ByAdonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made several high-profile appointments, including four judges for the Court of Appeal, new board chairs, and the assignment of an ambassador to a new posting.
According to a statement released on January 10, 2025, by Chief Secretary Ambassador Dr. Moses Kusiluka, the appointments reflect the president’s commitment to strengthening key institutions and ensuring effective governance.
Among those appointed is Latifa Alhinai Mansoor, who now serves as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Before her appointment, Mansoor was the Resident Judge at the Integrated Justice Center in Morogoro.
George Masaju, previously a High Court Judge and Presidential Legal Advisor, has also been elevated to the Court of Appeal. Dr. Deo Nangela, formerly the Resident Judge at the High Court, Sumbawanga Zone, and Dr. Ubena Agatho, who previously served as a High Court Judge in the Commercial Division in Dar es Salaam, complete the quartet of new appellate judges.
In a related move, President Samia assigned Dr. Stephen Simbachawene to a new role as Tanzania's Ambassador to Brazil.
He replaces Ambassador Professor Adelardus Kilangi, who has been assigned new responsibilities. Commenting on the ambassadorial reshuffle, a Tanzanian diaspora member who requested anonymity stated:
“These appointments show the president’s focus on diplomatic ties and her ability to recognize talent within public service for strategic positions.
Assigning an envoy to Brazil underscores Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation.”
In addition to judicial and diplomatic appointments, the president made notable changes in board leadership.
Uledi Mussa was reappointed as the Chairperson of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Board for a second term, reflecting his contributions to improving revenue collection and administration.
Professor Zacharia Mganilwa has been named Chairperson of the Governing Board of the College of Business Education (CBE), taking over from Professor Wineaster Anderson, whose term has ended.
The diaspora applauded these appointments, emphasizing their significance for Tanzania’s progress. “TRA is a vital institution for the country’s development, and continuity in leadership ensures stability.
Similarly, education institutions like CBE play a critical role in building the human capital Tanzania needs to achieve its development goals,” he noted.
The Chief Secretary confirmed that the newly appointed judges would be sworn in on a date to be announced later.
Meanwhile, the appointments have sparked widespread reactions, with many observers hailing them as a testament to President Samia’s balanced approach to leadership.
By focusing on judicial reforms, diplomatic outreach, and institutional governance, the president is steadily positioning Tanzania for greater success on both domestic and international fronts.
These appointments come as Tanzania continues to consolidate its reforms across various sectors, reinforcing its standing as a regional leader committed to robust governance and sustainable growth.
