The controversy surrounding Mpina escalated on June 18, 2024,
when he was summoned before the Parliamentary Committee on Rights, Ethics, and Privileges.
Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis
Byemelwa
Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina has taken
a bold stand against government entities and officials, including Minister of
Agriculture Hussein Bashe and the Sugar Board, following his suspension from
Parliament for 15 sessions.
Mpina, claiming his suspension
is politically motivated, announced his intent to pursue legal action at a
press conference on July 29, 2024, held at the Lamarda Hall, Msimbazi Centre in
Dar es Salaam.
He criticized the parliamentary
process and accused Speaker Dr. Tulia Ackson of orchestrating his suspension
unfairly, vowing to challenge the decision through legal avenues.
The controversy comes on the
heels of allegations surrounding the issuance of sugar import permits under
dubious circumstances, which Mpina claims reflect deeper issues of corruption
and misuse of power within the government.
Companies like J SQUARE
Investment Group, Yasser Provision Store, Zenj General Merchandise, and Mohamed
Enterprises are accused of receiving permits under questionable conditions,
raising concerns about the integrity of the Sugar Board and the Ministry of
Agriculture.
J SQUARE Investment Group,
primarily involved in stationery and cleaning services, received a permit for
2,500 tons of sugar, valued at approximately USD 2.5 million, despite having a
modest share capital of Tsh. 1,000,000.
This has raised suspicions of
money laundering and abuse of power. Similarly, Yasser Provision Store, a
company with a recent registration in mainland Tanzania, obtained a permit for
10,000 tons of sugar, prompting scrutiny due to the expedited process of its
permit issuance.
Zenj General Merchandise granted
a permit for 60,000 tons of sugar, has faced criticism for its financial
opacity, with no financial statements submitted from 2016 to 2023.
The company's permit allotment
surpasses the combined total given to the nation's five sugar-producing
factories, questioning its capacity to manage such a large operation.
Mohamed Enterprises, another company in the
spotlight, has raised concerns about discrepancies between its share capital
and its reported financial capabilities.
Mpina highlighted the economic
implications of these actions, particularly the government's decision to exempt
35% import duty and 18% VAT on 410,000 tons of imported sugar.
This exemption, projected to
cost the government USD 217.3 million in revenue, has led to market imbalances
and difficulties for domestic producers to compete.
Traders benefiting from these
exemptions are expected to reap significant profits, with sugar imported at USD
575 per ton being sold for an average of USD 1000 per ton, resulting in a
profit margin of USD 425 per ton.
The firebrand lawmaker, criticized
the failure of the Sugar Board's price control efforts, noting that despite the
tax exemptions, sugar prices have remained high, ranging between Tsh. 3,500 and
4,000 per kilo. This situation has been exacerbated by delays in permit
issuance, contributing to supply shortages and price hikes.
The controversy has prompted
calls for a review of the Sugar Act No. 6 of 2001 to clarify the role of the
National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in sugar importation. Mpina suggested that
the Ministry of Agriculture's recent regulatory adjustments contradict existing
policies aimed at protecting local industries and ensuring food security.
He alleged a conspiracy among
government officials and traders to exploit regulatory loopholes for personal
gain, calling for transparent governance and adherence to legal frameworks.
Likewise, Mpina accused Minister
Bashe and the Sugar Board of unlawfully granting sugar import permits, leading
to significant financial losses for the country. "I will also be taking
Minister Hussein Bashe and the Sugar Board to court under Articles 26 and 27 of
the Tanzanian Constitution.
Their actions in issuing these
permits have caused substantial economic harm. Moreover, all companies involved
in these illegal sugar imports will face legal action," he declared.
Reassuring his supporters, Mpina stated, "No one will discourage me. I
will continue this fight; I have never been one to back down. Where there's a
will, there's a way."
The controversy surrounding
Mpina escalated on June 18, 2024, when he was summoned before the Parliamentary
Committee on Rights, Ethics, and Privileges. He faced charges of disrespecting
the Speaker and Parliament, a result of publicly presenting evidence accusing
Minister Bashe of lying about the sugar import permits.
"Mpina’s act of going public with this
evidence before the committee had a chance to review it is a blatant disregard
for the authority of the Speaker and Parliament," stated Speaker Dr. Tulia
Ackson.
