MINISTER for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, has directed all boards of trustee of institutions whose leadership periods have expired to organise elections within two months to appoint new leaders.

Dr Ndumbaro made the directives in Dar es Salaam at the weekend when opening a special seminar organised by the Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) for board members.

 Dr. Ndumbaro emphasised the need for accountability and proper leadership transition. The seminar was themed “Accountability of Boards of Trustees for the Protection of Institutional Assets and Community Development.”

 "I instruct all boards of trustee whose contracts have expired to conduct elections immediately. Your time is up, and it’s time for new leadership,” he stated.

 He warned outgoing leaders against overstaying their terms, urging them to step aside immediately to prevent unnecessary conflicts and leadership wrangles.

 "I urge the leaders whose terms have ended to vacate their positions peacefully. Clinging to power only breeds conflict and undermines the stability of the institutions you serve," he said.

 Dr. Ndumbaro also encouraged the boards to work together in unity and cooperation for the advancement of the institutions they oversee.

 "Maintaining peace and harmony in your institutions is essential. Failure to prevent conflicts will not only harm your institutions but also have a wider negative impact on the nation," he said.

 Chairperson of the Advisory Board of RITA, Dr. Amina Msengwa, highlighted the importance of accountability among trustees, noting that some board members misuse institutional assets for personal gain.

 "We have observed that many trustees think they own the assets and use them for their personal benefit. This seminar aims to remind them of their legal responsibility to safeguard institutional assets," she said.

 She expressed confidence that the seminar would help restore discipline and accountability among board members.

 Frank Kanyusi, RITA chief executive officer, explained that the seminar aimed to reduce conflicts within institutions that have been plagued by leadership disputes.

 “We decided to host this seminar in Dar es Salaam because over 65 percent of the boards of trustees are located in the city. Therefore, this seminar was highly needed here before extending to other regions,” he said.

 He added that RITA plans to hold similar seminars in other regions to increase awareness and strengthen governance structures within institutions.

 One of the trustees from a church in Dar es Salaam, Pastor Godwin Chimaisi, welcomed the seminar, saying it had helped clarify the roles and responsibilities of trustees.

 "This seminar has improved our understanding of the responsibilities of trustees. Sometimes we forget our legal obligations and make decisions that are not aligned with the law," he said.

 He commended RITA for organising such a timely seminar, noting that it would help prevent conflicts over asset ownership within institutions.

 "Some boards of trustees make decisions without consulting members, which is inappropriate. This seminar is essential for strengthening governance across all institutions," he added.