The Public Leadership Code of Ethics Act
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©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.391 CHAPTER 398 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT Arrangement of Sections Section Title part i PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 1. Short title. 2. Omitted. 3. Application. 4. Interpretation. part ii BASIC ELEMENTS OF CODE OF ETHICS 5. President to work for promotion of integrity in public office etc.. 6. Principles to be invoked by Code. 7. Declaration of standards as to ethics. part iii CODE OF ETHICS APPLICABLE TO ALL PUBLIC LEADERS 8. Relationship between this Part and purpose of the Constitution. 9. Declaration of assets and liabilities. 10. Repealed. 11. Declarable assets. 12. Public leader not to acquire dishonestly any pecuniary advantage. 13. Public leader to disclose pecuniary interest to forum. 14. Restriction of public leaders to enter into contracts. 15. Declaration of interest in Government contract. 16. Failure to make declaration, or making of false declaration. part iv SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO MINISTERS AND REGIONAL COMMISSIONERS 17. Relationship between this Part and the Constitution. 18. tion. part iv SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO MINISTERS AND REGIONAL COMMISSIONERS 17. Relationship between this Part and the Constitution. 18. Collective responsibility of Ministers. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.392 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] part v ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT 19. Ethics Secretariat. 20. Immunity of officers of Secretariat. 21. Obstruction of officers from execution of duties. 22. Ethics Commissioner. 23. Register of declarations. 24. Declarations deemed to be statutory declarations. 25. Complaints of breaches of Part III. 26. Complaints of breaches of Part IV. 27. Procuring information and attendance of witnesses. 28. Rights of witnesses. 29. Tribunal. part vi MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 30. Amendment of Schedule. 31. Offences and penalties. 32. Payment of fees, remuneration or expenses. 33. Act not to derogate from other laws. 34. Act not to prevent public leader from resigning. 35. Regulations. 36. Omitted. SCHEDULE tion or expenses. 33. Act not to derogate from other laws. 34. Act not to prevent public leader from resigning. 35. Regulations. 36. Omitted. SCHEDULE ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.393 PART I PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 1. This Act may be cited as the Public Leadership Code of Ethics Act. 2. [Omitted]. 3. This Act shall apply to Mainland Tanzania as well as to Tanzania Zanzibar in respect of public officers holding offices under the Union Government. 4.–(1) In this Act, unless the context requires otherwise- “child” means a biological, adopted or dependant child of a public leader who is below the age of eighteen years and is not married; “Code” means the Code of Ethics for Public Leaders established by this Act; “Commissioner” means the Ethics Commissioner appointed under section 22; “conflict of interest” means the situation where a public leader through his position in office or service, obtains Short title Omitted Application Interpretation Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 s. 2 4 of 2016 s. 61 CHAPTER 398 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT An Act to establish code of ethics for certain public leaders, to provide for the organisation of the Ethics Secretariat and for related matters with or incidental to them. [1st July, 1995] [s. ain public leaders, to provide for the organisation of the Ethics Secretariat and for related matters with or incidental to them. [1st July, 1995] [s. 2] Acts Nos. 13 of 1995 5 of 2001 4 of 2016 7 of 2022 GN. Nos. 209 of 2005 260 of 2013 336 of 2021 2] Acts Nos. 13 of 1995 5 of 2001 4 of 2016 7 of 2022 GN. Nos. 209 of 2005 260 of 2013 336 of 2021 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.394 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] or expects to obtain any interest or benefit, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect for himself or for some other person for whom he has a fiduciary relationship; “Government” means the Union Government or the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for public leadership code of ethics; “public leader” means any person holding any of the public office as specified in the Schedule; “Tribunal” means the Ethics Tribunal appointed under section 29. PART II BASIC ELEMENTS OF CODE OF ETHICS 5.–(1) It shall be the duty of the President, subject to this Act, to work towards the evolution of ethical standards designed to provide a basis for enhancing public confidence in the integrity of public leaders and in the decision making process in the Government and in the public sector in general. hancing public confidence in the integrity of public leaders and in the decision making process in the Government and in the public sector in general. (2) In discharging the duty imposed on him by this section, the President shall be guided, subject to this Act, by the need to evolve, and to foster, sound rules and ethical standards in the public service by- (a) providing that a public leader shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his responsibility as a leader; (b) encouraging experienced and competent persons to seek and accept public office, and facilitating interchange between the private and the public sector; (c) establishing clear rules of ethics in respect of conflict of interest for, and post-employment practices applicable to elected and appointed public leaders; (d) minimising the possibility of conflicts arising between the private interests and public duties of public leaders President to work for promotion of integrity in public office etc. conflicts arising between the private interests and public duties of public leaders President to work for promotion of integrity in public office etc. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.395 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] and providing for the resolution of such conflicts in the public interests should they arise. UBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] and providing for the resolution of such conflicts in the public interests should they arise. 6.