The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Advocate Amon Mpanju, has urged communities to unite in identifying and confronting harmful traditional practices that continue to hinder family and national development.
Speaking on June 2, 2025, in Ighombwe Ward, Ikungi District, Singida Region, Advocate Mpanju made the call during the launch of a new facilitator’s guidebook designed to promote community dialogue on cultural practices and traditions.
He emphasized that while positive traditions should be preserved and passed down through generations, those that cause harm and obstruct progress must be confronted and abandoned.
“We are here today to engage with citizens because we believe that good morals and positive cultural values should be passed from one generation to the next,” said Advocate Mpanju.
“I appeal to religious leaders, traditional elders, and the community at large to work with the government in preserving constructive traditions, and to reject those that impede development.”he added
He thanked stakeholders particularly Amani Girls Organization for their continued collaboration with the Ministry, and for their impactful work in empowering women and girls and promoting community well-being.
“Culture and tradition are vital elements of a society’s identity,” he added. “But we must draw a clear line—any practice that denies children, women, or any group their rights has no place in today’s society.”
Advocate Mpanju stressed the importance of putting in place practical strategies to eliminate such practices, noting that they often contribute to various forms of violence.
He called on communities to raise their voices and report incidents of abuse so that appropriate actions can be taken by the relevant authorities.
Earlier, the Director of Community Development, Mr. Patrick Golwike, highlighted the significance of the launch, describing it as a key milestone in the government’s campaign to foster mindset change and make citizens the center of development at the grassroots level.
“That’s why a team of experts from the Ministry spent several days here conducting intensive discussions with villagers in Ighombwe Ward. Together, you agreed to abandon harmful practices and embrace those that promote your collective well-being,” Golwike noted.
He expressed confidence that following the campaign, residents of Ighombwe will continue to actively participate in planning, owning, sustaining, and safeguarding all development projects initiated by themselves or the government.
The event, which marked the peak of the campaign and the official launch of the facilitator’s guidebook, brought together regional and district leaders, religious and traditional elders, development partners including representatives from Amani Girls Organization, an official from the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), and villagers of Ighombwe.
In recognition of his efforts and commitment, Advocate Mpanju was honored with the traditional title of Chief Seenge by the local community.
