Sankwasa Pushes for Power Balance Between Regional Councils and Governors
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa is advocating for substantial amendments to the Regional Councils Act, targeting a better balance of power between elected regional councils and appointed governors.
“Political structures shouldn’t have unchecked control over administrative decisions,” Sankwasa stated in Parliament this week.
One major concern raised was the confusing practice of appointing junior staff as acting heads over more senior personnel—something he says damages morale and breeds internal friction.
He also criticized outdated disciplinary protocols from the Public Service Act of 1980, calling them inefficient, archaic, and open to legal challenges.
What’s on the Table?
Sankwasa's proposed reforms include:
Mixed Reactions from Experts
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah supports clarifying roles, noting that coordination could improve if governors are included in executive consultations. Still, he maintains that regional councils should lead operational management.
On the other hand, analyst Natji Tjirera strongly disagrees. He views the proposal as a political maneuver to centralize power under the ruling party—especially in regions where it has lost influence.
“Governors are appointed, not elected,” Tjirera said. “Giving them more power undermines democracy. If they’re to have real authority, let the people elect them.”
Tjirera warns that boosting the influence of unelected officials could diminish the significance of regional elections and weaken grassroots democracy.