–(1) The Code of Ethics for public leaders shall seek as far as possible to institute and invoke the following principles in respect of the conduct of public leaders: (a) in relation to ethical standards, that public leaders shall while in office, act with honesty, compassion, sobriety, continence and temperance, and uphold the highest possible ethical standards so that public confidence and trust in the integrity, objectivity and impartiality of Government are conserved and enhanced; (b) in relation to public scrutiny, that public leaders shall have an obligation- (i) to perform their official duties and arrange their private affairs in a manner that would bear the closest public scrutiny, an obligation that is not fully discharged by simply acting lawfully; (ii) in relation to all public leaders whether in elective or appointive offices, there is to be established a procedure for declaration of all property or assets owned by, or liabilities owed to him, his spouse or child, without prejudice to the right of wives and husbands of public leaders to own property independently of their spouses; (c) in relation to decision making, that public leaders shall, in fulfilling their official duties and responsibilities make decisions in accordance with law, in the public interest and with regard to the merits of each case; (d) in relation to private interest, that public leaders shall not have private interests, other than those permitted by the Code that would be affected particularly or significantly by Government actions in which they participate; (e) in relation to public interest, that on appointment or election to office and thereafter, the public leader shall Principles to be invoked by Code Act No. elation to public interest, that on appointment or election to office and thereafter, the public leader shall Principles to be invoked by Code Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 62 4 of 2016 s. 62 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.396 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.396 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] arrange his affairs in a manner that would not occasion real, potential or apparent conflict of interest; (f) in relation to execution of duties, the public leader shall not, whether directly or indirectly, act or make decision in furtherance of his private interest or interest of the member of his family or any other person for whom he has a fiduciary relationship; (g) in relation to gifts and benefits, that public leaders shall not solicit or accept transfers of economic benefit other than incidental gifts, customary hospitality or other benefits of nominal value, unless the transfer is pursuant to an enforceable contract or property right of the public leader; (h) in relation to preferential treatment, that public leaders shall not step out of their official roles to assist private entities or persons in their dealing with the Government where this would result in preferential treatment to any person; (i) in relation to inside information, that public leaders shall not knowingly take advantage of, or benefit from information which is obtained in the course of their official duties and responsibilities and that is not generally available to the public; (j) in relation to Government property that public leaders shall not directly or indirectly use, or allow the use of, Government property of any kind, including property leased to the Government, for purposes of according economic benefit to the leader; (k) in relation to post employment that: (i) a public leader shall, within six months after the termination of his service, not seek or engage in any private employment that he was associated with when he was a public leader or when he had a supervisory role in the post of public leader, and for which he had direct management of; (ii) a public leader shall not act, after he leaves a public office, in such a manner as to bring the ader, and for which he had direct management of; (ii) a public leader shall not act, after he leaves a public office, in such a manner as to bring the ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.397 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] service to ridicule or take improper advantage of his previous office, so that the possibilities may be minimised by: (aa) allowing prospects of outside employment to create a real, potential or apparent conflict of interest for public leaders while in a public office; (bb) obtaining preferential treatment or privileged access to Government after leaving a public office; (cc) taking personal advantage of information obtained in the course of official duties and responsibilities until it becomes generally available to the public; and (dd) using a public office to unfair advantages in obtaining opportunities outside employment. (2) A public leader who refuses, makes false declaration or fails to comply with the requirements under subsection (1) breaches the code of ethics for public leaders and is liable to the actions specified under section 8. mply with the requirements under subsection (1) breaches the code of ethics for public leaders and is liable to the actions specified under section 8. 7.–(1) The President may, by Notice published in the Gazette, declare requirements and rules regarding ethical standards that are to be complied with by public leaders. (2) A Notice under this section shall not come into operation until it is approved by resolution of the National Assembly. PART III CODE OF ETHICS APPLICABLE TO ALL PUBLIC LEADERS 8. The provisions of this Part shall constitute part of the Code of Ethics for Public Leaders according to the Constitution and breach of the code shall result in any of the following actions: (a) warning and caution; (b) demotion; (c) suspension; Declaration of standards as to ethics Relationship between this Part and purpose of the Constitution Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 3 Cap. 2 on; (c) suspension; Declaration of standards as to ethics Relationship between this Part and purpose of the Constitution Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 3 Cap. 2 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.398 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (d) dismissal; (e) advising the leader to resign from the office to which the breach relates; (f) imposition of other penalties provided for under the rules of discipline related to the office of the leader; and (g) initiating action for the leader to be dealt with under the appropriate law. 9.–(1) A public leader shall, except where the Constitution or any other written law provides otherwise- (a) within thirty days after taking office; (b) at the end of each calendar year; and (c) at the end of his term of office, submit to the Commissioner a written declaration, in a prescribed form, of all property or assets owned by, or liabilities owed to him, his spouse or child. Provided that, where the declaration of assets is made by the Commissioner under this section, the declaration shall be submitted to the President. d. Provided that, where the declaration of assets is made by the Commissioner under this section, the declaration shall be submitted to the President. (2) A property or asset acquired by a public leader after the initial declaration required by paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and which is not attributable to income, gift, or loan approved in the Code shall be deemed to have been acquired in breach of the Code unless the contrary is proved. (3) A public leader who has previously made a declaration of assets under this section shall, during the subsequent declaration be required to declare as to the increase or decrease of assets. (4) A public leader shall, in making the declaration of assets under this section: (a) state the monetary value of the declared assets and the source or the manner in which he has acquired the assets; (b) state or disclose his debts if any and any other liabilities. 