Tulia Ackson’s 2030 presidency ambitions are no longer a hidden agenda. As the current Speaker of Tanzania’s Parliament, her rising influence is increasingly seen as a calculated move to clear her path to the State House — but at what cost to good governance and the rule of law.? On her path to realising her lifetime ambition, she must appease the CCM central committee, which is hostile to graft slayers like MPs Luhaga Mpina and Mrisho Gambo!
She has been punishing good governance and the rule of law by exploiting her parliamentary gavel. In this discourse, I will peek at the political careers of Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina and Mrisho Gambo, Arusha Urban MP. The duo has been so ostracised that their path back to Parliament looks dimmed because Speaker Ackson upended the law when dealing with their issues. This is their gruelling story.
Who is Kisesa MP, Luhaga Mpina?
Luhaga Joelson Mpina is a Tanzanian politician and Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kisesa constituency, affiliated with the ruling party Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Below is a detailed overview of his career and recent activities:
Political Profile and Career.
He was born on 5th May 1975 (age 49 as of 2025).
Education:
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and Finance from Mzumbe University (2000–2003). He also holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Strathclyde, UK (2009–2010).
Political Journey:
He became an MP for Kisesa since 2005, serving quadruple terms (2005–2010, 2010–2015, 2015–2020, 2020–2025).
The then president Magufuli appointed him a Minister for Livestock and Fisheries (2017–2020). Before that he was Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) from 2015 to 2017. A Chairperson of parliamentary committees, including the Economic Affairs, Industries, and Trade Committee (2013–2015).
Key Controversies and Recent Developments.
- Suspension from Parliament:
In June 2024, Mpina was suspended for 15 parliamentary sittings until November 2024 after being found guilty of contempt of Parliament and disrespecting the Speaker, Tulia Ackson. The disciplinary action stemmed from his public disclosure of parliamentary documents related to a sugar import scandal, where he accused the Agriculture Minister, Hussein Bashe, of lying to Parliament about irregularities in allocating import licenses to companies linked to CCM politicians.
- Legal Challenges:
Mpina filed lawsuits against the Attorney General, the Speaker, and ministers, arguing that parliamentary Standing Orders infringed on his constitutional right to free speech. He claims the documents he shared were already public (e.g., audit reports) and not classified. His case raises questions about the balance between parliamentary rules and constitutional rights, with implications for whistleblower protections in Tanzania.
- Anti-Corruption Advocacy :
He is known for criticizing government corruption, Mpina highlighted how the sugar import crisis caused prices in his constituency to surge from Tsh 2,500 to Tsh 10,000 per kilogram, exacerbating public hardship. Critics argue his outspokenness stems from resentment after being excluded from cabinet appointments post-2020, though supporters view him as a rare CCM figure challenging systemic official graft.
Political Stance and Legacy.
Whistleblower or Outcast?:
While lauded for exposing corruption, Mpina’s methods—such as alleging foul play in Magufuli’s death without evidence—have drawn criticism for lacking substantiation.
Party Dynamics:
His clashes with CCM leadership reflect growing intolerance for dissent within the party, with observers noting risks to his political future amid efforts to “shape in or ship out” dissenting voices .
Employment and Early Career.
Before entering politics, Mpina worked as a Ward Executive Officer, Accountant, and Chief Inspector in local government and private sectors (1997–2005).
Current Status.
As of April 2025, Mpina remains an active MP for Kisesa but faces ongoing legal battles and political marginalization. His case underscores tensions between parliamentary authority and constitutional freedoms in Tanzania’s governance framework.
Who is Mrisho Gambo, Arusha Urban MP?
Mrisho Gambo is a Tanzanian politician and Member of Parliament (MP) for Arusha Urban Constituency since November 2020, affiliated with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Here’s a detailed overview of his career, controversies, and recent activities:
Background and Political Career.
Early Career:
Gambo began as an IT expert in Arusha’s municipal government and later transitioned into administration. He served as District Commissioner (DC) in Korogwe and Uvinza before being appointed Regional Commissioner (RC) of Arusha in 2019. His tenure focused on promoting investments, tourism, and streamlining bureaucratic processes for businesses.
MP for Arusha Urban:
Elected in 2020, Gambo replaced Godbless Lema (an opposition Chadema MP) after Lema lost the election under dubious circumstances. Lema fled the country for Canada, after being confronted with charges of inciting violence following his shock election loss. Gambo’s election victory aided to secure CCM’s tenuous hold on the constituency.
