Please allow me to speak, because I am speaking to a senior leader—let me speak.

 

Adeladius Makwega – Serengeti & Tarime, Mara, Tanzania

 

It was the morning of July 1, 2026, when the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mwigulu Nchemba (MP), landed at Soronera Airstrip located in Serengeti National Park, Mara Region, to officially begin a multi-day tour in this region—the birthplace of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

 

A key discussion among journalists from Mara Region who had the opportunity to cover the first day of the visit was how citizens would pose their questions to the Prime Minister and how those questions would be answered.

 

The environment in Serengeti National Park was quite cold, with many tourists and safari vehicles spread across various routes in the park. Small aircraft were landing and taking off at the airstrip, while people of diverse backgrounds could be seen at this small airport, making it resemble a large international airport such as Amsterdam Airport in the Netherlands.

 

The Prime Minister was received by several leaders, including the Mara Regional Commissioner, Colonel Evans Mtambi, as well as the Minister of Defence and National Service.

 

The official tour began with a visit to the Serengeti District Council Administration Building project, where a report was presented and the Prime Minister inspected the building before proceeding to Sokoine Grounds in Serengeti District.

 

After addressing residents in Serengeti, the tour moved to Tarime District, specifically Tarime Rural Constituency. The Prime Minister visited Nyamongo town, where he first spoke to residents of this mineral-rich area—particularly known for gold—just as he had done in Serengeti, before opening the floor for public questions.

 

In both Serengeti and Nyamongo, during the public meetings held on July 1, 2026, citizens were given opportunities to ask questions through two main channels. First, through a special “Complaints Desk,” where their concerns were recorded and responded to directly by relevant ministers. Second, the Prime Minister allowed direct questions, responding to personal challenges, group concerns, and various disputes.

 

Among those who spoke was Mwajuma Wambura, who complained about being relocated from an area designated for the construction of Serengeti Airport. She requested that the government allocate land for relocating graves that have existed in the area since 1990.

 

In response, the Prime Minister stated that the government is legally permitted to acquire land and change its use, but every legally recognized resident must receive fair compensation, emphasizing that the government’s intention is not to oppress anyone.

 

Another speaker was a young woman named Easter Marwa, who had completed secondary school (Form Four) with a Division III and requested educational support. The Prime Minister pledged to support her education up to university level.

 

A particularly painful case was that of a young man named Ghati Chacha Magebe, who said he was shot in 2014 while still young as he was herding his family’s livestock, following a conflict between security forces and civilians near the North Mara Gold Mine. He was treated in Musoma with assistance from the mine. Later, the mine offered compensation of 13 million Tanzanian shillings, but his family declined, arguing that the amount was insufficient. He was later treated at Bugando Hospital. After recovering, he requested compensation to enable him to attend vocational training (VETA), but for 12 years the issue has remained unresolved.

 

The Prime Minister directed the Deputy Minister of Minerals, representatives from North Mara Mine, the young man, and the Tarime District Commissioner to meet immediately, discuss the matter, and ensure he receives appropriate compensation without delay.

 

In both Serengeti and Tarime districts, the Mara Regional Commissioner, Colonel Evans Mtambi, thanked the Prime Minister for dedicating time to visit the region, emphasizing that:

“Better a visitor comes so that the host may benefit.”

RC was accompanied by the Regional Administrative Secretary, Mr. Gerald Musabila Kusaya.

 

What does Mwanakwetu say today?

Mwanakwetu observed that the Prime Minister provided a good opportunity for citizens to present their concerns and answered their questions effectively, although time was limited. Citizens suggested that more time be allocated for questions and that ministers handle some issues in groups through the Complaints Desk, allowing the Prime Minister to address more citizens directly.

 

Another issue raised in Nyamongo concerned the use of microphones. Citizens proposed that microphones should be placed on stands instead of being held by individuals, so that speakers can express themselves freely without interference while addressing the Prime Minister. This suggestion followed an incident where a disagreement arose between a microphone handler and a citizen who was narrating his experience of being shot. In that moment, the citizen said:

“Please allow me to speak, because I am speaking to a senior leader—let me speak.”

 

The Prime Minister responded, encouraging him:

“Speak freely—you are speaking to me.”

 

Conclusion

Mwanakwetu commends the Prime Minister for giving citizens the opportunity to freely present their concerns and for addressing them with professionalism.

 

Dear reader, this is a summary article of the Prime Minister’s visit to Serengeti District and Nyamongo area in Tarime Rural on July 1, 2026.

 

Mwanakwetu, are you there? Remember:

 

“Please allow me to speak, because I am speaking to a senior leader—let me speak.”

Have a good day.

 

Email: makwadeladius@gmail.com

Phone: 0717649257