10. [Repealed by Act No. 7 of 2022 s. 19.] Declaration of assets and liabilities Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 s. 4 4 of 2016 s. 63 7 of 2022 s. 18 GN. No. 336 of 2021 Cap. 2 Repealed . 7 of 2022 s. 19.] Declaration of assets and liabilities Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 s. 4 4 of 2016 s. 63 7 of 2022 s. 18 GN. No. 336 of 2021 Cap. 2 Repealed ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.399 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] 11.–(1) A public leader shall make a declaration of assets that are not non-declarable assets in order for him to be able to deal with them without giving rise to a conflict of interest. declaration of assets that are not non-declarable assets in order for him to be able to deal with them without giving rise to a conflict of interest. (2) Declarable assets shall include- (a) residencies, recreational property; (b) work of art, antiques and collectibles; (c) motor vehicles and other personal means of transportation; (d) cash and deposits in a bank or other financial institution; (e) Treasury Bills and other similar investments in securities of fixed value issued or guaranteed by the Government or agencies of the Government; (f) interest on money deposited in a bank, building society or other financial institution; (g) dividends or other profits from stocks or shares held by a public leader in any company or other body corporate; (h) interests in businesses that do not contract with the Government, and do not own or control publicly traded securities, other than incidentally, and whose stocks and shares are not traded publicly; (i) farms under commercial or non commercial operation; (j) real property which is not non-declarable asset; and (k) assets that are beneficially owned, which are not non- declarable assets and which are administered at arm’s length. not non-declarable asset; and (k) assets that are beneficially owned, which are not non- declarable assets and which are administered at arm’s length. 12.–(1) A public leader shall be considered to have breached the Code if he knowingly acquires any significant pecuniary advantage, or assists in the acquisition of any pecuniary advantage by any other person, by- (a) improperly using or benefiting from information which is obtained in the course of his official duties and which is not generally available to the public; (b) disclosing any official information to unauthorised persons; (c) promotion, disciplining or removal of a public officer; Declarable assets Acts Nos. 4 of 2016 s. 64 7 of 2022 s. 20 Public leader not to acquire dishonestly any pecuniary advantage Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 s. 5 4 of 2016 s. 65 ts Acts Nos. 4 of 2016 s. 64 7 of 2022 s. 20 Public leader not to acquire dishonestly any pecuniary advantage Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 s. 5 4 of 2016 s. 65 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.400 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (d) directly or indirectly converting Government property for personal or any other unauthorised use, for the purposes of reaping private economic benefit; or (e) soliciting or accepting transfers of economic benefit, other than- (i) benefits of nominal value, including customary hospitality and traditional or token gifts; (ii) gifts from close family members or from public leaders elsewhere; or (iii) transfers pursuant to an enforceable property right of the public leader or pursuant to a contract for which full value is given. (2) A public leader shall, where he receives a gift of the value exceeding two hundred thousand shillings- (a) declare the received gift and its value; and (b) submit the declaration of the gift to the accounting officer of the office concerned, who shall in writing direct as to the use or disposal of the gift. bmit the declaration of the gift to the accounting officer of the office concerned, who shall in writing direct as to the use or disposal of the gift. (3) An accounting officer who receives a declaration in terms of subsection (2) (b) shall report the declaration and disposal of the gifts to the Commissioner. 13.–(1) A public leader shall not speak in the Cabinet, National Assembly, Local Government Council or its Committee, official forum or part of it as the case may be, in any matter in which he has a direct pecuniary interest unless- (a) he has disclosed the nature of that interest to the Cabinet, the National Assembly, the Local Government Council or Committee or such other forum or part of it; and (b) the direct pecuniary interest for which the public leader has disclosed under paragraph (a) serves or safeguards public interest. (2) For the purposes of this section, the separately owned assets of the spouse or child of a public leader shall be deemed to constitute an interest for disclosure by him. Public leader to disclose pecuniary interest to forum Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 66 leader shall be deemed to constitute an interest for disclosure by him. Public leader to disclose pecuniary interest to forum Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 66 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.401 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] 14. A public leader shall not, whether by himself, or through a family member or any company or association to which he is affiliated, enter into or take part in any contract with the Government or entity of the Government thereof unless the Government or entity for which the contract is being entered into is not under the direct management of that leader. [s. 13A] 15.