Samia: Why I reshuffled the Cabinet

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan hinted on Tuesday that her recent Cabinet reshuffle was a deliberate step towards aligning her government with national priorities, strengthening institutional capacity and addressing the challenges facing key sectors.

Speaking during swearing-in ceremony of Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Deputy Permanent Secretaries and Diplomats at the Tunguu State Lodge in Zanzibar, President Hassan said the changes were in response to the evolving demands of governance and development.

The reshuffle, which saw the reassignment of several high-profile ministers and ambassadors, was described as a move aimed at ensuring effectiveness and focus as Tanzania seeks to accelerate progress across critical areas, including information and communication technology (ICT), legal affairs, economic diplomacy, and the Blue Economy.

With the growing importance of the ICT sector, particularly in the implementation of the National Digital Economy Strategy, President Hassan said she was compelled to split the information and communication portfolios to allow for greater specialisation and a more targeted approach.

“Our communication and technology sectors are advancing rapidly, and with the National Digital Economy Strategy, we need a ministry that is entirely focused on driving this transformation. By separating the information component, we are creating space for deeper focus on communication infrastructure, including mobile towers, fibre optics and connectivity with neighbouring countries,” the President stated.

In her 15th cabinet changes, which were announced on Sunday, President Hassan moved Prof Palamagamba Kabudi 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.

President Hassan said on Tuesday that although a lawyer, Prof Kabudi, also holds a vast experience in journalism. She exuded her confidence in Prof Kabudi’s ability to address challenges in media and public information effectively.

“Prof Kabudi brings a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of this sector. His expertise will be instrumental in navigating the challenges and revitalising the information docket,” she noted.

She said Dr Ndumbaro was reassigned from the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Sports to the legal portfolio so he could use his expertise in aiding Tanzania in overcoming complex international claims and legal disputes.

“Dr Ndumbaro has performed commendably in his previous role, especially in preparations for CHAN (the African Nations Championship) and Afcon (Africa Cup of Nations). However, as we face significant legal challenges, his skills are more urgently needed in the legal sector,” she said.

The President urged Dr Ndumbaro to provide timely and effective solutions to emerging legal matters, which she described as central to protecting Tanzania’s national interests.

Turning to Ashatu Kijaji who previously worked as Minister of State and now reassigned to the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, President Samia tasked her with revitalising the livestock sector, resolving land-use conflicts and accelerating efforts in the Blue Economy.

“This sector is a cornerstone of our economy, and there is much work to be done. I expect you to tackle challenges faced by livestock keepers and to ensure active engagement in the Blue Economy, which holds vast potential for our nation,” she told Kijaji.

Economic diplomacy remains a key pillar of President Samia’s agenda, and the reshuffle included significant changes to Tanzania’s ambassadorial appointments. Many of the new ambassadors have been assigned to liberation-era ally states, with the aim of reinforcing bilateral relationships and enhancing Tanzania’s regional influence.

“Our ambassadors must strengthen ties with the six frontline states where we collaborated during the liberation struggle. This is particularly important in countries like Mozambique, where the current political situation requires careful attention,” the President explained.

Several appointees have military backgrounds, a choice the President described as strategic in ensuring preparedness to tackle emerging challenges.

The Union and Environmental affairs docket is currently under Hamad Yusuf Masauni who previously worked as Home Affairs minister.

President Hassan urged him to focus on strengthening the Union and addressing environmental challenges, calling for a more prominent Tanzanian voice in African and global environmental conservation efforts.

“You have done well in the Home Affairs docket, but now I need you to focus on preserving our environment and fortifying our Union,” she told Mr Masauni, jokingly adding that the docket will put him closer to his Kikwajuni Constituency in Zanzibar which, she said, was targeted by other politicians in next year General Election.

Earlier, the Vice President, Dr Phillip Mpango, said urged the appointees to collaborate with the leaders currently holding positions in their areas before your appointments.

 “This year is about delivery. Work closely with those already in the roles you inherit and respect the advice of experts. We must function as a winning team and ensure we serve the people of Tanzania effectively,” she said.

Apart from Prof Kabudi, Dr Ndumbaro, Dr Kijaji and Mr Masauni, also sworn in on Tuesday were Mr Innocent Bashungwa as the new Minister for Home Affairs while Mr Abdallah Hamis Ulega has moved to the Ministry of Works.

In the administrative structure, Gerson Msigwa is the 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.

In the diplomatic sphere, Dr John Stephen Simbachawene has been reassigned to a new diplomatic role, while Anderson Gukwi Mutatembwa, Mobhare Matinyi, Police Commissioner Hamad Khamis Hamad and CP Suzan Kaganda have been appointed as ambassadors.

Thobias Makoba, the former Government Spokesperson, has also been named an ambassador and will assume a new diplomatic post.