By Estomine Henry
The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Shinyanga Region has successfully curbed the embezzlement of 92.16 million Tanzanian shillings that was allocated as compensation for tobacco farmers under the Ibambala Primary Cooperative Society (AMCOS), located in Ushetu District Council in the region.
This information was released today, May 27, 2025, by the PCCB Regional Head for Shinyanga, Donasian Kessy, during a press briefing held in Shinyanga town.
According to Kessy, the funds were meant for farmers who suffered losses due to flooding that affected tobacco production during the 2023/2024 farming season. However, the money did not reach the intended beneficiaries.
“PCCB discovered that 11.62 million shillings were taken by some leaders of the cooperative for their personal use, including the Secretary Manager, Mr. Charles Alex Shiyengo, and the Chairperson, Ms. Faida Paulo Deda,” said Kessy.
He further stated that a large portion of the funds, 151.53 million shillings, was distributed to ineligible individuals, including relatives of the cooperative leaders.
“Among those who received the funds was Ms. Lucy Masanja Gidabita, wife of the Secretary Manager, who was paid 34.58 million shillings, and Mr. Charles Charles Masanja, who received 5.58 million shillings."
Initial steps have been taken to recover the funds, and legal action is being pursued against those involved, he added.
Between January and March 2025, the PCCB Shinyanga office received a total of 57 corruption-related reports, out of which 52 were investigated and 13 cases were taken to court.
On the public education front, the bureau conducted 61 public meetings, 30 seminars, and 13 radio and TV programs through their Takukuru Rafiki campaign, aimed at encouraging citizens to actively participate in the fight against corruption.
Kessy urged citizens to continue cooperating with PCCB by reporting corruption cases through the free toll number 113 or via their website: www.pccb.go.tz.
