Zanzibar. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has revoked the appointment of Dr James Andilile Mwainyekule as director general of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura).
The announcement on April 2, 2026 marks a sudden end to Dr Mwainyekule’s tenure.
His next assignment has not yet been confirmed.
The Director of Presidential Communications, Mr Bakari Machumu said on a statement on April 2 that Dr Mwainyekule’s term was terminated with immediate effect.
The Presidency indicated that he would assume other duties in due course.
Prof Kabudi
A key feature of the reshuffle is the return of Prof Palamagamba John Aidan Kabudi to a senior cabinet position.
He has been appointed Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office [Policy, Parliament and Coordination].
This role had been vacant following the death of veteran politician William Vangimembe Lukuvi.
Mr Lukuvi, a stalwart of CCM and representative of the Ismani constituency for three decades, passed away on March 25, 2026 in Dodoma due to a heart attack.
Prof Kabudi moves to this post from the President’s Office, where he served as minister of State for Special Duties.
Transfers
The reshuffle also involved several high-profile transfers to strengthen local governance and diplomatic representation.
Reuben Nhamanilo Kwagilwa has moved from the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government – PMO-RALG) to become Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office [Union Affairs and Environment].
Dr Festo John Dugange transfers in the opposite direction, leaving the Vice President’s Office to serve as Deputy Minister at PMO-RALG, overseeing education matters.
Amb Ali Jabir Mwadini has been appointed Private Secretary to the President, while Amb Said Othman Yakub has been posted to represent Tanzania in France.
Mr Mwadini takes the place left vacant by Waziri Rajab Salum who was appointed the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Industry and Trade.
Mr Yakub was Tanzania’s ambassador to the Comoros.
The Presidency also announced the appointments of Dr Eveline Wilbard Munisi and Ms Angela Kizigha as Members of Parliament.
Although the statement did not provide reasons for Dr Mwainyekule’s removal, the timing suggests an effort by President Samia to recalibrate her administration’s technical and political leadership.
The swearing-in of new ministers and deputies will take place on a date yet to be announced.
Dr Mwainyekule’s background
With an academic background in finance, Dr Mwainyekule has vast experience in Tanzania’s public energy sector, where he served in several leadership positions.
He holds a PhD in Finance from the Open University of Tanzania, an MBA and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree with honours from the University of Dar es Salaam, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Dr Mwainyekule has held key roles including Assistant Commissioner for Energy, Acting Commissioner for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, Acting Director-General of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), and Acting Managing Director of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).
He also chaired the Board of the Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA).
He has attended professional training and published papers on finance management and energy regulation.
