Joseph Isangura
The chairperson of the National Employment Teachers Organization (NETO), Joseph Paulo Kaheza, has been arrested in Geita under circumstances linked to his ongoing advocacy for the employment of jobless teachers.
Kaheza, who led the union from 2015 to 2023, was taken into custody at his home in Geita on Monday evening. His arrest comes as the union was making final preparations to travel to Dodoma for talks with the government regarding the fate of thousands of unemployed teachers.
The news was confirmed by NETO’s Secretary, Daniel Edgar, who received the information from Kaheza’s uncle, Barnabas Daud, who was with him at the time of the arrest.
“He was taken from his home and is now being held at the Geita Town Police Station,” Edgar stated. “This has happened at a critical moment when we were about to engage in discussions with the government to find solutions for our members.”
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the police have so far been unsuccessful. When reached for comment, Geita District Commissioner Hashim Komba said, “He is not the spokesperson for the Police Force,” and declined to provide further details.
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Sources from within the police have suggested that an official statement may be released later, but no clear timeline has been given. Meanwhile, attempts to reach Police Spokesperson David Msime and the Director of Criminal Investigations, Ramadhan Kingai, have not been successful.
Kaheza’s arrest has sparked concern among NETO members, with many worried about what this could mean for their ongoing struggle. The union has been advocating for years to secure employment for teachers who have remained jobless since 2015, and many fear that their voices are being silenced.
“This is discouraging,” said one member who requested anonymity. “We only want the government to listen to our plight and help us find employment. Arresting our leader won’t solve the problem.”
