Makwega – MBAGALA

 

On July 4, 2026, the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Honorable Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, held a public meeting in the Suguti area, Musoma District, Mara Region.

During this meeting, which was the only one in the Prime Minister’s tour conducted in Mara Region from July 1 to 4, complaints were raised publicly against elected leaders. First, a councilor was accused regarding a debt of 10 million shillings. Second, the Chairperson of Suguti Village was criticized for how he runs his office.

 

My reader, I ask you to understand this:

According to the electoral system in Tanzania, votes are cast for village/street chairpersons and their committee members, then for the councilor, followed by the Member of Parliament, and finally the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Although these elections occur at different times, they usually begin with village and street chairpersons, followed by the councilor, Member of Parliament, and President.

At this meeting, Mr. Kasamwila Halamba Kasamwila presented complaints against the Chairperson of Suguti Village, Mr. Sadiki Msembe Chibuda. He claimed that the chairperson was abusing his authority.

 

Among the complaints was an incident involving the prevention of the sale of already slaughtered meat weighing 100 kilograms, which allegedly led to the meat rotting.

When the Suguti Village Chairperson, Mr. Chibuda, appeared before the Prime Minister, he responded that the incident resulted from challenges related to livestock theft. He stated that the livestock officer had instructed that any cow slaughtered must have its origin identified. He also claimed that Mr. Kasamwila is his political opponent who is using the public platform to tarnish his image, and that the meat did not rot.

On his part, Mr. Kasamwila explained that the matter had been reported to the District Executive Director and later to the District Commissioner, but as of July 4, 2026, he had not been compensated for the alleged 100 kilograms of spoiled meat.

 

The Prime Minister’s decisions were as follows: the district-level security authority should investigate the truth of the claims regarding the meat spoiling and provide him with a report immediately. Regarding the complaints about the performance of the Suguti Village Chairperson, he directed that the Mara Regional Commissioner, Colonel Evans Mtambi, visit the village and convene a village meeting to establish the truth, after which the meeting should make decisions.

 

What does Mwanakwetu say today?

 

For elected leaders to perform well politically, they greatly require support from those they lead. Although leadership is obtained through votes from citizens, effective performance depends on how the community—whether a village, ward, constituency, or nation—speaks about you.

 

If the community speaks negatively about you, that becomes a major challenge, and working effectively becomes difficult.

 

You may lead a community, but when you sit down to eat, even a single bite of ugali may not go down your throat. Such a situation can completely weaken your ability to do justice to the position you hold.

Mwanakwetu believes that the dignity of the position you hold begins with the votes of the people—this is unquestionable. However, maintaining that dignity depends on how the community supports you. If the community does not support you, it may see you as part of the problem, and you may become an even bigger problem because you are the most visible figure.

 

This is Mwanakwetu’s reflection on this incident in Suguti Village, where he witnessed the event.

 

Indeed, the conflict in Suguti Village can be compared to any level of elected leadership, whether at the ward, constituency, or even national level.

 

Are you there, Mwanakwetu?

Remember:

“A leader thrives when the community supports them.”

 

I wish you a good day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com
0717 649 257