Makonda orders sports audit
DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda (pictured) has warned sports associations and federations that are inactive despite being registered, questioning the value of organisations that exist on paper but have little visible activity.
Speaking at the closing of a special meeting between the National Sports Council and sports associations, the minister said it was concerning that more than 2,000 associations were registered while many had no clear record of competitions or programmes.
“How can we have more than 2,000 registered sports associations, yet many are not active?” Makonda said. “They conduct elections and have leaders, but there are no details about their activities and no competitions that show they are functioning.” He directed the associations to submit financial reports detailing their revenue and expenditure so that they can be audited.
The minister said accountability and proper organisation were necessary if the sector was to attract investment and grow. Makonda said some of the challenges facing sports organisations begin with leadership, arguing that some officials do not fulfil their responsibilities.
He cited a recent leadership transition within the national basketball association, where a newly elected president had yet to formally take office because the outgoing leader had not handed over.
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“The problem often begins with the organisation itself. Leaders must carry out their responMARCH 14, 2026 Page 19 sibilities and ensure a proper transition when their term ends,” he said.
The minister called on the National Sports Council to ensure the installation of the new basketball association president is completed without further delay. He also warned former leaders against interfering with new administrations, saying some had attempted to undermine sponsorship opportunities after leaving office.
“There have been instances where former leaders, after leaving office, send inappropriate messages to sponsors regarding their previous organisations. The messages aim to damage trust and affect future deals for the sport.” Makonda further cautioned associations against amending their constitutions to allow leaders to remain in office for extended periods for personal interest, saying governance rules should protect the integrity of sports organisations rather than individuals.
The Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council, Neema Mistha, noted during the meeting to the press that the meeting stakeholders focused on practical steps to strengthen the country’s sporting sector.
Msitha said the interaction brought together representatives from different parts of the sports industry to review the current state of sport and discuss ways to support professionals and improve participation across the country.
Among the issues raised was the need to increase the number of people involved in sport, particularly among young people while also creating opportunities for older citizens to remain active through organised activities. Participants also discussed the role of branding and marketing in developing sport. They noted that stronger promotion of teams, competitions and athletes could help attract sponsors and expand financial support for sporting programmes.
“We had a constructive interaction with stakeholders from across the sector. Our discussion focused on how to increase participation, strengthen the professional environment for athletes and improve branding so that sport can attract more sponsors and long-term investment,” Msitha said.
She added that continued collaboration between institutions, clubs and private partners would be important in building a sustainable sports industry
