Lawyers analyze TLS presidential candidates
DAR ES SALAAM – As the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) prepares for its General Election tomorrow, where a new President will be elected to lead the association for the next three years, lawyers Julius Mtatiro and Ally Kileo have offered a detailed analysis of the six candidates vying for the position.
The candidates in the running are Boniface Mwabukusi, Ibrahim Bendera, Emmanuel Muga, Revocatus Kuuli, Paul Revocatus Kaunda, and Sweetbert Nkuba.
In a statement released today, Mtatiro noted that all six candidates are experienced and possess unique leadership qualities. Each candidate brings a distinct perspective and experience to the table, which could lead to either positive changes or challenges for the TLS, depending on who is elected.
Mtatiro explained that before conducting their analysis, they considered several key questions to understand the potential direction of the TLS and its future leadership. Among these questions were: What kind of President does the TLS need in the current context of our country?
What are the expectations of lawyers, especially young lawyers, for the next TLS President? And what lessons can the TLS learn from organizations like the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the Black Lawyers Association (BLA)?
He questioned, “What policies and management styles, such as those seen in PALU and BLA, would require the type of leadership needed for TLS? And among the candidates for TLS President, who stands out as having the most influence, and why?”
Mtatiro further probed, “Among those with significant influence, who is best suited to lead the TLS successfully, and why? Do the positions and perspectives of the leading candidates have any meaningful impact within the TLS? And who can lead the TLS to greater success?”
He stressed the importance of electing a TLS President who does not simply pursue personal agendas but focuses on building upon the solid foundations laid by predecessors like Professors Edward Hosea and Harold Sungusia. These past leaders have not only made significant improvements but also worked towards uniting the legal community.
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According to Mtatiro, the TLS needs an executive leader who is knowledgeable, calm, and capable of engaging with all legal stakeholders across the country. This leader should have a vision that is both realistic and implementable without haste or recklessness.
He emphasized the necessity of a TLS President who can unite all lawyers, serve as a crucial link between TLS and its primary stakeholder, the government, and avoid becoming a “noisy activist,” spreading division through partisan or emotional rhetoric.
Mtatiro pointed out that the TLS requires a leader with vision and wisdom, someone who can guide the Lawyers’ Association to carry out its duties calmly, collaboratively, and effectively.
What are the expectations of young lawyers for the next TLS President?
Mtatiro observed that young lawyers, like youth everywhere, expect rapid changes in critical areas. However, these lawyers also need guidance and mentorship to develop patience and a broader perspective, which will help them become exceptional lawyers in the future.
He acknowledged that many young lawyers have significant ambitions and dreams, yet they also face numerous challenges, such as lacking offices or running small law firms that are slow to grow. The competitive and evolving legal sector, both in Tanzania and globally, often leads to frustration among these young professionals.
“These challenges must be addressed or at least laid on a foundation that allows the next generation of lawyers to stand on their own. Ethically, young lawyers also have a duty to learn the standards of professional conduct as outlined in various legal codes, including the 2022 Code of Conduct for Lawyers,” Mtatiro said.
He added that acceptable conduct among young lawyers can be cultivated by learning from experienced attorneys in law firms, where they can acquire practical skills, professionalism, and integrity. This environment also helps them avoid unethical practices such as double dealings, especially when representing clients or becoming involved in political activities.
Can TLS learn from PALU and BLA?
Mtatiro stated that in assessing the future of TLS, it’s essential to consider the experiences of other legal associations worldwide, particularly how they operate and engage with key stakeholders.
“We can draw lessons from the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the Black Lawyers Association (BLA). A closer look at these organizations reveals their strategic and professional contributions to the legal field,” he said.
“These associations have championed human rights issues, worked closely with governments around the world, and collaborated with international justice bodies to influence and draft legislation aimed at promoting justice and equality globally,” he added.
Mtatiro noted that these organizations provide substantial legal support to underserved communities, help eliminate societal inequalities, and offer training and courses to lawyers to enhance their professional capabilities.
He emphasized that these associations engage in national interest cases, work strategically with governments and legal bodies to influence change, and do so in a manner that maintains their relationship with the government.
“These organizations also monitor the state of democracy and governance, bringing together various legal stakeholders, especially government entities, to address challenges calmly and collaboratively. All of this is done with full involvement of the government and its legal institutions,” Mtatiro explained.
“In the context of TLS, we need leaders with policy and strategic influence who can effectively collaborate with the government and judiciary. Such leaders must have a broad mandate to work with these crucial institutions and others for the broader benefit of lawyers,” he said.
Mtatiro concluded by stating, “If the line of communication between TLS, the courts, and the government falters or becomes strained, it will be difficult for lawyers and our association to achieve the goals we have set, as we do not exist on an island.”
