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Community policing groups in Nzega District, Tabora Region, have pledged to continue protecting peace and security, saying a stable environment is essential for the district’s development.
The commitment was made during a meeting held in Mwangoye Ward, where Nzega District Commissioner (DC) Naitapwaki Tukai inspected sungusungu groups and encouraged them to remain professional in carrying out their duties.
More than 4,000 sungusungu members were reviewed during the exercise, with DC Tukai commending their contribution to maintaining security within communities and urging them to continue working closely with government authorities.
He said peace remains the foundation for economic growth and social development, calling on citizens to avoid actions that could disrupt stability and instead focus on activities that improve their livelihoods.
“Development can only take place when there is peace. We must protect what we have achieved, including schools, infrastructure projects, and other investments that benefit our communities,” DC Tukai said.
He further urged sungusungu members to report individuals involved in activities that threaten peace and allow law enforcement authorities to handle such matters in accordance with the law.
During the event, DC Tukai handed over 500 T-shirts to sungusungu members on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, describing the support as recognition of their important role in strengthening security at the grassroots level.
“President Samia appreciates the work you are doing to protect your communities. This support is part of efforts to motivate you as you continue serving society,” he said.
The support comes as the government continues to strengthen community participation in maintaining security, with sungusungu groups playing a key role in preventing crime and promoting cooperation among residents.
Mwakalundi Division sungusungu leader Mathias Ngunda said residents were committed to protecting peace and focusing on productive activities that contribute to development.
He said citizens had many opportunities to participate in economic activities and support government development programmes rather than engaging in actions that could affect peace.
“We have many responsibilities as citizens. Our focus should be on building our communities and supporting development efforts,” Ngunda said.
Bukene Member of Parliament John Luhende also assured residents that the government was addressing challenges facing the area and urged citizens to continue maintaining peace.
He said peace was an important asset that enabled communities to attract investment, implement development projects, and improve people’s welfare.
Luhende supported sungusungu activities by providing Sh500,000 to each ward in Bukene to strengthen their operations and encourage their contribution to community security.
He praised the groups for their involvement in development initiatives, saying their work had demonstrated the importance of young people participating in constructive activities.
“Sungusungu members are an example of how citizens can contribute to building safer and stronger communities,” Luhende said.
