PCCB arraigns CHATO MPs on bribery allegations

GEITA: The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Geita Region has arraigned two Members of Parliament from Chato North and Chato South constituencies before the Resident Magistrate’s Court in Geita over alleged bribery linked to the election of the Chairperson of Chato District Council within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Speaking to journalists in Geita, the PCCB Regional Head, James Ruge, said the move followed a detailed investigation after the bureau received reports of suspected bribery during the election process.

Ruge identified the suspects as the Member of Parliament for Chato North, Cornel Magembe; the Member of Parliament for Chato South, Paschal Lutandula; and the former Chairperson of the Chato District Council and Bwongera Ward Councilor, Batholomeo Manunga. Other accused individuals include Mganza Ward Councilor Frank Francis, Bwera Ward Councilor Josephat Manyenye, and Muungano Ward Councilor Njile Mboligo.

According to Ruge, the suspects were presented before the Resident Magistrate’s Court in Geita on March 9, 2026, with the cases registered under Case No. CC 5100/2026 and Case No. CC 5099/2026. Investigations indicate that between November 28 and November 30, 2025, PCCB received information suggesting the presence of bribery during the election of the Chato District Council Chairperson.

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He said investigations revealed that MP Cornel Magembe, in collaboration with Mganza Ward Councilor Frank Francis, allegedly gathered 20 councilors from the Chato District Council at Lakezone Hotel in Mwanza City and later at Serengeti Palace Hotel in Katoro, where they were reportedly offered bribes in the form of money, food, and accommodation to influence them to vote for a preferred candidate for the council chairmanship.

Further investigations indicated that MP Paschal Lutandula worked together with Batholomeo Manunga, who was contesting for the chairperson position, to allegedly bribe Muungano Ward Councilor Njile Mboligo to withdraw from the race and allow Manunga to secure the position without opposition.

Ruge said that after confirming the existence of bribery in the election process, PCCB took legal action against those involved in accordance with the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act of 2023, as amended by Act No. 11 of 2024. Meanwhile, on March 6, 2026, the CCM Regional Executive Committee in Geita announced the expulsion of Batholomeo Manunga from the party over allegations of bribery and misconduct.