Hassan Magulumali
Morogoro Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga has ordered strict enforcement of the law in the ongoing land dispute involving an investor’s farm in Lukonde Village, Tomondo area, warning that no individual will be allowed to violate government directives or take the law into their own hands.
Sendiga issued the directive on October 29, 2026, during a meeting with residents of Lukonde Village, where she addressed tensions surrounding land ownership and the use of a farm belonging to an investor identified as Professor Shem.
During the meeting, the Regional Commissioner directed relevant authorities to take firm action against individuals involved in unlawful activities, including the destruction of the farm’s perimeter fence, the killing of livestock, including cattle and camels, and the use of tractors to cultivate land within the investor’s property contrary to government instructions.
She emphasised that disputes must be resolved through lawful procedures rather than actions that threaten public peace, property and security.
Sendiga also assured Lukonde Village Chairperson Ismail Mkimbu of government protection following reported threats against his life. Mkimbu had reportedly faced intimidation for implementing government directives and upholding the law amid the dispute.
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The Regional Commissioner stressed that local leaders should be able to perform their responsibilities without fear, while residents were urged to respect legal decisions and cooperate with government authorities in resolving the matter.
Morogoro District Commissioner Mussa Kilakala explained that the investor had won a court case concerning approximately 2,700 acres of land. However, following government intervention and negotiations, the investor agreed to surrender 500 acres for allocation to local residents.
Following this development, Sendiga directed that a public meeting involving residents and land officers be convened immediately to facilitate the formal allocation and distribution of the 500 acres.
She instructed land officials to ensure that the allocation process follows proper land-use planning procedures so that beneficiaries receive their respective plots transparently and in accordance with applicable regulations.
The move is intended to address residents’ land needs while respecting the investor’s legally recognised property rights and preventing further confrontation.
Land disputes remain an important governance and development challenge in several parts of Tanzania, particularly where community land demands intersect with investment activities. Such conflicts can undermine investor confidence, disrupt livelihoods and threaten relations between local communities and authorities.
The government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of resolving land conflicts through established legal institutions, proper land-use planning and dialogue between investors and surrounding communities.
The Lukonde case highlights the need to balance investment protection with community interests, ensuring that land allocation processes are transparent, lawful and beneficial to both residents and economic development.
Sendiga reiterated that the government would not tolerate lawlessness, intimidation or destruction of property, calling on all parties to maintain peace and follow the established procedures as authorities work towards a lasting resolution.
