…Who’s who in inquiry Commission

DAR ES SALAAM: THE six-member Commission of Inquiry established to investigate violence and violations of law committed during and after the 2025 General Election brings together eminent judicial and investigative experts from Tanzania, Uganda and Namibia.

Introducing the commissioners during the inauguration ceremony at State House in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Chief Secretary Dr Moses Kusiluka said the team combines decades of experience in the judiciary, public service, anti-corruption investigations and human rights.

He said the commission will be supported by a six-member secretariat headed by Mr Paul Kadushi, which has already briefed members on their responsibilities ahead of the start of the inquiry.

“They understand the assignment they have been given and are ready to undertake it. They also appreciate the confidence placed in them through this important responsibility,” Dr Kusiluka said.

He added that all logistical and administrative preparations had been completed, enabling the commission to begin work immediately.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has given the commission 150 days, equivalent to about five months, to complete its investigations and submit its report.

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“After reviewing the terms of reference, we are satisfied that the time allocated will be sufficient to accomplish this assignment,” Dr Kusiluka said.

Members of the commission include;

Justice Shabani Ali Lila (Chairperson)

A retired Court of Appeal judge, Justice Lila previously served as Principal Judge of the High Court of Tanzania. He also held positions as Judge-in-Charge of the High Court in Mtwara and Registrar of the High Court in Mbeya, Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

Justice Petrus Damaseb (Namibia)

Justice Damaseb is the Deputy Chief Justice and Judge President of the High Court of Namibia and an ex officio member of the Supreme Court of Namibia. He previously served as Namibia’s Head of Public Service, Judge of Appeal in Lesotho, Acting Judge of Appeal in Botswana and a judge of the SADC Tribunal. He has also served on FIFA’s Ethics Committee and as Vice-Chairperson of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board.

Justice Barishaki Cheborion (Uganda)

A Judge of the Court of Appeal of Uganda, Justice Cheborion also serves in the Appellate Division of the East African Court of Justice. He has participated in several high-profile commissions of inquiry in Uganda, including investigations into human rights violations, the Kasubi Tombs fire and the Mbarara killings.

Justice Joni Mjema

The retired High Court judge previously served as Executive Secretary of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance. He has also chaired several public institutions, including the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Tax Appeals Board.

Justice Awazi Bawazir

A retired High Court judge, Justice Bawazir has extensive investigative experience. Before joining the Judiciary, he served as Chief Investigator at the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and later as PCCB Regional Commander for Temeke.

Justice Aishieli Sumari

Justice Sumari is a retired High Court judge who served as Judge-in-Charge of the High Court in Moshi and Mwanza. She also worked as Assistant Director responsible for Fraud and Corruption Offences in the Office of the Attorney General.

The commission is expected to investigate those who planned, financed and participated in election-related violence and recommend appropriate measures to ensure accountability.