Tanzania's Twaweza in trouble as Costech claims recent survey was uncertified

Twaweza Executive Director Mr Aidan Eyakuze doing a presentation at the unveiling of ' Sauti ya Wananchi' survey. Photo | Said Khamis

What you need to know:

According to the letter, Costech database shows that Twaweza had applied for research clearance for four projects, noting that while one project had been completed, three were progressing.


Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (Costech) has issued a seven day ultimatum to research organization - Twaweza to explain why legal measures shouldn’t be taken against them for allegedly conducting a survey without a permit.

The letter, with reference number CST/SC.186/1145/2018 dated July 9, 2018 signed by Costech acting director general, Dr Amos Nungu wants Twaweza to state why legal actions should not be extended against the organization for conducting a survey dubbed ‘Sauti za Wananchi’.

“You are hereby required to show cause within seven days from the date of this letter, why appropriate legal actions should not be taken against your organization by relevant authority,” reads part of the letter addressed to Twaweza executive director.

According to the letter, Costech database shows that Twaweza had applied for research clearance for four projects, noting that while one project had been completed, three were progressing.

The letter says over the weekend there was information regarding Twaweza’s new project ‘Sauti za Wananchi’, noting that the commission that is mandated to register and provide clearance to all research activities taking place in the country had no record of, having granted Twaweza a permit or any pending application of the same.

“The publication is violation of Section 11 of the National Research Registration and Research Guidelines by failure to register a research project with Costech,” reads the letter in part.

The Citizen reached out to Dr Nungu who declined to make any comment.  

When contacted, Twaweza official introduced by one name Pamela confirmed the organization has received the letter.

“Unfortunately, the executive director Mr Aidan Eyakuze has travelled outside the country and the person who is acting his position has an emergency and he will be in office tomorrow,” she said over the telephone.