–(1) Where a public leader has an interest in a contract that is made, or is proposed to be made, by the Government, and has not made a sufficient declaration under subsection (4) in relation to the contract, the public leader shall as soon as practicable, make a declaration of his interest in relation to the contract, specifying the nature and extent of his interest. leader shall as soon as practicable, make a declaration of his interest in relation to the contract, specifying the nature and extent of his interest. (2) Where- (a) immediately before the commencement of this Act, a public leader has an interest in a contract that has been made by the Government; and (b) the contract is not completely performed by all parties within thirty days after the commencement of this Act, the public leader shall, within thirty days after the commencement of this Act, declare the interest in accordance with this section. (3) The interests of the spouse or of the child of a public leader in relation to the Government contract shall be deemed to be the interest of the public leader. (4) A declaration for the purposes of this section shall be made to the Commissioner in writing. (5) A declaration by a public leader that- (a) states that he has an interest in a specified body corporate or firm; (b) specifies the nature and extent of the interest; (c) where the interest is a shareholding or partnership, specifies the proportion of the ownership of the company or firm represented by the shareholding or partnership; and Restriction of public leaders to enter into contracts Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 67 Declaration of interest in Government contract Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 68 d Restriction of public leaders to enter into contracts Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 67 Declaration of interest in Government contract Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 68 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.402 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (d) states that he is to be regarded as interested in any contract which may, after the date of the notice, be made with the Government by that body corporate or firm, shall be a sufficient declaration of interest in relation to any contract so made unless, at the time the question of confirming or entering into any contract is first taken into consideration by the Government, the extent of his interest in the body corporate or firm is greater than is stated in the declaration. (6) For the purposes of this section, a public leader has an interest in contract if- (a) he will derive any material benefit, whether direct or indirect, from the contract; or (b) one party to the contract is a firm or body corporate and he has a material interest, whether direct or indirect, in the firm or body corporate. r (b) one party to the contract is a firm or body corporate and he has a material interest, whether direct or indirect, in the firm or body corporate. (7) For the purposes of paragraph (b) of subsection (6), a public leader shall not be considered to have a material interest in a body corporate by reason only that- (a) he holds debentures of the body corporate; or (b) he holds shares in the body corporate with a total market value of less than the annual emoluments from office of the public leader. [s. 14] 16. A public leader who is subject to section 9 shall be considered to have breached the Code if- (a) he fails, without reasonable cause, to make a declaration required by that section; (b) he knowingly makes a declaration under section 9 that is false or misleading in a material particular; or (c) without reasonable cause, delays to make a declaration under section 9(1)(b). [s. 15] Failure to make declaration, or making of false declaration Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 69 cause, delays to make a declaration under section 9(1)(b). [s. 15] Failure to make declaration, or making of false declaration Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 69 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.403 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] PART IV SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO MINISTERS AND REGIONAL COMMISSIONERS 17. The provisions of this Part shall, in so far as they apply to Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Regional Commissioners, constitute part of the Code of Ethics for Ministers for the purpose of Articles 53 and 57 of the Constitution. [s. 16] 18.–(1) A Minister shall not do anything that is inconsistent with the principle of the collective responsibility of Ministers for the policy of the Government and the conduct of its affairs and, in particular, shall not- (a) publicly contradict or disassociate himself from any policy adopted by the Cabinet; (b) issue public statements criticising another person holding Ministerial office; or (c) make unauthorised disclosures of Cabinet discussions, decisions or documents. (2) A Deputy Minister and Regional Commissioner shall in the performance of the duties of his office be bound by the provisions of subsection (1). [s. (2) A Deputy Minister and Regional Commissioner shall in the performance of the duties of his office be bound by the provisions of subsection (1). [s. 17] PART V ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT 19.–(1) The Ethics Secretariat, which is established by Article 132 of the Constitution of the United Republic, shall be an extra-ministerial department of Government under the Office of the President. (2) The Secretariat shall, subject to this Act and the relevant provision of the Constitution, have the duty to- (a) receive declaration which are required to be made by public leaders under the Constitution or any other law; Relationship between this Part and the Constitution Cap. 2 Collective responsibility of Ministers Act No. 7 of 2022 s. 21 Ethics Secretariat Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 ss. 7, 8 4 of 2016 s. 70 7 of 2022 s. 22 Cap.2 2 Collective responsibility of Ministers Act No. 7 of 2022 s. 21 Ethics Secretariat Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 ss. 7, 8 4 of 2016 s. 70 7 of 2022 s. 22 Cap.2 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.404 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (b) receive allegations and notifications of breach of the code by all public leaders who are subject to this Act; (c) make inquiries into any alleged or suspected breach of the code by all public leaders who are subject to this Act; (d) conduct physical verification in respect of declaration made pursuant to this Act; (e) initiate and conduct any investigation in respect of the breach of ethics prescribed under this Act; (f) providing ethics education to public leaders; (g) conducting research on the status of ethics in the country; (h) advising on matters relating to integrity in the country; and (i) devising strategies for promoting ethics in the country. ethics in the country; (h) advising on matters relating to integrity in the country; and (i) devising strategies for promoting ethics in the country. (3) The Secretariat shall, except for matters stipulated under subsections (4) and (5), have powers to order any person to- (a) attend before the Secretariat for the purpose of being interviewed, orally or in writing, in relation to any matter which may assist investigation of an alleged breach of the code; (b) produce any book, document or any certified copy thereof and any article which may assist the investigation of an alleged breach of the code. (4) The Commissioner shall, where the Secretariat intends to conduct investigation in respect of a bank account, by order in writing supported by a warrant issued by a magistrate, authorise an officer of the Secretariat to investigate a bank account of a public leader concerned. (5) Notwithstanding subsection (4), the Commissioner shall, where the Secretariat intends to conduct investigation in respect to Bank Accounts, by order in writing supported by warrant issued by a magistrate upon showing cause to the magistrates as to why the order should be issued, authorise any officer of the secretariat to investigate any bank account of a public leader. to the magistrates as to why the order should be issued, authorise any officer of the secretariat to investigate any bank account of a public leader. