DAR ES SALAAM — THE Network Against Sexual Corruption in Tanzania has celebrated a significant victory following the National Assembly’s decision to reject a controversial amendment to the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act.
The proposed amendment sought to eliminate Section 25, which addresses sexual corruption, and replace it with a provision that would have criminalised victims.
Instead, the Assembly upheld Section 25 and imposed stricter penalties, increasing prison sentences from three to ten years and doubling fines from 5m/- to 10m/-.
The Network, which comprises over 200 organisations nationwide, hailed this outcome as a major win for justice, particularly for women and vulnerable groups who are frequently targeted by sexual corruption.
Professor Penina Mlama, Chairperson of the Network, commended the National Assembly’s decision, noting its alignment with the Network’s advocacy efforts. She praised organisations like the Women’s Judges Association and individuals such as Retired Judge Eusebia Munuo for their crucial role in protecting the law.
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“This victory demonstrates the power of collective action against oppressive systems,” said Prof Mlama.
“It shows that when we unite and advocate for justice, we can protect the vulnerable and hold those in power accountable. Our fight against sexual corruption must continue across all sectors of society.” Sexual corruption, as defined by Section 25, involves demanding sexual favours in exchange for rights, privileges, or opportunities. Unlike financial bribery, it exploits the vulnerable, often leaving victims dehumanised and deprived of opportunities.
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The Network’s statement emphasised the prevalence of sexual corruption in Tanzania, particularly affecting women in education, healthcare and domestic work. Findings from the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) reveal alarming rates of sexual corruption across various sectors.
The Network also highlighted the broader economic and societal impacts of sexual corruption, which undermines human dignity, disrupts institutional integrity and fosters a culture of exploitation. Increased public education has led to greater awareness and a growing rejection of such practices, with more victims coming forward.
In light of the National Assembly’s decision, the Network urged continued vigilance in enforcing the law and called on Tanzanians to maintain pressure on authorities to combat all forms of sexual corruption.
“The rejection of the proposed amendment is just one step,” Prof Mlama said.
“We must ensure that Section 25 is effectively enforced, protecting victims and holding offenders accountable.” The Network also expressed gratitude to international stakeholders, the media and the Tanzanian public for their support in rejecting the amendment, affirming the country’s commitment to justice and human dignity.
Source: allafrica.com
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Tanzania’s opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy
Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo today officially bids farewell to its former Chairman, Juma Duni Haji, also known as Babu Duni, as part of a new policy designed to honor retired senior leaders at a ceremony held at Kiembesamaki, Zanzibar.
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Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.
The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.
“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.
To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.
The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.
In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.
Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.
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Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.
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Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response
Addis Ababa, January 20, 2025</Strong> — Tanzania has declared a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak after confirming one case and identifying 25 suspected cases in the Kagera Region of Northwestern Tanzania. The Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal disease, is similar to Ebola and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and monkeys. This outbreak marks the nation’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following the outbreak in Bukoba District of Kagera Region in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths.
In response to this urgent threat, the Africa CDC is mobilizing strong support to help Tanzania contain the outbreak. A team of twelve public health experts will be deployed as part of an advance mission in the next 24 hours. The multidisciplinary team includes epidemiologists, risk communication, infection prevention and control (IPC), and laboratory experts to provide on-ground support for surveillance, IPC, diagnostics, and community engagement.
The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, has engaged with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister of Health to ensure coordinated efforts and secure political commitment for the response.
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Africa CDC is committed to working closely with the Government of Tanzania, regional partners, international organizations, and global stakeholders, including the World Health Organization, to stop the spread of the Marburg virus.
Source: allafrica.com
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