The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has directed the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to provide subsidies to the Tanzania Prisons Service to support the implementation of government directives on clean cooking energy.
This initiative aims to ensure that all prisons transition away from using non-clean energy sources. Dr. Biteko issued this directive on March 28, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the Senior Leadership Training Course No. 27 at the Tanzania Correctional Services College (TCTA) in Dar es Salaam.
He confirmed that all 129 prisons have already switched from using firewood to clean cooking energy, stating, “All 129 prisons have moved from using firewood and are now using clean cooking energy.”
He further instructed REA to prioritize the allocation of subsidies for the necessary equipment to the Prisons Service, emphasizing that this is a critical part of the transition to clean energy.
Dr. Biteko congratulated the graduates of the leadership training course, saying, “It is the government's and society’s expectation that you will become agents of change in improving operational performance and fostering unity within the Prisons Service.”
He noted that the graduates are expected to drive positive change within the service and reminded them that promotions come with additional responsibilities, adding, “Promotion means additional duties.”
He encouraged the graduates to continue their education and work diligently, with the goal of making the Prisons Service a model institution that provides excellent services to Tanzanians.
In addition to his directive on clean energy, Dr. Biteko contributed 300 sheets of roofing material for the completion of a classroom at TCTA.
The Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security, Vicent Mbogo, praised President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating substantial funds to improve security forces, including the Prisons Service.
He also commended the Prisons Commissioner for his innovative efforts in sending inmates to the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), where they acquire valuable skills that aid in their reintegration into society.
“The Prisons Commissioner, General Katungu, has been innovative in sending inmates to VETA, where they gain various skills,” said Mbogo.
On behalf of the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, the Ilala District Commissioner, Edward Mpogolo, expressed gratitude to the Prisons Commissioner, General Jeremiah Katungu, for his support in maintaining security in the region.
“We thank Commissioner General Katungu for the significant contribution he has made to our region during various activities,” said Mpogolo.
The Commissioner General also confirmed that the situation in the country’s prisons is stable and that the Prisons Service continues to implement the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Criminal Justice.
He highlighted that 66 prisons now have access to online court services and that the service has received funding to construct online court services in all prisons to ensure timely access to justice.
“I thank and congratulate all the graduates; your work reflects everything you have learned in various fields,” Commissioner General Katungu said.
The Director of TCTA, SACP Wilnton Kahumuza, explained that the leadership training course aimed to equip students with the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively within the Prisons Service.
“The graduates today have completed classroom training and deserve promotion based on the courses they have studied,” Kahumuza stated.
He also thanked the graduates for their dedication, noting their contribution of 7,703,200 Tanzanian shillings toward the construction of a water tank tower and the purchase of a 5,000-liter tank.
“They have shown commitment and a strong desire to contribute by raising funds for building the water tank tower,” Kahumuza concluded.
