Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala
April 20, 2026, Mwanakwetu visited the page of the Chief Secretary of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, where there was a section listing former Chief Secretaries. It contained the following information:
“Ambassador Hussein A. Kattanga (2021–2023), Ambassador Dr. Bashiru A. Kakurwa (2021), Ambassador John W. Kijazi (2016–2021), Ambassador Ombeni Y. Sifue (2012–2016), Philemon Luhanjo (2006–2011), Ambassador Martin Lumbanga (1995–2006), Ambassador Paul Rupia (1986–1995), Timoth Apiyo (1974–1986), Dickson Nkembo (1967–1974), Joseph Namata (1964–1967), and Dastan Omari (1962–1964).”
After reading this, Mwanakwetu wondered: who are the Tanzanians who have led the National Intelligence Service since independence?The answers were:
“Seleiman Abubakari Mombo (July 11, 2024–present), Ambassador Ali Idd Siwa (August 2023–July 11, 2024), Said Hussein Nassoro (January 2, 2023–August 2023), Officer Diwani Athumani Msuya (September 12, 2019–January 3, 2023), Dr. Modestus Kipilimba (2016–2019), Othman Rashid (2005–2016), Colonel Apson Mwang’onda (1995–2005), Lieutenant General Imran Kombe (1983–1995), Dr. Augustino Mahiga (1980–1983), Dr. Hassy Kitine (1978–1980), Dr. Lawrence Gama (1975–1978), and Emilio Mzena (1961–1975).”
These are essentially two official ‘boards’ of the same government—one showing Directors of National Intelligence, and the other showing Chief Secretaries of the United Republic of Tanzania. Today, Mwanakwetu acts as a ‘tourist of these boards,’ examining these two public offices from 1961 to the present.
From the intelligence board, it is clear that President Julius Nyerere worked with five directors, with Dr. Hassy Kitine and Dr. Augustino Mahiga serving during particularly short and difficult periods (1978–1983). This was a tough era for Tanzania—marked by the Kagera War, treason cases, campaigns against economic sabotage, the lead-up to Nyerere’s resignation, the death of Edward Moringe, and eventually the transition to a new president in 1985.
Now, what about the Chief Secretary position during that same period?
The board shows there was only one Chief Secretary—Timoth Apiyo—serving from 1974 to 1986.
Under President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, he worked with only one Director of National Intelligence (Lt. Gen. Imran Kombe) and one Chief Secretary (Ambassador Paul Rupia), though briefly overlapping with Timoth Apiyo at the start of his presidency.
President Benjamin Mkapa worked with one intelligence director (Colonel Apson Mwang’onda) and one Chief Secretary (Martin Lumbanga). President Jakaya Kikwete worked with one intelligence director (Othman Rashid) and three Chief Secretaries (Lumbanga, Luhanjo, and Sifue).
As for Presidents John Magufuli and Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mwanakwetu feels the situation is self-explanatory and does not dwell on it.
However, Mwanakwetu reminds the reader of the importance of the Chief Secretary. This is a critical figure who acts as a link with the National Intelligence Service. Key responsibilities include:
“Secretary to the Cabinet: prepares agendas, records minutes, and oversees implementation of decisions. Head of the Public Service: ensures discipline, efficiency, and performance. Chief Advisor to the President: on governance and policy. Government Coordinator: ensures policies are implemented across ministries and departments. In short, the Chief Secretary is the main link between the President, the Cabinet, and the Public Service.”
Remember this phrase:
“Oversees government operations and ensures policies are implemented across all ministries and departments…”
This suggests that even the National Intelligence Service operates under the coordination of the Chief Secretary to better advise the President.
Meanwhile, the Intelligence Service itself is responsible for:
“Collecting, analyzing, and providing intelligence to safeguard national security, peace, and prosperity—preventing foreign espionage, economic sabotage, terrorism, and internal threats.”
Football Analogy
Mwanakwetu compares these roles to football:
“The Director of Intelligence = Number 6 (Defensive Midfielder) Breaks up opposition attacks. Shields the defense. Starts attacks. Connects defense to midfield Reduces pressure. The Chief Secretary = Number 8 (Box-to-Box Midfielder) Links defense and attack. Creates chances. Supports both offense and defense. Controls the tempo of the game. Removing these two roles is like removing both the number 6 and number 8 from a team—it destroys both defense and attack.
Mwanakwetu concludes that what happened with the removal of Diwani Athumani Msuya and Ambassador Hussein Kattanga (under the claim of reassignment) is like a referee giving red cards to both key midfielders.”
Fans would protest such a decision—because the team simply cannot win.
“The referee has killed the team.”
That’s enough for today.
Are you there, Mwanakwetu? Remember:
“The referee has killed the team.”
Have a nice day.
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