President Samia makes 15th cabinet reshuffle amid concerns over performance, public sentiment

Among the key changes, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi has been moved from the ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs to the newly restructured ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, swapping places with Dr Damas Ndumbaro.

Analysts suggest the latest changes indicate the President’s dissatisfaction with the handling of certain ministries and her desire to address lingering challenges, particularly as the nation gears up for the 2025 General Election.

Independent analyst, Dennis Konga, says the reshuffle could have been influenced by the controversies surrounding the recent local government elections.

These elections, in which the ruling party, CCM, secured over 99 percent of the votes, have been marred by complaints from opposition parties and civil society.

“This year’s local government elections were a litmus test for what could potentially happen during the 2025 General Election,” Mr Konga said.

“The complaints arising from the conduct of these polls may have necessitated the President’s action.”

The ministry of Home Affairs, a key ministry affected by the reshuffle, has recently been under public scrutiny due to rising cases of abductions and killings.

Innocent Bashungwa takes over the docket, replacing Hamad Yusuf Masauni, who moves to the Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment). Analysts suggest this shift aims to restore public trust in the ministry’s operations.

Dr Paul Loisulie of the University of Dodoma likens the Cabinet to a football team, where formations are adjusted based on the demands of the game.

“The latest changes are likely aimed at rectifying observed shortcomings to enhance performance. This is a common practice,” he said.

As the country prepares for the 2025 elections, both the government and the ruling party must reposition themselves, Dr Loisulie added.

“This reshuffle could be part of a broader strategy to fortify the government and the ruling party’s standing,” he noted.

A political analyst from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Onesmo Kyauke, shares similar sentiments.

He views the changes as a reflection of President Samia’s commitment to improving performance in key ministries.

“The President is focused on results. These changes signal her determination to appoint individuals who will deliver ahead of the elections,” he said.

According to Prof Makame Ali Ussi from the State University of Zanzibar, the reshuffle targets ministries that have faced increasing public criticism, particularly the ministry of Home Affairs.

“By addressing these ministries, the President is responding to the public’s concerns while seeking to strengthen governance,” Prof Ussi said.

A political scientist from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Richard Mbunda, believes the reshuffle introduces fresh leadership and energy into the government.

“This move demonstrates the President’s desire for a new approach to leadership in key sectors,” he said.

The reshuffle also introduces new faces and reassignments in strategic ministries.

Jerry Silaa has been appointed minister for Communication and Information Technology, while Dr Ashatu Kijaji takes over as minister for Livestock and Fisheries. Abdallah Hamis Ulega moves to the ministry of Works.

In the administrative structure, Gerson Msigwa has been appointed Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, where he will also serve as Government Spokesperson.

Dr James Henry Kilabuko assumes the role of Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, overseeing policy, parliament and coordination.

Dr Stephen Justice Nindi takes on the role of Deputy Permanent Secretary 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 as Deputy Permanent Secretary.

Diplomatic appointments

The reshuffle reaches beyond the ministries to include key positions in the diplomatic and security sectors.

Ambassador Dr John Stephen Simbachawene has been reassigned to a new diplomatic mission, while several high-ranking security officials have received diplomatic postings.

These include Zanzibar Police Commissioner, Hamad Khamis Hamad, and CP Suzan Kaganda, both of whom have been appointed as ambassadors.

Additionally, Thobias Makoba and Mobhare Matinyi, the two most recent government spokespersons, have also been named to diplomatic roles.

The statement notes that these new envoys will be assigned to their respective posts at a later date.

The newly appointed officials are scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at a ceremony to be held at the Tunguu State Lodge in Zanzibar, starting at 11:00 am.