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.405 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (6) An order made by the Commissioner under subsection (1) shall be sufficient authority for the disclosure or production by any person of all or any information accounts, documents or articles as may be required by the officer of the Secretariat so authorised. (7) The President shall provide for the staffing of the secretariat and for the taking by them of the oath of secrecy in respect of matters handled by them. [s. 18] 20. An officer of the Secretariat or any other person acting on behalf of the Secretariat shall not be liable for an acts done in good faith in the course of discharging his official duties. [s. 18A] 21. acting on behalf of the Secretariat shall not be liable for an acts done in good faith in the course of discharging his official duties. [s. 18A] 21. A person who, knowingly or without reasonable cause- (a) obstructs, whether directly or indirectly, an officer from execution of his duties or powers under the Act; or (b) makes any false or misleading information, commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both. [s. 18B] 22.–(1) There shall be established in the Ethics Secretariat, the Office of Ethics Commissioner, the holder of which shall be the head and chief executive of the department. (2) The Commissioner shall be appointed from amongst persons of a high proved or provable integrity who are holding or have held or are eligible for appointment to hold- (a) the office of Permanent Secretary; (b) the office of Judge of the High Court; or (c) any other high public office in the Service. (3) The Commissioner shall be appointed by the President and- (a) shall hold office for a term of five years; Immunity of officers of Secretariat Act No 4 of 2016 s. 71 Obstruction of officers from execution of duties Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 71 Ethics Commissioner Act No. 5 of 2001 ss. 7, 9 etariat Act No 4 of 2016 s. 71 Obstruction of officers from execution of duties Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 71 Ethics Commissioner Act No. 5 of 2001 ss. 7, 9 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.406 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (b) is eligible for reappointment for another one term; and (c) may be removed from office for good cause. [s. 19] 23.–(1) On receiving a declaration of interest under section 15 or a declaration of assets and income under section 9, the Commissioner shall cause the particulars of the declaration to be entered in a register. (2) The register shall be kept in such form as the Minister approves and shall be made available for inspection by members of the public at all reasonable times. (3) The Minister may, by regulations published in the Gazette, prescribe the manner in which members of the public shall inspect the register under this section. [s. 20] 24. A declaration made for the purposes of sections 9 or 15 shall be deemed to be a statutory declarations. [s. e register under this section. [s. 20] 24. A declaration made for the purposes of sections 9 or 15 shall be deemed to be a statutory declarations. [s. 21] 25.–(1) An allegation that a public leader has breached Part III may be made to the Commissioner by any person, in writing giving particulars of the breach or breaches alleged, signed by the complainant’s name and address: Provided that, the Commissioner shall not refuse any allegation submitted to him for the reason only of lack of signature, names or address of the complainant. (2) Upon receipt of a complaint or allegation against any public leader in relation to compliance with the Code, the Commissioner shall cause thorough preliminary investigation to be carried out by or on behalf of the secretariat into the allegation or complaints, and if he is satisfied that the investigation discloses a prima facie case for which a public leader may be justly required to give a public explanation of his conduct or property, he shall- Register of declarations Act No. 5 of 2001 ss. 6, 10 Declarations deemed to be statutory declarations Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 6 Complaints of breaches of Part III Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 ss. 7, 11 4 of 2016 s. 72 clarations deemed to be statutory declarations Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 6 Complaints of breaches of Part III Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 ss. 7, 11 4 of 2016 s. 72 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.407 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (a) if the allegations or complaints relate to the President, submit them to the President and to the Speaker who shall submit the allegation to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly; (b) if the allegations or complaints relate to any other public leader, notify the President and the Speaker and proceed as in subsection (5). (3) Where the allegation received by the Commissioner under this section relates to the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall immediately submit the allegation to the President. (4) Where a public leader considers that a statement made in the press or through the other public media alleges, directly or by implication, that he has breached Part III he may report the particulars of the breach or breaches alleged, in writing, to the Commissioner and request that the matter be referred to a tribunal. e may report the particulars of the breach or breaches alleged, in writing, to the Commissioner and request that the matter be referred to a tribunal. (5) The Commissioner shall notify the President and the Speaker of the allegation and shall, after consultation with the Attorney General and with the Chief Justice, direct the tribunal appointed in terms of section 29 to investigate the allegation. (6) The tribunal shall within forty five days upon receipt of directives made to it under subsection (5) report its finding to the Commissioner, who shall submit a copy to the President, to the Speaker, and to the disciplinary authority of the public leader, as well as to the public leader concerned. (7) The Speaker shall, within seven days after the first sitting of the National Assembly next after receiving the report, cause a copy of the report to be laid before the National Assembly. (8) The Commissioner shall, each year compile a report on the affairs and business of the secretariat, including cases dealt with by the Tribunal and submit it to the President who shall lay it before the National Assembly. [s. 22] s of the secretariat, including cases dealt with by the Tribunal and submit it to the President who shall lay it before the National Assembly. [s. 22] ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.408 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] 26.