Welcome Reception of Hon. Innocent L. Bashungwa, Minister for Home Affairs

Hon. Innocent L. Bashungwa Received at the Ministry of Home Affairs – Zanzibar

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On 10 December 2024, the newly appointed Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Innocent L. Bashungwa (MP), was warmly welcomed at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Zanzibar. This significant event marked the commencement of his tenure following his oath of office administered by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. The reception was a significant event, marking the commencement of his new role and acknowledging the expectations placed upon him.

Swearing-In Ceremony

Earlier today, Minister Bashungwa was officially sworn in by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. The ceremony demonstrated the President’s confidence in the candidate’s abilities to lead the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This formal induction served to demonstrate the trust and responsibility that had been placed in him to oversee the Ministry’s critical functions, including public safety, immigration, and internal security.

Welcoming Dignitaries

The reception held at the Zanzibar Immigration Department Offices was attended by a number of key figures, reflecting the collaborative spirit within the Ministry. Also in attendance were the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Daniel Sillo (MP), the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maduhu Kazi, Ministry Management, Heads of Security Agencies, and staff members. Their attendance demonstrated the collective commitment to providing support to Minister Bashungwa in his new role.

Minister Bashungwa’s Address

In his address, Minister Bashungwa expressed his gratitude to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued confidence in his appointment. He underlined his commitment to engaging with all departments, units, security agencies, and institutions under the Ministry with the objective of gathering information on their performance and achievements, as well as identifying and addressing challenges.

“I will have the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your responsibilities, your achievements, the challenges you face, the measures you are taking to address these challenges, and how we can work together to overcome them,” said Bashungwa.

Vision for the Ministry

Minister Bashungwa presented his vision for the Ministry of Home Affairs, outlining key priorities including enhancing public safety, improving immigration services and ensuring the effective rehabilitation of prisoners. He emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability and collaboration in achieving these goals. His approach aims to create a more efficient and responsive Ministry that serves the needs of all citizens and residents.

Reception at the Zanzibar Immigration Department Offices

The reception for Minister Bashungwa was held at the Zanzibar Immigration Department Offices, marking a significant event attended by several key figures. This gathering served to highlight the significance of the occasion and the collective commitment to the Ministry’s goals.

Key Attendees

We were honoured to welcome the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Daniel Sillo (MP), who played a pivotal role in welcoming Minister Bashungwa to the event. His presence demonstrated the collaborative spirit within the Ministry and the shared vision for its future.

Also in attendance was Dr. Maduhu Kazi, Deputy Permanent Secretary. Dr. Kazi’s involvement demonstrated the administrative support and strategic oversight required for the Ministry’s operations. His expertise and leadership are vital to advancing the Ministry’s initiatives.

Ministry Management and Heads of Security Agencies

The reception was also attended by members of the Ministry Management team, including senior officials responsible for various departments and units. Their involvement underscored the necessity of an integrated strategy to address the Ministry’s multifaceted responsibilities, ranging from immigration services to public safety.

Heads of Security Agencies were also in attendance, reflecting the critical role these agencies play in maintaining national security and public order. Their collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs is vital to the implementation of effective security measures and the assurance of the safety of citizens and residents.

Staff Members

The attendance of staff members at the reception served to underscore the inclusive nature of the event. It offered the Minister the chance to connect with the individuals who are at the forefront of the Ministry’s daily operations. Engaging with staff members fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, which is essential for achieving the Ministry’s objectives.

The reception held at the Zanzibar Immigration Department Offices was a notable event that brought together key figures from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The attendance of high-ranking officials, security agency heads, and staff members demonstrated a collective commitment to the Ministry’s vision and goals. This event marked the beginning of Minister Bashungwa’s tenure, emphasising collaboration, strategic oversight and a unified approach to addressing the challenges and responsibilities of the Ministry.

Minister Bashungwa’s Address

In his address, Minister Bashungwa expressed his gratitude to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued confidence in his appointment. He acknowledged the trust placed in him and emphasised his dedication to fulfilling the responsibilities of his role with integrity and commitment. This expression of gratitude set a tone of respect and appreciation for the leadership and support provided by the President.

Commitment to Engagement

Minister Bashungwa emphasised his commitment to engaging with all departments, units, security agencies and institutions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. He emphasised the value of transparent communication and collaboration in ensuring the Ministry’s efficient and effective operation. By engaging with various stakeholders, Minister Bashungwa aims to gather comprehensive information on their performance and achievements, as well as to identify and address any challenges they may face.

