Agenda Participation 2000, a Policy Forum member organisation, is to develop and host an anti-Corruption tracker system in Tanzania. The system which is unique and the first of its kind in Tanzania, is aimed at increasing the level of transparency in the fight against corruption. The anti corruption tracker system will be an electronic online system tracking and documenting all reported and available cases of corruption since the year 2000.
The Anti Corruption Tracker System will build a data bank of cases on presumed and confirmed cases on corruption and also establish an electronic quick archive that can be accessed to monitor cases on corruption. Some other distinguished features of the system will include an electronic bulletin and free delivery of data and short analysed articles on corruption and a free electronic subscription system which will enable the public to receive updates via online bulletins on corruption and also to view past documented cases on corruption.
The system will be used as an instrument to compel state institutions to take action in response against corrupt practices and to provide an electronic medium for interface between the state institutions and public on issues related to corruption.
The system, which is currently being developed, will be fully operational by the end of March 2009. It will be a valuable one stop center source of information on all corruption cases in Tanzania. The project is idea supported by the PCCB Director General’s Office and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Action Plan (NASCAP II) secretariat which, has now nominated AP2000 as an ex officio member to the NASCAP Committee.
Background of Anti Corruption Efforts and quest for the tracker system in Tanzania
Efforts to combat corruption in Tanzania can be traced back to the Justice Joseph Warioba Commission out of which the first National Anti-Corruption Strategy Action Plan (NACSAP 1) was developed. Since then, there have been efforts to upscale the fight against corruption in Tanzania. These efforts include the expansion of the mandate of the Prevention and Combating Corruption Bureau (PCCB) under the Anti-Corruption Law in 2008.
Antectodal evidence, however, indicates that over the past five years, there have been widespread cases of corruption and misuse of public resources. The famous among these include the controversial purchase of Tanzania Radar Navigation System from BAE, the controversial Richmond LLC and IPTL emergence power supply contract and lately the BOT-External Payment Account (EPA) scandal.
There are also various reports and studies that have been conducted in regards to the magnitude and perception of corruption in the country. The corruption surveys conducted by REPOA in 2003 and 2006 indicate that most (58%) people consider corruption as a serious problem in Tanzania and would like government to take action against corruption. Evidence also suggests that the public is increasingly becoming concerned with the slow pace at which the cases of corruption are dealt with by the anti corruption bodies and the entire judiciary system of prosecution and conviction.
Despite these efforts, there seems to be no single place where the public can easily access and track information in regards to corruption in Tanzania. It is in this backdrop that idea has been widely welcomed and supported by all stake holders in the National fight against corruption. This system, if established will be the first of its kind ever established in Tanzania and the entire East African Region.
The methodology will include collection of information and synthesis of publicly available information on cases of corruption as reported or provided by the relevant government bodies, media and civil society. This process will involve working in close collaboration and liaison with major agencies involved in the fight against corruption. This will include institutions like PCCB, Ethics Commission, Media institutions and leading CSOs that are currently engaged in the fight against corruption.
This information will thereafter be presented to an editorial board for discussion and final approval. The editorial board will be comprised of 5 to 7 members who will meet on a bimonthly meeting to review and thoroughly discuss the information and update the online tracker and bulletin.
The editorial board of the Anti-Corruption Tracker System is comprised of people of a high moral caliber, diverse professional background and experience. These will be tasked with providing strategic leadership, vision and oversight of the system.
About AP2000
Agenda Participation 2000 (AP2000) is a Non Governmental Organisation working to promote a culture of Good Governance and Democratization in Tanzania. The organization among other conducts civic education, training and documentation of issues that can strengthen citizen engagement in the Governance and Democratization process.
The organization has an established and equipped office premise located on the 5th Floor, Ubungo Plaza in Dar es Salaam and has a competent team of staff supported by a strong, competent Executive Committee and board of directors chaired by Prof. Max Mmuya and Retired Justice Lameck Mfalila.
AP2000 has a long history and track record dating over the last eight years of its establishment. AP2000 belongs to CSO networks like Policy Forum and others that working on governance issues. The organization has been active in NASCP I and NASCAP II. In collaboration with some like minded institutions in 2006 and 2007. AP2000 made the first attempts to document the existing number of corruption cases in Tanzania. This process was not concluded because of little support then, from the major anti corruption institutions and low level of public interest in corruption issues then.
Lately, the political climate and public interest has been increasing in favour of the fight against corruption. AP2000 therefore has the experience and conducive environment upon which it will galvanize on to ensure the tracker system is fully operational and meets the objectives as intended.