–(1) An allegation that a person holding office of Minister, Deputy Minister or Regional Commissioner has breached Part IV may be made to the President by any person in writing signed by the complainant and giving the complainant’s name and address. (2) The President shall give a copy of the allegation to the Minister, Deputy Minister or Regional Commissioner concerned, who shall proceed to furnish an explanation of his conduct to the President, but within not more than thirty days. [s. egional Commissioner concerned, who shall proceed to furnish an explanation of his conduct to the President, but within not more than thirty days. [s. 23] 27.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Tribunal may require any person who, in its opinion, is able to give any information relating to any matter relevant to any enquiry being conducted by it to furnish it with any such information and to produce any document, paper or thing which may be in the possession or under the control of that person and may, by order under the hand of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman, require any such person to attend before the Tribunal at a time and place specified in such order and be examined on oath or to produce any such document, paper or thing. (2) Where the Tribunal orders any person to be examined on oath, any member may administer such oath. (3) An order made under this section shall be served on the person to whom it is directed by a person holding office under the Tribunal or a police officer in the manner prescribed for the service of summons on a witness in civil proceedings before a court of law. ce under the Tribunal or a police officer in the manner prescribed for the service of summons on a witness in civil proceedings before a court of law. (4) Where a person to whom an order under this section is directed does not attend at the time and place mentioned therein, the Tribunal may, upon being satisfied that the order was duly served or that the person to whom the order is directed willfully avoids service, issue a warrant under the hand of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman to apprehend such person and to bring him before the Tribunal at a time and place specified in the warrant and a warrant issued under this section shall be executed by a police officer. Complaints of breaches of Part IV Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 s. 7 7 of 2022 s. 23 Procuring information and attendance of witnesses Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 7 r. Complaints of breaches of Part IV Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 s. 7 7 of 2022 s. 23 Procuring information and attendance of witnesses Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 7 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.409 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (5) Where a person is arrested in pursuance of a warrant issued under this section and is not brought before the Tribunal within twenty-four hours of his arrest or earlier released by order of the Tribunal on his undertaking to attend at a time and place specified by it, he shall forthwith be taken before a resident magistrate and the resident magistrate shall- (a) if such person enters into a suitable recognisance of his appearance before the Tribunal, release him from custody; or (b) order such person to be detained in custody until such time as he can be brought before the Tribunal. (6) When any person is required by the Tribunal to attend before it for the purposes of this section, such person shall be entitled to the same fee, allowance and expenses as if he were a witness before a court of law and, for the purpose of this subsection, the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman shall have the powers of a court to fix or disallow the amount of any such fee, allowance or expenses. s subsection, the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman shall have the powers of a court to fix or disallow the amount of any such fee, allowance or expenses. (7) For the avoidance of doubts it is hereby declared that this section shall apply whether or not the person concerned is a public officer in respect of whose conduct the Tribunal has jurisdiction to enquire and whether or not such documents, papers or things are in the custody or under the control of any government ministry, division, or department, or the party or a parastatal organisation. [s. 24] 28. Subject to this Act, a person who gives or is required to give information by, or ordered to attend to give evidence or to produce any document, paper or thing before the Commissioner or the Tribunal, shall be entitled in respect of such information, evidence, document, paper or thing to the same rights and privileges as witnesses have in the High Court. [s. 25] Rights of witnesses Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 7 ce, document, paper or thing to the same rights and privileges as witnesses have in the High Court. [s. 25] Rights of witnesses Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 7 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.410 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] 29.–(1) Subject to subsection (2), a Tribunal for the purposes of this Act shall consist of three persons appointed by the President, one of them being appointed from amongst persons who hold or have held the office of Judge of Appeal or of Judge of the High Court, while the other two shall be appointed upon advice by the Commissioner. (2) A member of the Tribunal shall hold office for a term of three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for another term. (3) Where a Tribunal has been constituted under subsection (4) of section 25, the Commissioner may commission it to investigate further allegations received by him under this section whether against the public leader concerned or another public leader. (4) The President shall appoint one Member of the Tribunal as Chairman. (5) Where a member of a Tribunal becomes unwilling to act or dies, the President may appoint another member in his place. of the Tribunal as Chairman. (5) Where a member of a Tribunal becomes unwilling to act or dies, the President may appoint another member in his place. (6) A Tribunal shall conduct its inquiry in public, save that it may exclude representatives of the press or any or all other persons if it considers necessary so to do for the preservation of