Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan Removes Health Minister in Strategic Cabinet Reshuffle

In Summary

• Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has removed long-serving Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu in a mini cabinet reshuffle.
• Jenista Mhagama has been appointed as the new Health Minister, previously serving in the Prime Minister's Office.
• The reshuffle also saw the appointment of Palamagamba Kabudi as Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs and William Lukuvi as Minister of State.
• The changes are seen as part of the president's strategy to consolidate power ahead of the upcoming general elections.
• This is the second cabinet reshuffle within a month, indicating ongoing efforts to strengthen her administration.

Dodoma, Tanzania – In a significant political move, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has removed long-serving Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu in a mini cabinet reshuffle that took place on Wednesday. This decision is widely interpreted as part of President Hassan’s broader efforts to realign her government in preparation for the general elections scheduled for next year.

A statement released by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka confirmed that Jenista Mhagama has been appointed as the new Minister of Health. Mhagama was previously serving as the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, where she was responsible for Policy, Parliament, and Coordination. The reshuffle leaves Ummy Mwalimu, who had held the health portfolio for an extended period, without a reassigned position.

Strategic Power Consolidation

This latest reshuffle is seen as part of President Hassan’s strategy to consolidate power and ensure that her administration is well-positioned ahead of the upcoming elections. In addition to changes in the health ministry, the reshuffle brought about several other key appointments.

Renowned law professor Palamagamba Kabudi has been appointed as the new Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, taking over the role from Pindi Chana. Chana, in turn, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, a portfolio she had held previously.

William Lukuvi, another seasoned politician, has been promoted to the position of Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. He will now oversee policy, parliament, and coordination—an influential role in the administration.

Key Changes in the Attorney General's Office

The reshuffle also saw significant changes in the Attorney General's Office. Hamza Johari, a senior aviation expert, has been appointed as the new Attorney General, replacing Eliezer Feleshi. Feleshi has been elevated to the judiciary as a judge of the Court of Appeal.

This cabinet reshuffle is the second in less than a month, reflecting President Hassan’s determined efforts to strengthen governance and ensure her administration is aligned with the nation’s development goals. Last month, the president dismissed two key ministers in a similar reshuffle, further underscoring her commitment to consolidating her administration.