The Commissioner for Conservation at TANAPA, CPA (T) Musa Nassoro Kuji, has urged officers and rangers stationed at the eastern and western Ihefu sections of Ruaha National Park to intensify efforts to protect the Usangu Basin.
The basin collects water that feeds the Ihefu wetlands the main source of the Great Ruaha River which provides over 60 percent of the water sustaining the park’s rich flora and fauna.
Commissioner Kuji issued the call on July 2, 2025, during a working session held at TANAPA’s Southern Zone headquarters in Rujewa, Mbarali District. The meeting brought together commanders from anti-poaching and conservation patrol stations including Ikoga, Tagawano, Magda, Ulanga, Kiwale, and Ukwaheri.
“In addition to conserving these natural resources within our 21 national parks with professionalism and commitment,” Commissioner Kuji said, “we must also remember that national security depends on us. Many of our parks share borders with neighboring countries, so we must remain vigilant to ensure our protected areas are not turned into hideouts for people who pose threats to peace.”he added
He also conveyed appreciation from the TANAPA Board of Trustees, acknowledging the crucial work officers and rangers are doing in frontline conservation. “Your dedication is well recognized,” he added.
Senior Assistant Commissioner for Conservation and Head of the Southern Zone, Godwell Meing’ataki, commended Commissioner Kuji for his leadership, highlighting recent successes.
“Let me congratulate you as our institutional head for the seven prestigious awards we’ve recently won. Two of them are historic firsts: Ruaha National Park was crowned the Best Cultural Tourism Park in Africa, and Kitulo National Park stood out as the Best Honeymoon Destination on the continent.”he added
Presenting a brief performance report, First-Class Conservation Officer Muhsin Mchau who oversees the Ikoga, Tagawano, and Magda patrol stations pledged his team’s continued commitment to safeguarding natural resources for both TANAPA and the nation.
“Despite challenges like poaching, we have strengthened our community education programs, improved anti-poaching strategies, and are actively addressing human-wildlife conflicts effectively and promptly,” Mchau said.
Commissioner Kuji’s visit is part of a broader nationwide tour to all 21 national parks. The objective is to monitor conservation efforts, assess tourism development, identify investment opportunities, and issue operational guidance aimed at strengthening performance across TANAPA.