Mwabukusi elected Tanganyika Law Society President after contentious campaign

Dar es Salaam. Boniface Mwabukusi has been elected as the new president of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) after a heated and contentious campaign.

Mwabukusi was declared the winner after garnering 1,274 votes, equivalent to 57.4 percent, defeating Mr Sweetbert Nkuba, Revocutus Kuuli, Ibrahim Bendera, Paul Kaunda, and Emmanuel Muga in an election conducted on Friday, August 2, 2024.

The election, held at the Jakaya Kikwete Conference Centre (JKCC) in Dodoma, sought to appoint a successor for the outgoing TLS President Harold Sungusia, whose term had expired.

The election results were announced at 11:30pm instead of 5pm as promised due to the sudden death of one of the conference’s delegates, Ms Maria Pengo.

Challenges that faced Mwabukusi

Mr. Mwabukusi's election journey was marked by several hurdles, including a disqualification of his candidacy by the TLS appeals committee just one day before the vote, despite his endorsement by the bar's election committee.

The disqualification was based on allegations of an 'ethical blemish,' which was said to be in violation of the election rules.

On July 11, 2024, Mr Mwabukusi filed a petition in the High Court of Tanzania to challenge the disqualification decision that removed him from the list of TLS presidential candidates.

On July 26, the court overturned the decision that had disqualified his candidature.

Mr Mwabukusi has distinguished himself as a lawyer with strong principles, advocating for the rights and interests of the marginalised.

He has gained recognition for his stance against the Dar es Salaam Port’s investment deal signed by the government and Dubai-based DP World last year.

The TLS’ president serves a three-year term.