Collaborative bridge-building in Africa, symbolizing conflict resolution and development.

Tanzania's Conflict Cure: How Local Governments Can Turn Discord into Development

Mira Elwood in Politics & Policy June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the strategies Tanzanian municipal councils use to manage conflicts, and how these methods can foster growth instead of hindering it."

Conflict is a natural part of any workplace, especially in local government. When managed poorly, it can disrupt everything. But what if these disagreements could be turned into a force for positive change? In Tanzania, local government authorities are exploring ways to do just that.

A recent study focuses on how conflicts are handled in Tanzania's local government, particularly in the Bukoba Municipal Council. This council provides valuable insights into how conflicts between councilors and employees are not only resolved but also leveraged for better organizational outcomes.

The research dives deep into the types of conflicts, their root causes, and the strategies employed to manage them. It also looks at the positive impacts that arise when these conflicts are effectively addressed.

Decoding Conflict in Bukoba Municipal Council

Collaborative bridge-building in Africa, symbolizing conflict resolution and development.

The study identifies several types of conflicts within the Bukoba Municipal Council, each with its own set of challenges. These include:

One major conflict arises between councilors and employees. Councilors, who are decision-makers, often clash with the technical advice provided by employees (Heads of Departments and Units). This usually occurs when the advice doesn't align with the councilors’ personal interests. For example, councilors might push to reallocate funds from planned projects to new ones, or want to use donor funds for unapproved allowances and activities. This leads to friction, especially when employees point out that such actions violate budget guidelines or donor directives.

Conflicts between councilors and employees due to differing priorities and understanding of budget and project guidelines.
Conflicts between councilors from opposition parties and the ruling party, especially during fund allocation for development projects.
Conflicts between elected (ward) councilors and special seat councilors, often concerning leadership positions in standing committees.
Internal conflicts among employees themselves.

Another conflict occurs between councilors from opposition parties and those from the ruling party. This often surfaces during the allocation of funds for development projects, with councilors from the ruling party sometimes hesitant to allocate funds to wards represented by opposition councilors. This is driven by concerns that such allocations might boost the opposition's popularity.

Turning Conflict into a Catalyst for Growth

To transform conflict into a positive force, the study suggests promoting transparency and accountability in all council operations. Regular meetings can help identify and address potential problems early on, preventing them from escalating. Clear communication about financial matters, such as the allocation and expenditure of council funds, can also reduce misunderstandings and conflicts.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5296/jpag.v7i3.11681, Alternate LINK

Title: Mechanisms Of Conflict Management In Tanzania’S Local Government Authorities: A Case Of Bukoba Municipal Council

Subject: Hardware and Architecture

Journal: Journal of Public Administration and Governance

Publisher: Macrothink Institute, Inc.

Authors: Venance Shillingi Salum

Published: 2017-09-10

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary types of conflicts observed within the Bukoba Municipal Council?

The Bukoba Municipal Council experiences several types of conflicts. One significant conflict arises between councilors and employees, stemming from differing priorities and interpretations of budget and project guidelines. There are conflicts between councilors from different political parties, especially concerning fund allocation. Also conflicts occur between elected councilors and those holding special seats. Internal disputes among employees also contribute to the overall conflict landscape.

What specific circumstances trigger conflicts between councilors and employees in the Bukoba Municipal Council?

Conflicts between councilors and employees in the Bukoba Municipal Council often emerge when councilors' personal interests clash with the technical advice provided by employees. For example, councilors might attempt to redirect funds from planned projects or misuse donor funds for unauthorized expenses. Employees resist such actions because they violate established budget guidelines and donor directives, creating friction.

How can promoting transparency and accountability transform conflict into a catalyst for growth in local governments?

Transparency and accountability in council operations are crucial for turning conflict into a catalyst for growth. Regular meetings help proactively identify and resolve potential problems. Clear communication about financial matters, including the allocation and expenditure of council funds, reduces misunderstandings and conflicts. These measures contribute to a more collaborative and productive environment within the Bukoba Municipal Council.

Why are councilors from the ruling party sometimes hesitant to allocate funds to wards represented by opposition councilors?

The hesitation of ruling party councilors to allocate funds to wards represented by opposition councilors stems from concerns that such allocations might inadvertently boost the opposition's popularity. This reluctance introduces political dynamics into the allocation of resources, potentially hindering development in opposition-held wards within the Bukoba Municipal Council. This also introduces bias in governance.

What are the potential benefits of effectively managing conflicts in local governments, such as the Bukoba Municipal Council?

Effective conflict management in local governments like the Bukoba Municipal Council leads to improved governance and fosters development. By addressing conflicts transparently and promoting accountability, councils can create a more collaborative environment. This in turn leads to more effective decision-making, better resource allocation, and ultimately, enhanced development outcomes for the community. Failure to do so may result in stalled projects and poor public relations.