Session Opens with Five Bills on Agenda
Tanzania's Parliament has opened its Fourth Parliamentary Session in Dodoma, running from August 26 to September 4, 2026, with five bills scheduled for debate and passage, as reported by TanzaniaInvest. The bills include the Agriculture Laws (Amendments) Bill, 2026; the Bill to Repeal the Pyrethrum Industry Act, 2026; the Movable Property Security Rights Loans Bill, 2026; the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2026; and the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Bill, 2026.
All five bills received their First Reading during the Second and Third Parliamentary Sessions and are now before the House for debate. The session also includes approximately 140 Ordinary Questions from Members of Parliament, to be answered by the Government, while Prime Minister's Question Time is expected to see an average of 16 questions.
Agriculture Laws Amendment Bill Passed
During the session, the Agricultural Laws (Amendments) Bill, 2026, was unanimously passed by lawmakers in Dodoma on Thursday afternoon, according to dailynews.co.tz. Minister for Agriculture Daniel Chongolo, presenting the bill, commended the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman and his team at the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman (OCPD) for their role in drafting the legislation.
“Similarly, I congratulate the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman and all staff of the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman (OCPD) for successfully and efficiently preparing this Bill on time,” Minister Chongolo said. He also acknowledged staff at the Office of the Attorney General for their continued effective execution of their duties.
The bill targets amendments to the Food Security Act, Cap. 249; the Sisal Industry Act, Cap. 30; the Sugar Industry Act, Cap. 251; and the Tea Industry Act, Cap. 275, as outlined by the minister in his presentation to the National Assembly on Thursday morning.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill is divided into five parts, with Part One addressing preliminary provisions, including the title and the manner in which various laws are proposed to be amended. Part Two proposes amendments to the Food Security Act, which was enacted in 1991 to regulate production, processing and marketing of cereals and mixed crops, establish a national food security assurance system, and provide for related matters.
The Act has been amended twice, in 2009 and 2023. According to the minister, the proposed amendments are intended to empower the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority to perform functions previously carried out by the Tanzania Pareto Board and to deal with related matters. The amendments also aim to improve efficiency in regulating the pyrethrum industry, as reported by dailynews.co.tz.
Other Session Business
Beyond the five bills, the Government is expected to present a parliamentary resolution seeking approval for the proposed ratification of the Agreement Establishing the Global Green Growth Institute, TanzaniaInvest reported. Parliament will also receive a report from the Standing Parliamentary Committee on Subsidiary Legislation concerning its analysis of subsidiary legislation submitted during the Second and Third Parliamentary Sessions.
Parliamentary Sessions are periods during which Tanzania's National Assembly conducts its legislative and oversight functions. During these sessions, Members of Parliament debate and pass proposed laws, question the Government, consider resolutions, and receive reports from parliamentary committees. The President summons Parliament to meet, while parliamentary business is conducted under the authority of the Speaker in accordance with the Constitution and the rules of Parliament.