President Samia announces cabinet reshuffle and other key appointments
What you need to know:
- As part of this restructuring, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi has been appointed as the Minister of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports. He will oversee the merging of these crucial sectors under his leadership.
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed new ministers and made several key changes to various positions within her administration in a significant reshuffling of government leadership.
The changes, announced through a statement from the Chief Secretary, Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka, span various ministries and agencies, marking a strategic shift in the country’s governance structure.
Among the most notable changes, President Samia has moved the responsibilities of the information sector from the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology to the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports.
As part of this restructuring, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi has been appointed as the Minister of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports. He will oversee the merging of these crucial sectors under his leadership.
Additionally, Jerry William Silaa has been appointed Minister of Communication and Information Technology, while Dr Damas Daniel Ndumbaro (MP) takes up the role of Minister of Constitution and Law.
The reshuffle also sees Hamad Yusuf Masauni leave the Ministry of home affairs to take a new appointment in the Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment), he is replaced by Innocent Bashungwa
Dr Ashatu Kijaji has been appointed Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, meanwhile, Abdallah Ulega moves to the Ministry of Works.
Several senior administrative roles have also seen changes, including Mr Gerson Msigwa, who has who has been reinstated as Chief Government Spokesperson.
The changes mark Msigwa’s return to the role he held from April 2021 to September 2023, before his appointment as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports. He will now serve concurrently in both roles.
Msigwa takes over from Thobias Makoba, who has been appointed as Ambassador.
Dr James Henry Kilabuko, who will serve as Permanent secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, overseeing policy, parliament, and coordination.
The reshuffle extends to key officials within the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Industry and Trade. Dr Stephen Justice Nindi has been appointed Deputy PS in the Ministry of Agriculture, focusing on cooperatives and irrigation.
Meanwhile, Dr Suleiman Hassan Serera has been transferred to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, where he will take on the role of Deputy Secretary-General.
The President also made notable diplomatic and security-related appointments. Ambassador Dr John Simbachawene will be reassigned to a new diplomatic duty, while Mr Anderson Mutatembwa, Mr. Mobhare Matinyi, and Police Commissioner Zanzibar, CP Hamad Khamis Hamad, along with Police Commissioner CP Suzan Kaganda, have all been appointed as ambassadors to various international posts.
Furthermore, Mr. Thobias Makoba, the former Government Spokesperson, has been appointed Ambassador and will assume a new diplomatic role.
The newly appointed officials are set to be sworn-in at a ceremony scheduled for December 10, 2024, at the State House in Tunguu, Zanzibar, starting at 11:00am.
