Tanzanian government orders replacement of expired trusteeship boards

Dar es Salaam. The minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr Damas Ndumbaro, has directed institutions with expired trusteeship boards to hold elections within two months.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Registration, Insolvency, and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) for Dar es Salaam-based trustees over the weekend Dr Ndumbaro stressed the need for legitimate leadership.

“All boards of trustees whose terms have expired must conduct elections immediately,” he said, urging outgoing leaders to step aside to prevent conflicts.

He called for unity among trustees to ensure institutional development and advised them to adopt President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4R’s [Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuild] philosophy to resolve disputes instead of escalating conflicts.

RITA advisory board chairperson, Dr Amina Msengwa, said the seminar sought to educate trustees on their legal responsibilities, noting that some misuse institutional assets for personal gain.

Chief Registrar and RITA executive director, Frank Kanyusi, said that over 65 percent of trusteeship boards are based in Dar es Salaam, necessitating the seminar’s focus on the region. He added that similar sessions will be conducted nationwide.

Pastor Godwin Chimaisi from TAGT Airport Church in Dar es Salaam described the seminar as timely, enhancing trustees’ awareness of their roles and responsibilities.

Women Trustees Fund (WFTT) board member, Ms Nasim Losai, praised RITA for involving legal experts, noting that many trustees lack knowledge of relevant legal matters.

The seminar is expected to reduce conflicts and enhance trustees’ accountability in managing institutional assets.