Zanzibar. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Mr Patrobas Paschal Katambi as minister for Home Affairs in a minor Cabinet reshuffle that also features a series of senior government appointments and reassignments.
Mr Katambi, who previously served as Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, takes over the Home Affairs portfolio from Mr Boniface George Simbachawene, whose appointment has been revoked.
The changes were announced in an official statement issued by the Chief Secretary, Dr Moses Kusiluka, through the State House Directorate of Presidential Communications.
In further Cabinet changes, Prof Palamagamba John Aidan Kabudi has been appointed minister of State in the President’s Office, Ikulu, responsible for Special Duties.
Prior to the new assignment, Prof Kabudi served as minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports.
Mr Paul Christian Makonda has been promoted to minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, having previously held the position of Deputy Minister in the same ministry.
The reshuffle also includes adjustments at deputy ministerial level.
Mr Dennis Lazaro Londo has been appointed Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, moving from his former role as Deputy Minister for Home Affairs.
Mr Ayoub Mohamed Mahmoud has been appointed Deputy Minister for Home Affairs.
Beyond the Cabinet, President Samia has made several key administrative and diplomatic appointments.
Dr Richard Stanislaus Muyungi has been named Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), replacing Engineer Cyprian John Luhemeja, who has been appointed Ambassador.
Additionally, Engineer Zena Ahmed Said, Mr Waziri Rajab Salum and Major General Mbaraka Naziad Mkeremy have been appointed Ambassadors. Engineer Ally Samaje has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), succeeding Dr Mussa Daniel Budeba.
The President has also revoked the appointment of Prof Eliakimu Mnkondo Zahabu as Chairperson of the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC).
According to the statement, the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed leaders will take place on January 13, 2026, at Ikulu Chamwino in Dodoma, beginning at 8.00 a.m. The changes are described as limited in scope, aimed at strengthening leadership efficiency and institutional performance across government.
