Media Wire Express Correspondent
The High Court of Dar es Salaam dismissed a request by Kisesa MP, Luhaga Mpina, to submit additional responses in his constitutional lawsuit against top government officials.
The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in Mpina’s case, which challenges the actions of the Minister of Agriculture and other state institutions regarding sugar procurement practices.
The case, formally identified as Constitutional Petition No. 18383/2024, sees Mpina opposing the Ministry of Agriculture’s issuance of sugar purchase licenses through the Sugar Board to companies lacking manufacturing facilities or sugar stocks. According to Mpina, this practice violates transparency principles and gives certain companies an unfair market advantage. His petition also names the Minister of Finance and five other entities as respondents.
Mpina’s recent attempt to introduce additional arguments was met with resistance. Judge Arnold Kirekiano, presiding over the matter, ruled in favor of objections raised by the respondents, which included government bodies. They argued that the MP should not be allowed to present supplementary submissions after already receiving the defendants’ responses. The judge agreed, stating, “The court cannot grant this request as it is neither justified nor in line with procedural fairness.”
The rejection of Mpina’s motion deals a blow to his efforts to broaden the scope of the case, which has already drawn significant public interest due to its potential impact on the Tanzanian sugar industry and government procurement processes.
The case arose after allegations surfaced that companies, not traditionally involved in sugar production, were granted permits to import sugar under controversial terms.
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Mpina argues that this system disrupts local industry and could lead to inflated market prices due to mismanagement. The Minister of Agriculture, along with other government officials, has maintained that the permits were issued according to proper procedures and in the country’s best interest.
Mpina, a vocal advocate for transparency, continues to press for reforms in the agricultural sector, particularly in the regulation of sugar imports. However, this latest ruling complicates his legal strategy, as it restricts his ability to submit further evidence or elaborate on his case.
