Two new faces in Kikwete’s cabinet

Dar es Salaam. When President Jakaya Kikwete reshuffled his cabinet in December 2013, many thought he would end his term with the same cabinet.

How wrong they were!

Nearly 13 months after the last shake-up that was mainly triggered by a Parliamentary committee’s report on an operation against poachers, he reorganised his cabinet yesterday after ministers Anna Tibaijuka of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development was shown the door and Sospeter Muhongo of Energy and Minerals resigned.

The reshuffle comes two months after Parliament resolved that those involved in the Tegeta escrow account scandal be made answerable for their misdeeds. The permanent secretary in the ministry of Energy and Minerals, Mr Eliachim Maswi, was suspended to pave the way for investigations into the matter and Attorney General Frederick Werema resigned.

In yesterday’s reshuffle, there are two new faces — Mr Charles Mwijage and Ms Anne Kilango-Malecela. Some ministers have been transferred. Two deputy ministers have been promoted. Mr Mwijage becomes the deputy minister for Energy and Minerals.

Malecela becomes the deputy minister for Education and Vocational Training. Those promoted are Mr George Simbachawene and Ms Jenista Mhagama. Mr Simbachawene, who was the deputy minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Developments, now heads the ministry of Energy and Minerals.

Ms Mhagama, who was the deputy minister for Education and Vocation al Training, has been promoted to the minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs)

She replaces Mr William Lukuvi, who has been transferred to the ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Developments Settlement to take over the position left by Prof Tibaijuka. Dr Harrison Mwakyembe, who headed the ministry of Transport, becomes the minister for East African Cooperation, swapping positions with Mr Samuel Sitta.

The former minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Investment and Empowerment), Dr Mary Nagu, becomes the minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Relations and Coordination). Mr Steven Wassira goes to the ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives. He replaces Mr Christopher Chiza, who becomes the minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Investment and Empowerment). Deputy minister Stephen Masele becomes the deputy minister in the Vice President’s Office (Union). He was in the ministry of Energy and Minerals.

Another deputy minister Angela Kairuki moves to the ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Devemopment. She was the deputy minister Constitutional and Legal Affairs. Ms Ummy Mwalimu moves from the Vice President’s Office (Environment) to the ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs.

Announcing the reshuffle, Chief Secretary Ombeni Sefue said the Head of State changed the cabinet after one minister was dropped and another resigned. Mr Sefue said the changes aimed at bringing efficiency in the running of the government business. The new team was later sworn in the evening at the State House grounds.

Speaking to reporters after being sworn in Mr George Simbachawene said the post was challenging but he was capable of delivering the goods. He said the country’s development depended much on the energy sector.

He said Tanzania’s energy sector was growing fast especially in gas exploration.

“The ministry of Energy and Minerals is very challenging but through the public-private partnerships I hope that development will be made. This post involves safeguarding the national interests,” he said

Mr Mwijage said he would ensure that issues relating to fuel are properly dealt with for all citizens to benefit.

Mr Lukuvi promised to work hard. He said he was aware that land disputes were everywhere.

“I know much about land conflicts in Dar es Salaam and other places in the country. I urge citizens to cooperate with me to solve the conflicts. I’ve been a Dar es Salaam regional commissioner I know there are land conflicts here and I will tackle them.”

He warned corrupt land workers, saying he would not tolerate them.