MEMBERS of Parliament are today expected to approve the 49.34 trn/-national budget estimates after a week long debate where they raised key issues to be taken seriously including increased sugar production, gas and timely payment of contractors for completion of stalled projects.

The MPs are expected to vote yes or no after their names are called each and the Speaker will ask the house to approve or not to approve depending on the votes in line with section  107(1) of the parliamentary standing orders and section 90(2) (b) of the constitution.

 During the week of debate, a firestorm of controversy engulfed Tanzania's Parliament, igniting fierce debates over the national budget for the 2024/2025 financial year.

 Sparks flew as Kisesa legislator Luhaga Mpina launched a blistering attack against Agriculture Minister Hussein Mohamed Bashe, accusing him of repeatedly misleading the House on critical issues concerning sugar imports.

 On June 4, Speaker Tulia ordered Mpina to submit evidence to Parliament after he accused Bashe of lying in Parliament and for violating the sugar importation laws.

 The Speaker directed that Mpina's evidence reach her office by June 14, 2024.

 However, after Mpina submitted the evidence to the Speaker’s office, he proceeded to hold a press conference and disclose the details of the evidence to reporters.

 It was Mpina's contempt of Parliament and disregard for parliamentary proceedings that prompted the Speaker to refer him to the Parliamentary Privileges, Ethics, and Powers Committee.

 The Speaker also instructed the committee to examine MPina’s evidence against Bashe and present the report to Parliament by June 24, 2024.

 Many MPs who debated the resolution to ban Mpina advocated for severe punishment.

 Some vowed to escalate his disciplinary issues to the CCM National Executive Committee (NEC), which is set to convene on June 30, 2024.

 MPs intending to bring the matter to the CCM NEC include Joseph Kasheku Musukuma (Geita Rural) and Livingstone Lusinde (Mvumi).

 Musukuma said this was not the first time for Mpina to scorn Parliament because, when he was Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, a couple of years ago, he sent fish inspection officials to the Parliament’s canteen to measure fish length with a ruler.

 Musukuma said Mpina averted a severe punishment because he apologised to Parliament and the then Speaker, Job Ndugai, forgave him.

Augustine Vuma Holle (Kasulu rural), in addition to asking Mpina to apologise to Parliament, also asked his fellow MPs to advise Mpina to resign from Parliament.

 Other MPs who debated the resolution include Hamis Tabasamu (Sengerema) and Godwin Kunambi (Mlimba), who also asked Mpina to apologise to Parliament.

 Yet others are Katani Katani (Tandahimba), Mariam Ditopile (Special Seats), Elibariki Kingu (Singida West), Tauhida Gallos and Cecilia Pareso (Special Seats), Prof Patrick Ndakidemi (Moshi Rural), and Josephat Gwajima (Kawe).

 Mpina was later suspended from attending 15 sittings for contempt of Parliament and failing to substantiate claims that Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe lied to Parliament.

 Presenting the resolution of the Parliamentary Privileges, Ethics and Powers Committee in the august House on Monday, committee chairperson Ally Makoa stated that Mpina had been found guilty of contempt of Parliament.