BAGAMOYO’S MAIN ATTRACTION, THE GERMAN BOMA

The German administrative headquarters built in 1888 at Bagamoyo seen as it was several years ago before renovations.

The architectural imagination of the the German Boma after renovation plans.

The German Boma encompassed in corrugated iron sheets. No activities of renovations was noted.

The German Administrative Headquarters built 120 years ago at Bagamoyo is still encompassed in corrugated iron sheets with no activities of rehabilitation as advertised to the public. This historical monument has always been the main attraction to local and foreign tourists.

This is the very place from where the Germans ruled over Tanganyika and called Bagamoyo as the Capital of German East Africa. The formidable building accommodated as residence and offices for the German Colonial Governor. The ground floor was occupied by the high ranking German Officers.

During the German occupation, many things happened, including fighting against the uprising of mass population led by Abu Bushiri bin Salim Alharthi during 1888/89. He and his revolutionary Comrades were captured and hanged. Many Germans were also killed during the confrontation. Right in front of this building, popularly called BOMA, the Germans had created the Wissmaan Monument to commemorate the Germans killed in the battle with Arabs and Africans.

The Wissmaan Monument was later in 1940s demolished by the British Administrators. During the British Rule, the building was altered and renovated. The building continued to be occupied by British Government civil servants.

After Tanganyika achieved independence in 1961, the District Commissioner’s Office was located in this BOMA. Heavy rains was experienced in 1997 and hence due to poor maintenance, parts of the building including the roof collapsed. The District Commissioner’s Office is now located in a modern building.

The historical importance of this building will always be treasured as long as it is standing firmly. There are suggestions by foreign Architects-Writers that this important building would be properly maintained if and when it is occupied by Government Offices. Others believe that the same building should be converted as a museum to attract tourists. 

Whatever the case may be, the sad news is that tourists are deprived from visiting the site and potential income is just mere words!

STORY & PICTURE BY ABDUL HAI