order, for the due conduct of the inquiry or for any other reason. (7) A Tribunal may engage the services of such technical advisors or other experts as it considers necessary for the proper conduct of the inquiry. (8) A Tribunal may request assistance from other investigative organs, including the Police, the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance and those organs shall be empowered to provide information to the Tribunal and to conduct investigations on behalf of the Ethics Secretariat. (9) In its report, the Tribunal may make recommendations as to administrative actions, criminal prosecutions or other further actions to be taken as it thinks fit. Tribunal Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 s. 7 4 of 2016 s. 73 administrative actions, criminal prosecutions or other further actions to be taken as it thinks fit. Tribunal Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 s. 7 4 of 2016 s. 73 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.411 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (10) Where the Tribunal considers that an allegation was malicious, frivolous or vexatious, or that the particulars accompanying it are insufficient to allow a proper investigation to proceed, it shall say so in its report. (11) Sections 3, 4, 13, 14, 21 and 22 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act shall apply to a Tribunal as if- (a) the Tribunal were a Commission appointed under the Act; and (b) a reference to a Commissioner were a reference to a member of the Tribunal. [s. 26] PART VI MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 30.–(1) Notwithstanding section 4(1) relating to the definition of “Public leader”, the President may, by notice published in the Gazette, change, vary or amend the list of public leaders specified under subsection (1). (2) Where any changes or variations occur in respect of any title of public leader specified in the Schedule (1), the new titles shall be deemed to be the proper title under this Act. [s. ccur in respect of any title of public leader specified in the Schedule (1), the new titles shall be deemed to be the proper title under this Act. [s. 27] 31.–(1) A person who without lawful justification makes an allegation against a public leader under section 25 or 26 knowing it to be false, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of not less than two hundred thousand shillings and not more than one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. (2) A person being a public leader who knowingly, makes false declaration of his assets or gives any false information in respect of his assets, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of not less than one million shillings and not more than five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year. Cap. 32 Amendment of Schedule Offences and penalties Act No. 5 of 2001 ss. 7, 12 llion shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year. Cap. 32 Amendment of Schedule Offences and penalties Act No. 5 of 2001 ss. 7, 12 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.412 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) the Commissioner- (a) may, where a public leader is suspected of having submitted a false declaration of his assets, require the public leader to confirm or amend the declaration; and (b) shall, where after the confirmation or amendment, if any, under paragraph (a), the declaration is still false, refer the matter to the Tribunal. [s. 28] 32. A fee, remuneration or expense payable in respect of a Tribunal or for the purposes of the secretariat shall be paid out of moneys appropriated by Parliament for that purpose. [s. 29] 33. This Act shall not have the effect of limiting or derogating from the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act, the Penal Code or any other written law, and the conclusion of proceedings under this Act shall not prevent the institution of criminal or other proceedings under any other law in respect of the public leader concerned. [s. 30] 34. this Act shall not prevent the institution of criminal or other proceedings under any other law in respect of the public leader concerned. [s. 30] 34. This Act shall not have the effect of limiting the right of a Minister or any other public leader to resign as Minister or as holder of other office of public leader. [s. 31] 35.–(1) The President may make regulations for or with respect to any matter that is necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act. (2) Without restricting the generality of subsection (1), the regulations may prescribe- (a) fees for the inspection of the register; (b) procedure for summoning witnesses; (c) procedures for use by public leaders to divest themselves of property not permissible under this Act; Payment of fees, remuneration or expenses Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 7 Act not to derogate from other laws Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 7 Cap. 329 Cap. 16 Act not to prevent public leader from resigning Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 7 Regulations Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 ss. 7, 13 4 of 2016 s. 74 s. 7 Cap. 329 Cap. 16 Act not to prevent public leader from resigning Act No. 5 of 2001 s. 7 Regulations Acts Nos. 5 of 2001 ss. 7, 13 4 of 2016 s. 74 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.413 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] (d) the manner in which this Act shall apply to public leaders who are members of the local government authorities; (e) the form to be filled by public leader for the purpose of declaration of assets under this Act; and (f) matters that constitute conflict of interest, measures and procedures for the control of conflict of interest. [s. 32] 36. [Omitted.] [s. 33] SCHEDULE (Made under section 4) LEADERS IN PUBLIC OFFICES 1. President of the United Republic. 2. Vice-President of the United Republic. 3. President of Zanzibar. 4. Prime Minister. 5. Chief Minister of Zanzibar. 6. Speaker and Deputy Speaker. 7. Chief Justice of the United Republic. 8. Minister, Deputy Minister and Regional Commissioner. 9. Attorney General. 10. Judge and Magistrate. 11. Member of Parliament. 12. Ambassador or High Commissioner representing Tanzania abroad. 13. Chief Secretary, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Regional Administrative Secretary and District Commissioner. 14. anzania abroad. 13. Chief Secretary, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Regional Administrative Secretary and District Commissioner. 14. Controller and Auditor-General. 15. Clerk of the National Assembly. 16. Chief of Defence Forces. 17. Inspector-General of Police and Regional Police Commander. 18. Chief of National Service. 19. Principal Commissioner of Prisons. 20. Director-General of Intelligence. 21. Director-General of Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau. Omitted rincipal Commissioner of Prisons. 