Makonda Found Guilty of Power Abuse

The Human Rights and Good Governance Commission (THBUB) has found Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda guilty of abusing his power.

This verdict comes after an investigation into an incident where Makonda ordered the detention of a local resident for 96 hours without charges.

The announcement was made by the Commission’s Chairman, Retired Judge Mathew Mwaimu, on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Dodoma. The investigation, covering human rights violations for the 2022/23 period, revealed that Makonda had overstepped his legal bounds when he commanded the arrest and detention of an unnamed Arusha resident. The detention, according to the Commission, lacked legal justification and did not follow proper procedures.

Makonda, who refused to appear before the Commission to present his defense, was found to have issued an unlawful order that disregarded the specific nature of the alleged offenses and established legal processes. The Commission concluded that the detained individual was not implicated in the original claims that Makonda used to justify his actions.

This development is significant given Makonda’s controversial tenure. Previously serving as the Regional Commissioner for Dar es Salaam, Makonda’s leadership style has often been divisive. He has been known for his tough stance on various issues, which sometimes led to clashes with other officials and public criticism

Makonda’s appointment to the Arusha region was met with mixed reactions, reflecting his contentious reputation. As Arusha’s RC, his mandate included addressing urban issues such as traffic congestion and improving infrastructure, particularly in tourism