THE AZANIA- TAMBAZA CONFLICT XXIV

Adeladius Makwega – Dodoma

 

In the previous article, I briefly touched on the contents of my basket of ideas, which is filled with various opinions and questions that, when granted the opportunity, I will continue to address and present to you, my reader, as they are.

Since Monday, April 4, 2022, my basket has been full of questions and opinions regarding a certain leader who held a significant position in the Sixth Phase Government. As I was finalizing the writing of articles XIX to XXIII, I only managed to read through those opinions while continuing to gather information about that leader.

 

I understand, my reader, that you may be asking: what does the son of Makwega have for us today? While his article is about the conflict between Azania and Tambaza?

Do not worry—these are just normal matters.

 

It is widely known among Tanzanians that following the passing of President John Pombe Magufuli, in accordance with the Constitution, the Vice President was sworn in and continued steering the ship of the Presidency of the United Republic of Tanzania. I am certain, my reader, that you have your own opinion about that leadership—whether the ship is steady or unsteady.

 

The appointment of the Chief Secretary, after the Vice President took the oath of office to lead the nation, was among the first actions taken by the President.

 

I understand that you, my fellow citizen, might ask: who is the Chief Secretary?

 

The Chief Secretary is the Secretary to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Chief Executive in the Public Service, and also the Secretary to the Cabinet. Furthermore, he is the principal advisor to the President on matters related to discipline within the public service.

 

I am certain the reader of this article has no further questions.

 

Since Tanganyika gained independence in 1961, several Tanzanians have held this position, including:
Dunstan A. Omary (1962–1964), Joseph A. Namata (1964–1967), Dickson A. Nkembo (1967–1974), Timothy Apiyo (1974–1986), Paul M. Rupia (1986–1995), Marten Y. C. Lumbanga (1995–2006), Philimon L. Luhanjo (2006–2011), Ombeni Sefue (2012–2016), John William Kijazi (2016–2021), Bashiru Ally (2021), and Hussein Katanga (2021–2023).

 

Indeed, the name Ambassador Hussein Katanga, who is among the Tanzanians who studied at Tambaza Secondary School between 1979 and 1982 (Stream K), was unfamiliar to many.

 

However, Mwanakwetu clarified that he is not a new figure, but rather someone who has gone through several levels of leadership in Tanzania.

 

In brief, after completing his studies at Tambaza, he joined the Dar es Salaam School of Accountancy (D.S.A). He later went to the United Kingdom to pursue a Master’s degree, and upon returning, he worked as a District Treasurer (D.T) in several local government councils, including Mbinga.

 

He was later appointed Executive Director of Kinondoni Municipal Council, the same district where he had studied. While there, Prime Minister Edward Lowassa revoked his appointment, but on the very same day, the President appointed him as Regional Administrative Secretary for Singida, and later for Morogoro Region.

 

He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming Deputy Permanent Secretary in TAMISEMI, and later Permanent Secretary in TAMISEMI for a short period.

 

While in Singida, there is a story that he once helped a young man financially with wedding preparations, even giving him his bank card to withdraw money. Later, when they met again in Dodoma, he gave him an additional contribution of two million Tanzanian shillings. The young man successfully held his wedding and acknowledged that much of its success was due to Ambassador Katanga’s support.

 

He was later appointed Chief Executive of the Judiciary, then Ambassador of Tanzania to Japan, before being appointed Chief Secretary in 2021.

 

My reader, some of these details can be found in official records, but many more are preserved in the stories of Tanzanians.

 

Since he studied at Tambaza, many alumni were eager to know more about him. Those who knew him in school describe him as disciplined, helpful, and considerate of others.

 

He was a devoted Muslim who observed all five daily prayers. He also loved reading and sharing books, a habit influenced by his mother, who worked at KIUTA (National Printing Press), and provided him with many books.

That is who Ambassador Hussein Katanga is—now serving as Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

 

What comes next? Wait for the next article.

 

As Muslims continued observing Ramadan, Mwanakwetu offered them this verse:

This holy month, let all beings be kind,A month of nurturing, a time to refine,As we work and worship with hearts aligned,
Ramadan has come—may God forgive our sins.

Remember, this is part of the “The Azania- Tambaza Conflict XXIV.”

Wishing you a pleasant day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com
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