NGOs take stock of 12th Parliament
DODOMA: As Tanzania’s 12th Parliament approaches the end of its tenure, the country’s non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have commended the growing partnership with the government, citing unprecedented cooperation and reduced friction.
Speaking to the Daily News recently, the National Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Mr Onesmo Olengurumwa, said the current five-year term has set a new benchmark for cordial and productive engagement between the government and civil society.
“There has been a strong and healthy relationship between NGOs and the government. NGOs have been able to carry out their work without interference. This has significantly reduced bureaucracy and misunderstandings. Our collaboration with the government is now very smooth,” he said.
Mr Olengurumwa praised the representation of NGOs in Parliament, saying the presence of a Member of Parliament specifically representing NGOs has positively shifted the dynamics in the sector.
“The representation we’ve seen in this term is unlike any other in the past, thanks to Ms Neema Lugangira, a Special Seats MP representing NGOs in Parliament. She has done a tremendous job,” he said.
He further expressed hope that the number of MPs representing NGOs will increase in future parliaments to strengthen the sector’s voice in national policymaking.
“We would really like to see one of the ten MPs appointed by President Samia come from the NGO sector,” Mr. Olengurumwa added.
In an exclusive interview with Daily News, Ms Lugangira noted that one of her core responsibilities has been to act as a bridge between NGOs and the government, enabling civil society to contribute meaningfully to the implementation of the 2020–2025 CCM Election Manifesto.
“One of my first goals was to organise a meeting between the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups and the NGOs in Tanzania. That meeting took place on 27 January 2021 and has since become a regular engagement,” she said.
Shortly thereafter, Ms. Lugangira collaborated with the government to convene a landmark Government–NGO Consultative Forum, inaugurated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on 30 September 2021. She said that forum “set the tone for a new era of constructive engagement.”
“For the first time in our country’s history, President Samia was invited to and participated as the chief guest at an event held by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC),” Ms Lugangira recalled. The President was honoured with an award recognising her contribution to human rights and the rule of law during her first year in office.
Ms Lugangira has also worked closely with development partners to organise high-impact seminars for Members of Parliament, funded by international donors. These forums have aimed to strengthen legislative oversight of development projects across the country.
She also played a key role in the establishment of the restructured NGOs Board, chaired by former Minister Mwantumu Mahiza, describing it as a testament to the sector’s growing professionalism.
“I will continue working with the Board to ensure NGOs meet statutory requirements while remaining agile enough to address community challenges,” she pledged.
Deeply concerned about rising gender-based violence (GBV), Ms. Lugangira has facilitated high-level dialogue involving the Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence (MKUKI), the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director of Public Prosecutions to formulate effective measures to ensure timely justice for survivors.
In Parliament, she has consistently urged the Treasury to review tax provisions that treat NGOs as for-profit entities.
“NGOs are not businesses. They do not trade for profit. Their contribution lies in building social capital,” she argued.