20. Director-General of Intelligence. 21. Director-General of Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau. Omitted ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.414 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] 22. Mayor, Chairman, Member or Chief Executive Officer of a local government authority. 23. Governor, Deputy Governor, Chairman, Managing Director, General Manager or Director-General of a body corporate in which the Government has a controlling interest. 24. Chairman and members of all commissions appointed on full- time basis. 25. Public officers in-charge of independent Government departments. 26. Commissioners for tax at the Tanzania Revenue Authority. 27. Commissioners and Directors in the Government Ministries. 28. Private Secretary to the President. 29. Assistant Private Secretary to the President. 30. Adviser to the President. 31. Assistant to the President. 32. Press Secretary to the President. 33. Assistant Press Secretary to the President. 34. Director of State House Services. 35. Coordinator - Good Governance Coordination Unit. 36. Assistant Coordinator - Good Governance Coordination Unit. 37. Coordinator - Chief Secretary. 38. Coordinator of Administration - State House. 39. 36. Assistant Coordinator - Good Governance Coordination Unit. 37. Coordinator - Chief Secretary. 38. Coordinator of Administration - State House. 39. Comptroller - State House. 40. Cabinet Clerk. 41. Cabinet Under Secretary. 42. Cabinet Assistant Secretary. 43. Private Secretary to the Vice President. 44. Press Secretary to the Vice President. 45. Assistant to the Vice President. 46. Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. 47. Assistant Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. 48. Press Secretary to the Prime Minister. 49. Assistant to the Prime Minister. 50. Commissioners and Directors in Government Independent Departments. 51. Directors in Public Corporations and Government Institutions. 52. Directors in the Bank of Tanzania. 53. Secretaries in the Ethics Secretariat. 54. Officers in the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces with the rank of Brigadier General and above. 55. Police Officers with the rank of Assistant Commissioner and above. 56. Prisons Officers with the rank of Assistant Commissioner and above. 57. Chief Medical Officer - Ministry of Healthy. stant Commissioner and above. 56. Prisons Officers with the rank of Assistant Commissioner and above. 57. Chief Medical Officer - Ministry of Healthy. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.415 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] 58. District Administrative Secretaries. 59. Chief Executive Officers in Government Agencies. 60. Accountant General. 61. Assistant Accountant General. 62. Deputy Controller and Auditor-General. 63. Assistant Auditor General. 64. Registrar and Deputy Registrar of Court of Appeal and High Court. 65. Chairman, Members and Secretary of Central Tender Board. 66. Deputy Commissioner of Tanzania Revenue Authority. 67. Executive Secretary in a Commission or Public Corporation. 68. Deputy Executive Secretary in the Commission or Public Corporation. 69. Deputy Attorney General. 70. Chief Parliamentary Draftsman. 71. Treasury Registrar. 72. Director in a Government Agency . 73. Assistant Director in a Government Ministry, Independent Department, Government Agency, Public Corporation and Government Institution. 74. Chief Accountant in a Government Ministry, Independent Department, Government Agency, Public Corporation and Government Institution. 75. titution. 74. Chief Accountant in a Government Ministry, Independent Department, Government Agency, Public Corporation and Government Institution. 75. Chief Internal Auditor in a Government Ministry, Independent Department, Government Agency, Public Corporation and Government Institution. 76. Chief Government Statistician. 77. Executive Director in Water and Sewerage Authority. 78. Project Coordinator in a Government Ministry, Government Agency Independent Department, Government Agency, Public Corporation and Government Institution. 79. Chief Consultant or Legal Secretary in a Public Corporation. 80. Principal Game Warden in Conservation Area Authority. 81. Vice Chancellor, Chief Administrative Officer, Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Chief Academic Officer, Dean of Faculty and Director of Institute in a Public University. 82. Chairman of the prospective College of Engineering and Technology University of Dar es Salaam. 83. Personnel and Administrative Officer in a Public Corporation. 84. Chief Postal Controller. 85. Port Manager in Tanzania Ports Authority. 86. Civil Aviation Commandant. 87. Chief Librarian of the Tanzania Library Service Board. 88. Principal Scientific Officer. 89. Planning and Monitoring Engineer in the Road Fund Board. Chief Librarian of the Tanzania Library Service Board. 88. Principal Scientific Officer. 89. Planning and Monitoring Engineer in the Road Fund Board. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.416 THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP CODE OF ETHICS ACT [CAP. 398 R.E. 2023] 90. Head of Departments in Tanzania Investment Bank. 91. Heads of Departments in Regional Secretaries. 92. Chief Fire Officer of Tanzania Airport Authority. 93. Director of Regional Airports. 94. Zonal Manager for TANROADS. 95. Head of Department of Dar es Salaam Marine Institute. 96. Executive Secretary for UNESCO. 97. Principal Management Analyst and Senior Management Analyst in the National Institute of Productivity. 98. Head of Department, Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer of Tanzania Railway Corporation. 99. Chief Professional Coordinator and Chief Examination Coordinator of the National Board for Materials Management. 100. Msajili wa Hati. 101. Wasajili Wasaidizi wa Hati wa Kanda. 102. Makamishna wasaidzi katika Taasisi za Umma. 103. Wakuu wa Hazina Ndogo. 104. Wakuu wa Idara, vitengo na sehemu za Ugavi na Manunuzi katika Wizara, Idara za Serikali, Wakala za Serikali na Mamlaka za Serikali za Mitaa. 105. Mtendaji Mkuu Shirika la Magazeti (TSN). 106. i na Manunuzi katika Wizara, Idara za Serikali, Wakala za Serikali na Mamlaka za Serikali za Mitaa. 105. Mtendaji Mkuu Shirika la Magazeti (TSN). 106. Makanali wa Jeshi la Wananchi Tanzania. 107. Waratibu wa Miradi katika Wizara, Idara/Wakala na Taasisi za Umma. 108. Waganga Wakuu wa Mikoa. 109. Watendaji Wakuu wa Taasisi (CEO’s), Makatibu, Wakurugenzi, Mameneja katika Taasisi za Umma. 110. Msajili wa Mabaraza ya Ardhi na Nyumba. 111. Wasajili Wasaidizi wa Mabaraza ya Ardhi na Nyumba wa Kanda. 112. Wenyeviti wa Mabaraza ya Ardhi na nyumba wa Wilaya. 113. Wakuu wa Idara na Vitengo za Serikali za Mitaa. 114. Wakuu wa Polisi wa Wilaya (OCD’s). 115. Wakuu wa Upelelezi wa Wilaya OC (CID). 116. Wakuu wa Upelelezi wa Mikoa (RCO’s). 117. Maafisa Usalama Wilaya; na 118. Maafisa Usalama Mikoa.
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