Tax evasion remains a problem, says Samia

Dar/Upcountry. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday expressed her concern about tax evasion, saying it denies the people development.

She made the remarks when addressing the nation during the Idd Baraza held at the Julius Nyerere Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.

Muslims in Tanzania on Wednesday joined their fellow brethren across the world in marking Idd ul Fitr following the end of the holy month of Ramadhan.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Wednesday tax evasion was still prevalent despite the government having abolished unjust tax and directed the Tanzania Revenue Authority to ensure that there is fairness in the administration of the country’s tax system.

“As a result, domestic revenue collections rose from Sh18 trillion in 2020/21 to Sh24 trillion in 2022/23,” she said and commended traders who issue electronic receipts for every sale made and buyers who demanded the same for all their purchases.

“Based on the country’s population and trade volumes, more social services will be provided if we manage to increase revenue collection and curb tax evasion.”

However, the Head of State said there were businesspeople who use various methods to evade tax, including by not issuing receipts or by issuing those that do not reflect transactions made.

She told the gathering that tax was mentioned in the holy books and governments are putting in place systems that allow them to collect funds to be used in the provision of social services to the people.

“It is therefore the responsibility of every citizen to pay just tax from proceeds earned through their legal activities. I rejected the collection of unjust tax, but, surprisingly, some businesspeople are now not paying their fair share of tax to the government,” President Hassan said.

“I’m asking that they immediately stop this vice because it delays the country’s development. Everybody should be a good citizen as far as tax payment is concerned because I have promised Tanzanians that I will uphold justice in tax collection, improve the relevant systems and ensure they are properly utilised for the interest of the nation.”

The Head of State also asked for public support in ensuring the successful implementation of the new education policy that came into effect in January, this year.

She said the policy is aimed at ensuring that the country’s education not only benefits all citizens, but also instils into Tanzanians values that enable them to contribute to society in the current environment.

President Hassan urged Muslims to be among key stakeholders in the successful implementation of the policy.

Elsewhere, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said at the Gaddafi Mosque in Dodoma that Tanzanians should continue practising the good deeds they embraced during Ramadhan and Lent to maintain peace and tranquillity in the country.

“We consider ourselves blessed through these two fasts, Ramadhan and Lent, where we learned many things that are emphasised in all worship houses. It is now our responsibility to carry them forward,” he said.

Mr Majaliwa added that during Ramadhan and Lent, religious leaders worked hard to advise believers to do well and refrain from evil deeds.

He urged believers to strengthen unity, and solidarity and continue to do good deeds practised during Ramadhan in the remaining 11 months.

In Unguja, the President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, said apart from adhering to God’s prohibitions, abiding by prayers, and reading the holy Quran, Muslims and institutions gave alms to the needy.

“The state of our lives during Ramadhan increased our piety. Thus, the best way to demonstrate our success is to continue practicing them in our daily lives,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi thanked traders who responded to the government’s call to maintain low prices of goods during Ramadhan especially those mostly used in the month.

At the King Mohamed VI Mosque in Dar es Salaam, the Chief Sheikh of Tanzania, Abubakar Zubeir Bin Ally, said the Idd ul Fitr calls for people to do good deeds.

“It is the day of joy, welcoming each other and seeking forgiveness from God, instead of doing evil,” he said.

“We should pray for God to cover us from sin and shame. We should complete the fasting and receive appropriate reward.”

Dodoma regional sheikh Alhaj Rajabu Mustapha Shaban said, “We shouldn’t be like released criminals from jail and opt to continue committing crimes.”

Maamur Mosque Imam, Sheikh Issa Othman, stressed the need for Muslims to continue doing good deeds after Ramadhan will make the world a better place to live.

“We had a good attendance of believers in mosques during Ramadhan. Worshippers also abstained from unpleasant deeds, things I humbly ask to be maintained,” he said.

Mtoro Mosque Sheikh Abdallah Mohammed said teachings received during Ramadhan should be used to uphold peace and solidarity during future elections.

He said elections are associated with many things, emphasising that peace and solidarity should be maintained for the nation to sail through and get good leaders.

He said Ramadhan should serve as a school aimed at reminding worshippers to maintain the good things during elections for Tanzania to uphold peace and solidarity.

“Muslims should maintain patience during elections the same spirit witnessed during Ramadhan for the country to sail through,” he said.

The mosque’s youth leader, Mr Hamis Dotto, said Muslims should live according to the fasting principles and increase their praying trend.

“The youngsters are criticised for doing wrong things, but Idd messages should completely change the country’s youth,” he said, insisting the youth should abstain from that would tarnish the image of Islam.

Speaking at the Morogoro’s Forest Hill Secondary School grounds, Sheikh Ally Mussa said to him Idd ul Fitr was both joyous and a sad day.

“It is joyous because of concluding the holy month of Ramadhan, but sad because the majority of believers will abandon the good deeds acquired during Ramadhan by opting for the disgusting,” Mr Mussa expressed his frustrations.

Delivering his Idd message at the Jamiatul Zinjibar Mosque in Mazizini, Zanzibar, Sheikh Abdulkareem Nassor said Tanzanians should maintain the unity and solidarity recorded by Muslims during Ramadhan.

During the event, also attended by different leaders, including the President of Zanzibar Dr Mwinyi, Sheikh Nassor said Ramadhan promoted unity and love among citizens regardless of individual state of income and cultural status.

“People blessed with wealth are challenged to assist the less fortunate, as witnessed during Ramadhan. Support each other, avoid disputes and competition to avoid offending God,” he said.

“Support development efforts executed in the country and uphold your obedience to government leaders as directed in the holy books,” he added.

In Mbeya, Sheikh Msafiri Njalambaha said upholding the good deeds displayed during Ramadhan would warrant acceptance of worshippers’ fasts.

“Repeating evil acts is equivalent to wasting the entire month of fasting, and God will not accept our prayers,” he said.

He urged for peaceful celebrations, upholding love, and generosity as taught by Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

During the event, Mbeya Regional Commissioner Juma Homera called on citizens to turn out in large numbers to participate in the upcoming civic polls.

However, the situation was different in Kigoma town, where the Idd ul Fitr prayers were interrupted by a downpour that broke shortly before the event.

Worshippers who appeared in large numbers for prayers at Ujiji Primary School grounds were forced to rush for shelter outside the premises leaving behind a small multitude.

Additional reporting by Sharon Sauwa (Dom), Jesse Mikofu, Muhammed Khamis, (Unguja), Juma Issihaka, Bakari Kiango, Tuzo Mapunda (Dar), Johnson James (Moro), Saddam Sadick (Mbeya), Joseph Lyimo (Mirerani) and Anania Kajuni (Mwanza), Happiness Tesha (Kigoma)