Ultimatum for unverified Loliondo NGOs
Unverified Non-Governmental Organizations in Loliondo have until Sunday this week to avail their details before the Regional Immigration Department.
This follows a failure of at least 16 NGOs of disclosing their information with the Immigration Department, per a directive from the Home Affairs Minister, Hamad Yusuph Masauni.
Briefing reporters on Wednesday, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Kagimbo Hosea said information and the whereabouts of some 16 organizations was still scant, as those running it failed to cooperate with his office.
“We successfully managed to meet and question owners of the only ten out of the 26 organizations, the remaining are still at large,” he disclosed.
The motive behind what he described as a routine scrutiny, according to Commissioner Kagimbo was to establish the authenticity and legitimacy of some of the organizations operating in Loliondo and Sale Divisions, Ngorongoro District.
“My appeal to those who haven’t furnished us with their details to do so by July 17, lest they face the government’s wrath,” he warned.
According to Commissioner Kagimbo, it had come to his attention that some NGOs were being operated by some foreigners whose stay and work in their country was shrouded in controversy.
He further alleged that some of the organizations’ financial transactions were being managed by some individuals who weren’t Tanzanians.
Commissioner Kagimbo disclosed that they had arrested Rebecca Jacob Koriata, a Kenyan national who worked as an accountant with Maasai Honey, an NGO operating in Ololosokwan Village in Loliondo.
Alongside her, is Ormunai Koriata the husband and accomplice to the suspect.
Detailing on the special operation of flushing out illegal immigrants from the area, Commander Kagimbo said a total 61 suspects had been apprehended and arraigned in court.
Three of the suspects had been convicted, with two parting ways with 500,000 for the freedom and are awaiting repatriation.
“We’ve also impounded two motorcycles during the ongoing operation,” added Commissioner Kagimbo.
In his last month’s directive, Engineer Masauni instructed the Immigration Department to intensify border patrols with the aim to control influx of illegal immigrants.
The Minister challenged immigration officers at all exit and entry points, to be extra vigilant in curbing such illegal entries into Tanzania.
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Tony254