Key Controversies and Actions.
- Dismissal as Regional Commissioner (2020):
Gambo was abruptly sacked by President John Magufuli in October 2020 alongside other Arusha officials. Analysts speculated the move was politically motivated ahead of elections, though no official reason was provided. Since he had shown interest to run for Arusha Urban MP against the wishes of his superiors may explain why he got the sack. At that time the government position was that government officials seeking elective posts must first resign, and many disobeyed the fiat and vied for MP portfolio while keeping their lucrative government posts provoking a dismissal.
- Exposing Financial Mismanagement (2025):
In April 2025, Gambo raised alarms in Parliament over alleged corruption in Arusha City projects:
Gambo has repeatedly criticized inflated project costs (e.g., a Sh9 billion administrative building in Arusha) and misuse of funds, stressing the need for accountability to protect public resources.
He chided a Sh 9 billion administrative building with inflated costs (e.g., Sh1 billion per floor). Discrepancies in the Bill of Quantities for a Sh6.2 billion contract. Questionable demolition of a profitable bus terminal generating Sh800 million monthly.
His allegations against Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa over discrepancies in revenue reporting (e.g., Sh800 million vs. Sh74 million monthly income from Machinga Market) highlight his commitment to fiscal integrity.
- Clash with Government Officials:
In April 2024, Gambo criticized changes in the pension formula (kikotoo) for public service employees. He argued that the pension formula before July 2014 was much better urging to restore that pension regime. He also recommended Parliament to form a committee to investigate the pension underpayment.
From that date, Gambo became a marked man because CCM is no longer a mass party but a vanguard one. Gambo’s advocacy was going against CCM’s new policy of economic marginalization of the weakest members of society. He was accused of seeking “political kick”. Only Nkenge MP, Florent Kyombo, supported him according to the Hansard record, I have scoured.
On 31st March 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed Christian Makonda to be the Arusha R.C., essentially complicating his path back to the Augusta House. President Samia said she had appointed Makonda on what she described as “nimempeleka Makonda Arusha kwa kazi maalum….” In the beginning, we thought it was all about weakening the Chadema stronghold in Arusha Region but time has a way of teaching us a lot. From Makonda’s obsession of belittling Gambo now we know what president Samia meant when she said:
“nimempeleka Makonda Arusha kwa kazi maalumu….”
Gambo accused the Minister of State for Regional Administration, Mohamed Mchengerwa, of financial mismanagement. Mchengerwa countered that Gambo oversaw the controversial building project during his tenure as RC. The Speaker referred both to the Parliamentary Ethics Committee for investigation. Mchengerwa too came with his own allegations of public funds misappropriation, accusing Gambo of helping himself with seating allowances without attending Arusha Municipal Council meetings. All charges remain unverified, a gratitude of the House Speaker Tulia Ackson’s bias.
- Criticism of Priorities:
Gambo criticized city planners for prioritizing vanity projects (e.g., a Sh3 billion city hall) over infrastructure improvements, arguing that corruption undermines public trust.
Political Style and Legacy.
Anti-Corruption Advocate:
Gambo has positioned himself as a vocal critic of graft within CCM, though opponents accuse him of grandstanding for political survival. That Gambo is just too insecure after president Samia introduced her own MP candidate in Makonda, the Arusha R.C. Makonda is now the establishment candidate to unseat Gambo within CCM, and elsewhere.
From the minister for finance and Planning, Mwigulu Nchemba, and others have been doing their rounds campaigning for Makonda confirming Makonda is now the establishment project for Arusha! If Makonda prevails it will be a payback for him for helping President Samia to being considered for vice presidency during that illegal constituency assembly. These days in CCM the political culture is all about themselves and their spouses and their children’s children. Others are just bystanders to be used and discarded like disposables, for they are of no value!
Controversial Figures:
His claims about revenue figures (e.g., Sh800 million monthly vs. Sh74 million) led to accusations of misleading Parliament, complicating his credibility.
CCM Dynamics:
His clashes with party leadership highlight tensions between reformists and entrenched interests within CCM.
Education and Personal Details.
He was born in Arusha Region, Tanzania.
He attended Kibaha Secondary School, Tanga Technical School, and Coventry University (UK).
Current Status (April 2025).
