Thirty-nine senior officers in the Tanzania Prisons Service have been promoted, with the government urging them to strengthen prison management, rehabilitation programmes and efforts to prevent crime in communities.
The promotions, announced on Monday, October 19, 2026, involve 17 Deputy Commissioners of Prisons and 22 Senior Assistant Commissioners of Prisons. The officers received their new ranks at a ceremony held at the service’s headquarters in Msalato, Dodoma.
The Commissioner General of Prisons, Jeremiah Yoram Katungu, presided over the ceremony on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event, Mr Katungu thanked the President for supporting the service by filling leadership positions, improving employees’ benefits and granting employment permits.
He described the promotion of the 39 officers as a historic development for the service, pledging that it would continue discharging its responsibilities professionally and efficiently.
Mr Katungu urged the promoted officers to demonstrate greater commitment and translate their new ranks into improved performance, particularly in managing prisons and overseeing the treatment and rehabilitation of inmates.
Their responsibilities include ensuring the safe custody of prisoners and remandees, implementing rehabilitation programmes and advising on measures to prevent crime in communities.
The emphasis on rehabilitation places responsibility on prison officers not only to maintain security but also to help prepare inmates for their eventual return to society.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Legal Affairs and Prison Operations, Nicodemus Tenga, urged the officers to translate government strategies and directives into practical results.
He reminded them to discharge their duties in accordance with the laws, procedures and guidelines governing the Tanzania Prisons Service.
The promotions come as the service continues to carry out its core mandate of maintaining secure custody, rehabilitating offenders and supporting crime prevention efforts.