Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office for Labor, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities, Partobas Katambi. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
With the 2025 general elections on the horizon, the work of Paschal Partobas Katambi, Member of Parliament for Shinyanga Town, stands as a formidable testament to leadership with impact. Serving also as the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office for Labor, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities, Katambi’s influence has been transformative, deeply reshaping his constituency and improving the lives of its people.
His efforts in implementing the 2020-2025 Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) manifesto under President Samia Suluhu Hassan have made him a strong contender for the upcoming elections, with a track record that speaks volumes.
As the Deputy Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office for Labor, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities, Katambi's influence is both broad and deep, touching lives and transforming the town in tangible ways.
His close ties to the national leadership under President Samia Suluhu Hassan have propelled his ability to implement the ambitious 2020-2025 manifesto of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), and in turn, elevated the prospects of his political future.
Shinyanga, once facing numerous challenges in infrastructure, health, and education, has seen marked improvement, positioning Katambi as a key figure in the upcoming election.
His strategic focus has not only responded to immediate needs but also laid the groundwork for long-term growth, making his re-election campaign in 2025 more than a mere formality.
The ripple effects of his achievements are being felt in every sector, from the classrooms to the hospitals, in local markets, and on the improved road networks.
In the education sector, the town has transformed. With over Tsh 10 billion invested, nine new primary and secondary schools now stand tall, serving hundreds of students who previously faced inadequate learning conditions.
Schools such as Mwangulumbi, Butengwa, Lubaga, and the Shinyanga Girls’ Secondary have given new hope to families. Additionally, the construction of 176 classrooms and 16 science labs, coupled with the provision of over 5,500 desks, has not only enhanced the learning environment but also set a foundation for better academic performance.
The renovation of key vocational institutions further reflects Katambi’s vision to empower the youth through education and skills development.
In healthcare, Katambi’s focus has been relentless. The Sh 7.3 billion Regional Referral Hospital in Shinyanga stands as a cornerstone of his achievements, bringing essential services closer to the people. The purchase of six ambulances for various hospitals and the construction of new health centers have improved access to medical care in previously underserved areas.
Residents are now benefiting from better healthcare facilities, an achievement lauded by local communities. As more medical equipment continues to be procured, the health sector has received a much-needed boost, directly impacting the well-being of thousands.
The story of Shinyanga’s development is incomplete without mentioning the significant infrastructure improvements. With Sh 5.7 billion channeled into road construction and maintenance, key bridges such as Uzogore-Bugwandege and Ibinzamata-Kitangili have been built, opening up access and enhancing mobility within the region.
The construction of tarmac roads like the Old Shinyanga-Lubaga stretch has further cemented the town’s position as a growing urban center. Meanwhile, the ongoing development of the Shinyanga airstrip, already 20% complete, hints at even greater connectivity and growth prospects shortly.
Water supply, a perennial challenge in Shinyanga, has seen significant improvements under Katambi’s leadership. Over Sh 1 billion has been invested in water projects, and areas such as Bugwandege, Masekelo, and Mwamashele now enjoy reliable access to clean water.
The future looks even brighter, with an additional Tsh 195 billion allocated for further expansion in 2024-2025, a move that will bring relief to many more households and businesses.
Markets and trade have also flourished during Katambi’s tenure. The central market has been refurbished for Sh 1.84 billion, and new markets have sprung up in areas like Ngokolo and Ibinzamata.
These improvements have energized local commerce, benefited traders, and boosted the local economy. Alongside these developments, the ongoing construction of the Municipal Administrative Complex underscores Katambi’s long-term vision for a modern, efficient urban environment.
Katambi’s commitment to empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities is evident in the increased availability of loans to support these groups. With over Tsh 500 million disbursed in recent years, numerous groups have benefited from the opportunities provided by this financial support, allowing them to grow businesses and uplift their communities.
Additionally, the Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf) has been a lifeline for many vulnerable groups in Shinyanga. Elderly citizens, disabled individuals, and low-income families have all benefited from the safety net provided by this initiative, with Katambi ensuring that these critical resources are delivered to those who need them most.
In the energy sector, Katambi has overseen the expansion of electricity supply to areas that were previously without power. With over Tsh 808 million invested in new power lines and transformers, more homes and businesses are now connected to reliable electricity, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for many.
Agriculture, the backbone of the local economy, has not been left behind. Farmers have benefited from the distribution of subsidized fertilizers, seeds, and other inputs, boosting production, especially in the cotton sector. These interventions have increased yields, improved income for farmers, and enhanced food security in the region.
Katambi’s engagement with the community goes beyond development projects. He has actively participated in social activities, from constructing places of worship to attending community events such as funerals and weddings, fostering a strong relationship with the people he represents. His involvement in building CCM offices in Ibadakuli and Chibe further cements his role as a grassroots leader.
As Shinyanga’s residents reflect on the past four years, many express their gratitude for the positive changes they have witnessed. Water access is better, healthcare services are closer, and roads are more passable. Local leaders, too, acknowledge that Katambi’s leadership has been a key driver of the CCM manifesto’s successful implementation under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Looking ahead to the 2025 elections, Paschal Katambi's track record makes a compelling case for his continued leadership. His tireless efforts across multiple sectors have improved lives, inspired confidence, and set the stage for even greater development in the future. With the visible transformation of Shinyanga, it’s clear that Katambi's leadership is not only changing the present but also shaping a brighter tomorrow for his constituents.