After announcing on his X page that he was heading to Mbeya region to follow up on the disappearance of the Chadema activist Mdude Nyagali alias Sumu ya Nge, unknown person qualifying as the notorious “wasiojulikana” sent the High Court Advocate Mwabukusi a mysterious ominous message threatening him not to go to Mbeya or Hell awaits him!
Mwabukusi was adamant he was going to Mbeya and nobody can threaten him, and get away with it. Mwabukusi copy-pasted the threatening message on his X page. This article looks at a man behind a mirror, why he is a target of intimidation and threats on his life, and what lurks ahead for him.
High Court and the current president of the TLS said on his X page:
Whoever was threatening TLS president Mwabukusi clearly was insecure with his Mbeya visit, and the threatened message appear to unnerve the message sender with Mwabukusi’s personal intervention in the disappearance of Mdude Nyagali alias Sumu ya Nge.
The impression I got was whoever were behind the disappearance of Mdude Nyagali alias Sumu ya Nge now are apprehensive that Mwabukusi may unearth their wrongdoing possibly not only terminating their careers but also causing them to face the arm of the government for their ill-advised abduction of Mdude Nyagali alias Sumu ya Nge.
But who is TLS president and High Court Advocate Boniface Mwabukusi?
Biography of Boniface Mwabukusi.
Boniface Anyisile Kajunjumele Mwabukusi is a Tanzanian lawyer, activist, and prominent political figure known for his leadership in legal advocacy and democratic reforms. Below is a synthesis of his life and career:
Early Life and Background.
Born in Kandete Ward, Tukuyu Division, Rungwe District, Mbeya Region, Tanzania. There are conflicting reports about his exact birthplace. One Ayubu Madenge claiming on his X page after Mwabukusi election to be the TLS president, Boniface Mwabukusi was born in Arusha, Ngarenaro, Kambi ya Fisi and grew up in Arusha playing soccer as a goalkeeper while official sites indicate he was born in Kandete Ward, Tukuyu Division, Rungwe District. Ayubu Madenge also asserted that Mwabukusi was a daladala driver before joining Open University where he studied law. Efforts to get a clarification from Mwabukusi are still undergoing.
Mwabukusi didn’t excel in his A levels and had a tough upbringing.
Professional Career:
Legal Practice:
Managing Partner at BAK-Mwabukusi Chambers Advocate, a law firm contributing to Tanzania’s legal landscape.
Leadership in the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS):
Elected President of TLS in August 2025 with a landslide victory (1,274 votes), defeating opponents like Sweetbert Nkuba (807 votes).
His election followed a contentious process, including attempts to disqualify his candidacy, which he successfully overturned through legal appeals.
TLS, founded in 1954, serves as Tanzania Mainland’s bar association, advocating for judicial independence and legal reforms.
Political and Activism Roles.
Political Candidacy:
Contested as a parliamentary candidate for Busokelo Constituency under the NCCR-Mageuzi party during Tanzania’s 2020 general elections.
Advocacy and Criticism:
Vocal critic of governmental policies, particularly regarding parliamentary accountability. In 2025, he publicly criticized Tanzania’s Parliament for neglecting its duties, contrasting it with the European Parliament’s proactive engagement on national issues.
Advocated for legal aid reforms, urging President Samia Suluhu Hassan to allocate funds to institutions providing free legal services to citizens.
Public Engagement and Recognition.
Community Impact:
Received dedications and praise from communities like Lubanda-Ileje, highlighting his influence and grassroots support.
Social Media Presence:
Active on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where he addresses legal injustices, human rights, and solidarity with victims of political violence.
Key Contributions and Legacy.
Judicial Reforms:
Emphasized the need for an independent judiciary, condemning political interference in legal processes.
Human Rights Advocacy:
Offered public condolences and support during crises, such as the death of Pope Francis in 2025, demonstrating his role as a unifying figure.
Significance:
Boniface Mwabukusi’s career reflects a blend of legal expertise, political activism, and a commitment to democratic principles. His leadership in TLS and outspoken stance on governance issues position him as a critical voice in Tanzania’s pursuit of rule of law and accountability.
Boniface Mwabukusi, a prominent Tanzanian lawyer, activist, and the president of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), has reportedly faced significant risks due to his outspoken criticism of government policies, including death threats. The specific incident of threats on his X (formerly Twitter) page is explicitly detailed, the context of his activism and prior arrests strongly aligns with such risks. Here’s a synthesis of relevant information:
- History of Arrests and Intimidation:
Mwabukusi has been repeatedly targeted by Tanzanian authorities for criticizing the UAE port deal, which grants the UAE control through DP-WORLD over Tanzanian Dar-Es-Salaam port and infrastructure. He was arrested twice in 2023 (July and August) alongside other activists, accused of “sedition” and threatened with treason charges carrying a mandatory death penalty. His arrests followed public statements and legal petitions arguing the deal violates Tanzania’s sovereignty, the Natural Wealth and Resources (Permanent Sovereignty) Act, 2017 (No. 5 of 2017) and constitutional law.
- Pattern of Threats Against Critics:
The Amnesty International report highlights that Rugemeleza Nshala, another lawyer and activist opposing the port deal, fled Tanzania in July 2023 after receiving death threats and intimidation. This suggests a broader pattern of state-linked retaliation against dissenting voices, which likely extends to Mwabukusi given his high-profile role.
- Political and Legal Context:
Mwabukusi’s activism intersects with his leadership style in the TLS, where he advocates for judicial independence, electoral reforms, and accountability. His reinstatement as a TLS presidential candidate in 2023 (after a court battle) marked a symbolic challenge to executive overreach, further positioning him as a target for suppression.
- Government Crackdown on Dissent:
Tanzanian authorities, under Inspector General of Police Camilius Wambura, have openly stated that critics of the UAE port deal would be arrested for “seditious” statements, framing dissent as an attempt to “overthrow the government“. This rhetoric creates a perilous environment for activists like Mwabukusi, where legal harassment and extrajudicial threats are normalized.
The documented threats against other activists, combined with Mwabukusi’s arrests and the government’s intolerance for dissent, provide a plausible backdrop for such threats. His current predicament underscores the dangers faced by human rights defenders in Tanzania and the urgent need for international attention to safeguard civic freedoms.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
