I WILL RELOCATE LAKE VICTORIA TO MBAGALA

 

 

By Adeladius Makwega – Musoma & Bunda, Mara Region, Tanzania

 

July 4, 2026 began with a vivid and symbolic journey: a group of journalists accompanying Tanzania’s Prime Minister traveled from Musoma Urban to Musoma Rural. It was not just a physical journey, but one filled with observation, storytelling, and reflection on the everyday realities of citizens.

 

According to Mwanakwetu’s field observations, the journalists were divided into three groups: those traveling with the Prime Minister from the capital, Dodoma; local journalists from the Mara Region; and within that group, reporters who specifically cover their local constituencies.

The journalists from Musoma Urban arrived in Musoma Rural at the site of a development project being inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Hon. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba.

 

The event took place in Kasoma Ujamaa Village, located along the shores of Lake Victoria—Africa’s largest lake. Yet, despite its vastness and natural wealth, the day’s experiences revealed a striking contrast between resource abundance and local reality. Upon arrival, the journalists first sought breakfast, stopping at a small cluster of shops and food stalls around 7:30 a.m. The day’s reporting began, as it often does, over a simple cup of tea.

 

“I stopped at a small restaurant run by a woman named Mama Loveness and ordered tea with rice. I needed energy, because during official tours it is often difficult to find time to eat. If I eat rice or ugali, I can last the whole day—maybe just drinking water or soda later.

 

When I asked what was available, she told me rice was ready, but there was a problem with the side dish.

 

‘The only thing I have is beans,’ she said. ‘For the past two weeks, people have not been fishing due to restrictions related to illegal fishing. There is currently a ban.’

 

I ordered rice and beans, but jokingly complained, ‘Why such a small portion of beans? Is this how you serve your husbands?’

She laughed.

I continued, ‘It has only been two weeks without fishing, and you don’t even have small dried fish? Nothing stored at home? Not even fulu—low-grade fish usually considered a last resort?’

I went further, ‘Communities in other parts of Tanzania, like the Wagogo, receive rain only once a year, yet they preserve vegetables carefully for the long dry season. But here, right next to Lake Victoria, you have no fish at all?’

 

Mama Loveness explained that fish had become expensive and scarce; even small sardines were easier to find in urban areas than in rural communities like this one.

 

In the end, I ate rice and beans—just a few steps away from one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, where one would expect fish to be plentiful.

 

So I joked, ‘Perhaps we should relocate Lake Victoria to my home in Mbagala.’

She laughed and asked whether my home was in Mbagala or Dodoma.

 

I replied, ‘Both.’”

 

After breakfast, the journalists returned to the project site, where the Prime Minister officially inaugurated an administrative building at Kasoma Primary School—an example of government development efforts, though challenges remain visible.

 

The Prime Minister’s convoy then moved to Suguti, where a public rally was held. Suguti is also known as the birthplace of Antony Mtaka, a senior Tanzanian leader who has served as a Regional Commissioner in several regions.

 

At the rally, citizens spoke openly and confidently. Many raised concerns about gold mining in the area. While Musoma Rural is rich in mineral resources, especially gold, residents questioned the environmental impact of mining and whether local communities truly benefit from these resources.

 

Throughout the tour, citizens raised complaints about various individuals and issues. In Suguti, one case stood out: a local councilor was accused by a woman from Geita Region in a dispute over gold mining earnings.

 

The councilor publicly admitted receiving approximately 10 million Tanzanian shillings (about USD 4,000) and stated that he had returned part of the money. He promised to repay the full amount within one month—a moment that many saw as a small but meaningful step toward accountability.

 

The Prime Minister responded by praising the councilor’s honesty and urging voters to continue supporting leaders who show integrity.

 

Later, the Prime Minister traveled to Bunda Town, where another public rally took place. Here, the focus shifted to politics. He addressed the case of Member of Parliament Easter Bulaya, emphasizing that she should still be trusted as a member of the ruling party (CCM), despite her political history. He noted that internal party decisions—such as candidate selection—are not always straightforward, citing similar situations in past elections.

 

The Prime Minister then concluded his tour of the Mara Region.

What can we learn from this day?

 

The political atmosphere in Bunda revealed uncertainty, prompting the Prime Minister to issue direct instructions to regional leadership. It was clear that national leaders are actively trying to rebuild trust between citizens and political representatives.

 

It is important to note that both Easter Bulaya and Easter Matiko were among 18 opposition MPs who entered Parliament in 2020 under controversial circumstances, highlighting ongoing political tensions in Tanzania.

 

During the rally, the writer experienced a brief but telling moment: after dozing off and dropping his phone, he overheard a citizen say:

 

“We are members of the ruling party. These leaders are like our own sisters. Who can explain their character better than us, their own relatives? This issue is internal—we want accountability within our party.”

This statement captures the heart of the debate: is the problem internal political conflict, or a broader issue of governance and accountability?

 

Some believe that senior leaders made mistakes—but acknowledging such mistakes publicly remains difficult.

 

Another important theme emerges: how citizens seek justice. A woman traveled a long distance from Geita to Musoma Rural in pursuit of her claim. This raises deeper questions about public trust in formal institutions.

 

Is Tanzania’s judicial system meeting people’s expectations? Do citizens trust it? Or are they increasingly turning to informal or direct channels to resolve disputes?

 

Even historical decisions—such as the abolition of traditional chieftaincy systems in 1962—may still influence how communities handle conflict today.

 

Ultimately, this is more than a story—it is a reflection of society.

 

This article summarizes the final day of the Prime Minister’s tour in the Mara Region on July 4, 2026.

 

Are you following, Mwanakwetu? Remember:
“I will relocate Lake Victoria to Mbagala.”

Have a good day.

Contact:
makwadeladius@gmail.com
+255 717 649 257