By Adonis Byemelwa
Paul Chacha, the Tabora Regional Commissioner, has found himself at the center of numerous controversies lately, with his name constantly trending on social media. From clashes with subordinates to high-profile arrests, his leadership style has sparked debate.
Some have pointed to his youth, suggesting that his age might be a contributing factor to the frequent missteps, while others argue that his use of the media to resolve conflicts reflects a broader issue about leadership in Tanzania today.
"Leadership is not about using power to humiliate," said a political analyst, who prefers to remain anonymous, noting the growing tensions between Chacha and those beneath him.
The most recent flare-up came when Chacha publicly reprimanded Abraham Lwakajunguti, the head of the Lusu Mining College, during a public meeting. Lwakajunguti had failed to answer questions about illegal gold mining operations on the college's land.
Chacha, in a swift move, ordered his removal from office. Some have suggested that Chacha could have handled the situation more diplomatically, behind closed doors. But, instead, the drama played out in full view of the public.
For many, this approach raised questions about the ethics of leadership and whether it undermines the authority of subordinates, leaving little room for respect and trust to grow. "Public conflicts only serve to weaken the bonds of leadership," one observer remarked.
Chacha's reliance on the media to settle disputes has become a signature of his governance. "It may work for visibility, but in the long term, it risks creating a toxic work environment," said a political consultant who has worked extensively in East Africa.
His tendency to address issues publicly has drawn comparisons to former President John Magufuli’s style, where confrontations were often aired on national television. Yet, the line between accountability and humiliation is thin, and many fear that Chacha's aggressive approach to leadership might alienate those he needs to govern effectively.
Chacha’s handling of the incident involving the media officer for Yanga SC, Ali Kamwe, offers another lens into the complexities of his leadership. Kamwe was arrested after making remarks deemed offensive to government officials ahead of a crucial football match.
His arrest has ignited a fierce debate about freedom of speech and the role of sports figures in political matters. "Was this just about words, or is there a larger power struggle at play?" one sports journalist questioned, adding that Chacha’s involvement in a matter tied to sports seemed out of place. "It’s clear that Chacha isn’t afraid to step into any arena where he feels his authority is being undermined."
The arrest of Kamwe, in particular, highlights an emerging pattern—young leaders like Chacha, though ambitious and eager to assert themselves, often find themselves caught in a web of public disputes.
"Youthful ambition is a double-edged sword," said Dr. Amina Khadija, a political psychologist. "On one hand, they bring energy and a fresh perspective. But on the other hand, they sometimes lack the experience to understand the nuances of power dynamics, which can lead to impulsive decisions."
This psychological toll on young leaders is not unique to Chacha. Similar struggles have played out in countries like Burkina Faso and Senegal, where young leaders clash with their subordinates and challenge established norms.
In Burkina Faso, for example, the president faced growing tension with key military figures who resisted his reforms. Similarly, in Senegal, a young leader’s rise was marked by internal conflicts within his party, as seasoned politicians resented the push for change.
The stories of these leaders reflect the fragile balance between asserting authority and gaining the trust of one’s team. Chacha’s situation mirrors these challenges, where his actions, though seemingly decisive, may inadvertently push away those he depends on for governance.
"Chacha is at a crossroads," says a public administration scholar, "He has the potential to lead with both firmness and empathy, but if he continues down this path of public confrontations, his leadership will be weakened."
The challenge for Paul Chacha, the youthful and energetic leader of Tabora, is how to harness his power without alienating those he needs to work with. Publicly asserting authority may seem like a show of strength, but it often backfires by creating fear and resentment. As Chacha has learned, this approach can be more damaging than effective.
In African politics, there’s a common misconception that visible, loud authority equals good governance. Chacha, though young, is no stranger to this trap.
His desire to prove himself has led to aggressive tactics, echoing the mistakes of figures like Jerry Muro, the former Ikungi District commissioner.
Muro, known for his confrontational methods, including locking up subordinates, ultimately lost his political standing. His downfall is a cautionary tale for Chacha: leadership is not about dominating through fear, but about earning respect through diplomacy and collaboration.
Chacha’s attempts to assert authority in public have only worsened his relationships with colleagues, making effective governance harder. When respect isn't granted automatically, a leader must build it steadily, not demand it through fear.
In Chacha’s case, his aggressive tactics have generated a climate where cooperation is scarce and respect is conditional. This approach not only makes governance difficult but also risks making him appear weak.
He becomes the leader who can’t handle dissent without heavy-handed measures, creating an impression of someone overwhelmed, rather than a decisive force guiding his team forward.
Magufuli, a leader known for his strong stance, once advised former Minister Adolf Mkenda during a showdown with his secretary-general, “Don’t govern by fear. If you can’t fix the issues quietly, then you’re failing.”
This wisdom strikes at the core of Chacha’s situation. A leader’s authority isn’t strengthened through threats and spectacles but through thoughtful problem-solving and steady leadership.
Psychologically, Chacha's leadership style leans towards what is often described as "toxic leadership." Fear replaces trust, and compliance is driven by the fear of retribution, not respect for the leader’s vision.
This creates a cycle of mistrust that undermines the very foundation of governance. "A leader who does not inspire loyalty through respect will find it difficult to inspire lasting change," warns Dr. Khadija, an expert in leadership psychology.
James MacGregor Burns, a renowned leadership scholar, argues that true leadership is transformational, not transactional. Chacha’s path forward lies in shifting from control and fear to collaboration and vision.
"Leadership is about inspiring people to follow you, not because they fear the consequences of defying you, but because they believe in the vision you present," Burns says. For Chacha, this means leading with empathy and building relationships that go beyond power struggles.
Chacha’s challenges aren’t unique to him but reflect a broader issue in Tanzania’s political landscape. As calls for transparency, accountability, and effective governance grow louder, leaders like Chacha must balance authority with the ability to build trust.
Spectacles and fear will no longer work in the long term. Instead, Chacha must master the art of leadership that requires courage, humility, and diplomacy.
The experiences of young African leaders, including Chacha, highlight a fundamental truth: leadership is not about the leader alone, but about the people they lead.
Chacha has the potential to evolve into a leader who inspires loyalty, not through fear but through a shared vision of progress. If he can walk that fine line, he may yet shape a legacy of lasting positive change. For now, the jury is still out on whether his youthful energy will propel him toward that goal.