Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan recently announced changes in the Works, Energy, and Constitutional and Legal Affairs ministries, introducing new faces into the Cabinet. Bariadi Vijijini MP Masanja Kadogosa has been appointed Minister of Works, replacing Abdallah Ulega, who has moved to the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs. Dr. Juma Homera, formerly Minister of Energy, has been replaced by Deogratius Ndejembi, now Vice President. These changes aim to address various challenges in the respective sectors.
The Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, now led by Abdallah Ulega, faces the task of pursuing constitutional reforms that respond to citizens' concerns and address existing grievances. Lawyer Godfrey Wasonga emphasizes the importance of these reforms, stating that the Constitution provides the foundation for Tanzania's governance system. Ulega must ensure that the need for a Constitution that meets the needs of Tanzanians remains a priority, and he should publicly explain the challenges holding back the reform process.
Othman Dunga, former CUF vice-chairman, believes that Ulega needs to work on building public confidence in the constitutional reform process. Dunga also suggests that ministerial appointments should consider candidates' skills and professional backgrounds, citing Masanja Kadogosa's experience at Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC). However, Dunga expresses concerns that politicians are being moved from one position to another, emphasizing the need for appointments based on abilities and professions.
The new Works Minister, Masanja Kadogosa, faces the challenge of prioritizing road rehabilitation, particularly the Dar es Salaam-Tunduma road, which has deteriorated significantly. Tanzania Truck Owners Association (Tatoa) chairman Chuki Shaban urges Kadogosa to address this issue, as the road's condition has increased costs for truck owners through longer journeys and higher vehicle maintenance expenses. The Dar es Salaam-Tunduma road is a key transport route, linking Tanzania with Zambia through the Tunduma border.
The Tunduma border handles approximately 9.5 million metric tonnes of transit cargo annually, representing about 75 percent of all SADC-bound cargo originating from the Port of Dar es Salaam. MPs from the Southern Highlands have repeatedly called for faster rehabilitation of the road due to its condition and importance to trade and transport. Kadogosa himself raised concerns over the condition of Tanzania's roads during his contribution to the Ministry of Construction's budget speech on May 21, 2026.
The energy sector also poses significant challenges for the new Minister, Dr. Juma Homera. A district manager at Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) notes that while Homera may not face an overwhelming burden, he must anticipate potential issues during El Niño. The manager highlights that Homera's predecessors addressed several major challenges, but issues like frequent power outages, gaps in rural electrification, and ageing infrastructure remain.
Ageing electricity transmission infrastructure is another challenge awaiting the new Energy Minister, with 2023 estimates showing that Tanzania needs a massive Sh4.42 trillion to stabilise the national power grid. This issue has been under discussion since the tenure of former Energy Minister January Makamba. The new minister must address these challenges to ensure a stable power supply and meet the country's growing energy demands.
Key points
- The new ministers face significant challenges in their respective dockets, including constitutional reforms, road rehabilitation, and addressing energy sector issues.
- The Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs must prioritize constitutional reforms that respond to citizens' concerns and address existing grievances.
- The energy sector requires significant investment to address ageing infrastructure and ensure a stable power supply.