Performance and Achievements

The Minister highlighted the importance of conducting a review of the performance and achievements of each department and unit within the Ministry. This entails evaluating their achievements, identifying the factors that have contributed to their success, and acknowledging their areas of expertise. By doing so, the Ministry can leverage its strengths and maintain its commitment to providing high-quality services to the public.

Identifying and Addressing Challenges

Minister Bashungwa acknowledged that challenges are an inherent aspect of any organisational structure. He highlighted the importance of identifying these challenges and understanding their root causes. By taking this approach, the Ministry can develop effective strategies to address these challenges. The Minister’s approach is to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find solutions and implement measures that will overcome obstacles and improve overall performance.

Collaborative Efforts

In his address, Minister Bashungwa emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges. He stated his willingness to meet with each department and unit to discuss their respective responsibilities, achievements, and ongoing efforts to address challenges. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose within the Ministry, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their efforts to achieve common goals.

“I will have the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your responsibilities, your achievements, the challenges you are facing, the measures you are taking to address these challenges, and how we can work together to overcome them,” said Bashungwa.

Minister Bashungwa’s address highlighted his commitment to fostering a collaborative and transparent environment within the Ministry of Home Affairs. By expressing gratitude to the President, committing to engagement, reviewing performance and achievements, identifying and addressing challenges, and emphasising collaborative efforts, the Minister set out a clear vision for the Ministry’s future. His approach aims to optimise the Ministry’s effectiveness and ensure that it continues to serve the public with integrity and excellence.

Vision for the Ministry

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Daniel Sillo (MP), extended a warm welcome to Minister Bashungwa and took the opportunity to reiterate the Ministry’s vision of creating a peaceful and stable country where the rule of law is upheld. He outlined the Ministry’s role in protecting life and property, facilitating and controlling the entry and exit of citizens and foreigners, rehabilitating prisoners, and providing services to refugees.

Strategic Goals Highlighted by Minister Bashungwa

Engagement with Departments and Agencies

Minister Bashungwa highlighted the value of regular meetings with the various departments and agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The objective of these meetings is to review performance, address challenges and ensure that all units are aligned with the Ministry’s objectives. By fostering open communication and collaboration, the Ministry can identify areas for improvement and implement effective strategies to enhance overall performance.

Enhancing Security

One of Minister Bashungwa’s primary objectives is to enhance the capabilities of security agencies in order to guarantee public safety. This entails ensuring that security personnel have access to the resources, training, and support they require to perform their duties effectively. By optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of these agencies, the Ministry aims to create a safer environment for all citizens and residents. This includes addressing emerging security threats and ensuring that law enforcement agencies are equipped with the necessary resources to handle various challenges.

Improving Immigration Services

Minister Bashungwa emphasised the importance of optimising the processes for the entry and exit of citizens and foreigners. This will entail enhancing the efficiency of immigration services, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and guaranteeing that procedures are transparent and user-friendly. The Ministry’s objective is to streamline the immigration system in order to facilitate smoother travel and movement while maintaining robust security measures.

Rehabilitation Programs

Minister Bashungwa has also identified the development of effective rehabilitation programmes for prisoners as a strategic goal. The objective of these programmes is to equip inmates with the requisite skills and support to facilitate their successful reintegration into society. By concentrating on education, vocational training and psychological support, the Ministry aims to reduce recidivism rates and encourage positive behavioural changes among prisoners.

Support for Refugees

It is a key responsibility of the Ministry to guarantee that refugees have access to the services and support they require. Minister Bashungwa highlighted the necessity of ensuring refugees have access to essential services, including healthcare, education and legal assistance. The Ministry’s objective is to uphold human rights and promote social cohesion within the country by addressing the needs of refugees.

In conclusion, Minister Bashungwa’s strategic goals for the Ministry of Home Affairs demonstrate a comprehensive approach to improving public safety, enhancing service delivery and supporting vulnerable populations. By fostering regular dialogue with departments and agencies, enhancing security capabilities, optimising immigration services, developing rehabilitation programmes and providing support for refugees, the Ministry is working to create a more efficient and effective public service system.

The welcome given to Minister Bashungwa at the Ministry of Home Affairs represented a major stride towards attaining the Ministry’s objective of a peaceful and stable Tanzania. The Ministry’s strategic goals are focused on engagement, security, and service improvement. The Ministry’s objective is to uphold the law and protect the well-being of all citizens and residents. This event marked the beginning of Minister Bashungwa’s tenure, emphasising collaboration, strategic oversight and a unified approach to addressing the challenges and responsibilities of the Ministry.

Tanzania Media