Dr. Ackson further explained
that while the Speaker has the authority to suspend MPs for disciplinary
infractions, she chose to refer Mpina's case to the committee to ensure due
process and uphold good governance principles.
"According to Rule 83, subsection two of
the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Speaker can suspend an MP from attending
no more than 10 consecutive sessions. However, in the interest of good governance,
including the right to be heard, I have referred this matter to the
Parliamentary Committee on Rights, Ethics, and Privileges," she clarified.
The committee, led by Chairman
Ally Makoa and Vice-Chair Dr. Thea Ntara, began examining the evidence on June
18, 2024. They are expected to report back by June 24, 2024. Dr. Ackson stated,
"The committee will assess the evidence submitted by Mpina to determine if
it substantiates his allegations that Minister Bashe lied to Parliament and
what subsequent actions are warranted."
The Speaker revealed that on
June 4, 2024, during a debate on the Ministry of Finance's budget estimates for
the 2024/2025 fiscal year, Minister Bashe claimed that sugar companies in
Tanzania had failed to ensure an adequate sugar supply, necessitating imports.
According to Bashe, this
shortfall had driven up sugar prices to Tsh 10,000 per kilo. In response, Mpina
accused Bashe of misleading Parliament, asserting that the actual issue was the
government's failure to cooperate with sugar companies and importers, causing
the shortage and price surge.
Dr. Ackson underlined the
importance of adhering to parliamentary rules, including those against making
false statements. "Under Standing Order 70, a member who accuses another
member of lying must provide evidence to support the claim.
Mpina was instructed to submit
such evidence by June 14, 2024," she explained. Mpina complied, submitting
documents to the Speaker's office but then held a press conference to disclose
his accusations, which led to widespread public debate and scrutiny.
The Speaker criticized Mpina's
actions, stating that by publicizing the evidence before it was reviewed by the
appropriate committee, he undermined the authority of Parliament and the
Speaker.
"This act of indiscipline
violated the Parliamentary Immunities, Powers, and Privileges Act, specifically
sections 26(d) and (e) and section 34(1)(g), which prohibit disrespecting the
Speaker and disrupting parliamentary proceedings," Dr. Ackson remarked.
She added, "Mpina has deprived the Speaker and Parliament of their
rightful role in scrutinizing the evidence without external pressure."
In a related development, Mpina
denied any intentions of leaving the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party,
despite facing disciplinary proceedings. He reiterated his loyalty to the
party, stating that his actions align with its manifesto and principles, which
emphasize truth and national interest.
"In September 2023, former
party vice-chairman Abdulrahman Kinana tasked me with holding accountable
ministers who were not performing. I stand by that mandate," Mpina declared.
He also highlighted the
significant economic impact of the alleged sugar import irregularities,
claiming they had cost the government Tsh 1.54 trillion. He argued that
addressing these issues would benefit the public, including building health
facilities and providing scholarships for students lacking financial aid for
higher education.
Mpina’s statements come amidst
reports that he was summoned by the CCM's Meatu District Office in Simiyu
region for various issues, including alleged absenteeism in his constituency
and violations of party ethics. The district's CCM Secretary, Joel Makwaia,
confirmed the summons, stating it was part of routine party discipline and
accountability measures.
The unfolding saga has riveted
the nation, with keen anticipation for the Parliamentary Committee's findings
and the looming legal battles. Mpina, steadfast in his mission, vows to seek
justice and accountability not just within the government but also within the
ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). His determination to expose and
prosecute those he accuses of corruption within CCM marks a significant moment
in Tanzanian politics, especially in light of recent upheavals.
The dismissal of Foreign Affairs
and East Africa Cooperation Minister January Makamba and Nape Nnauye, alongside
the resignation of Vice Chair Abdurrahman Kinana, has already stirred tensions
within CCM. Now, Mpina's outspoken stance and legal threats against party
members signal a potential shift in the political landscape. His actions could
reverberate through the party, intensifying internal conflicts and shaping the
discourse ahead of the 2025 General Election.
Mpina's campaign for
transparency and justice, coupled with the recent high-profile exits, suggests
a brewing power struggle within CCM. This scenario may lead to a reevaluation
of leadership and policy directions as the party braces for the electoral
challenges ahead. The coming months will be critical in determining how these
dynamics unfold and what they mean for Tanzania's political future.