Gambo remains an active MP, embroiled in ethics investigations over his corruption allegations. His case underscores broader debates about accountability in Tanzania’s public projects and the challenges faced by CCM reformers. Recently, Makonda humiliated him in public by ordering him to stand up and sit down before thousands of people. Makonda lampooned him in public for apologising in Parliament for accusing Tamisemi minister Mchengerwa of lying. He ordered Gambo to ask for forgiveness for all he had harmed! The truth is nobody was hurt because the CAG was not involved to sort out the clutter. Until then, we are not in a position to draw up conclusions which aim to harm Gambo’s reelection campaign.
Why has Speaker Tulia Ackson torched their political careers to advance her own?
When faced with the allegations of graft posed by Mpina and Gambo, Tulia Ackson didn’t consider that their allegations were rooted in serious violations of the statutes. Mpina questioned whether the Sugar Board had exceeded its legal mandate when issuing permits to individuals and companies that didn’t own sugar factories. The law is abundantly clear that only sugar factories can be given permits to import sugar.
Speaker Ackson took a petty option of the alleged “expletive language” Mpina had used against the Agriculture Minister and ordered the matter be referred to the ethics and disciplinary parliamentary committee, where Mpina was suspended. It was her way of burying serious allegations of official graft. Mpina’s allegations were killed after he was punished! The message was clear: CCM MPs shouldn’t criticize their government or will be penalised for their activism. It is a scary message where parliamentary oversight is jettisoned to advance the House Speaker’s political career.
Gambo’s case was grounded upon serious violations of the Procurement Act. Variations orders that were approved were allegedly unlawful for evading bidding and establishing artificial project sums. Besides, once a contract was awarded and anomalies were noted, the legal path was to revoke the contract, fix the bill of Quantities anomalies, and order a fresh bid. This wasn’t done!
Speaker Ackson opted to believe the Tamisemi Minister and directed Gambo to face the ethics and disciplinary parliamentary committee. His crime was to call the minister a liar, although he has been distancing himself from those adversary claims. Gambo, sensing his goose was already cooked, decided to salvage his political career in an election year where President Samia has a candidate with a megaphone in Arusha R.C Makonda. Gambo humbly apologises for misleading the parliament.
He did this to avoid being taken through a Parliamentary kangaroo court, where the committee judges its own causes. Had he not apologised under duress, he would have been suspended for a considerable time, and that would have disqualified him from running to retain his parliamentary job. It was a careful, calculated move to save his political career, which was now hanging in the balance.
Speaker Ackson is a lawyer and knows too well the House had insufficient information to make an informed decision. The House needed an independent body of CAG to look into the clutter of allegations and counter allegations. What the House had was:
“..he said against he said…” but she still took both anti-graft slayers, Mpina and Gambo, into the committee without getting CAG inquiry reports essentially condemning both Mpina and Gambo unheard. She believed cabinet ministers and disbelieved MPs because of her 2030 presidential ambitions.
Why 2030 is too soon for another woman to be our president?
We have seen what a woman as “Madam President” can do, but we refuse to “gender profile” future presidential aspirants. If we profile them based on other women before them, we would inflict great injustice on them. But we know Tulia Ackson is not presidential material because she is too narcissistic to be considered for the top job. From what I have seen in her parliamentary duties, she is willing and ready to torrefy the political careers of others in order to advance her own!
As I have assiduously written in my previous articles, CCM, to regain her lost mojo, will need to think out of the current cabal of sycophants. Tanzania, now more than ever before, is crying out for a professional engineer to help create an enabling environment for swishing into an industrial powerhouse. That person must be an older man, not a woman, for CCM to stand a chance of regaining her lost mantle. Someone who, when he promises jobs, jobs to our unemployed youths, will without a shred of doubt believe. Then they will vote for him.
Nobody in his right will take House Speaker Tulia Ackson for her word. Lawyers are good at suing, but that will not create wealth; they loot it to those who have it from those who don’t have it. Lawyers are infamous for burdening others with the burdens they can’t carry even with their smallest digit.
Mbeya Urban Constituency could be split partly because Tulia Ackson is struggling with the electorate there. She may need gerrymandering to retain her seat, which is vital for her to romp back in Parliament with dignity. However, she may still be elected as House Speaker despite losing her parliamentary seat, but she will lack a mandate from the electorate if she pursues that route.
She will avoid that at all costs, killing her presidential golden goose five years before the real thing.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
