TANZANIA PRESIDENT SACKS THIRD HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER

By Our Staff Reporter, Dar es Salaam TANZANIA

President of Tanzania, John Magufuli, has today January 23,  fired the Minister for Home Affairs, Kangi Lugola, for entering into a contract worth over Sh1 trillion ($452.5 million) without involving the Ministry of  Finance and Planning or approval from the Parliament.

FILE: Former Minister for Home Affairs, Kangi Lugola (R) with Commissioner General of Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force, Thobias Andengenye (Middle)

The President has also sacked the Commissioner General of the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force, Thobias Andengenye, who was involved in signing the dubious contract.

In the meantime, the president has disclosed that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Brigadier Jacob Kingu, has already submitted his resignation letter following that saga.

“Kangi Lugola was my student at Sengerema Secondary School, but for this, I’m saying NO. The same to Andengenye, who, I know, is doing a good job but for this I’m saying NO.” The president said.

Magufuli who was commissioning the Ukonga Prison housing project in Dar es Salaam city, told the gathering that Andengenye went to Europe and signed a contract that cost trillions of shillings without getting the Parliament’s consent.

Kangi Lugola having a light time with a police officer
before president Magufuli (not in picture)

He added “I am even surprised to see the minister here because I think he should not have been here at all. I thought he had already submitted his letter of resignation to me. You praised me when you delivered your speech here.  Thank you very much, but for this, I’m saying NO,”

Lugola who is a Member of Parliament for Mwibara in Mara region, was appointed to that post in July 1, 2018 following removal of Mwigulu Nchemba who was also appointed to that position in June 11, 2016. Nchemba was sacked for failing to curb road carnage.

Following his election as president of Tanzania in 2015, Magufuli appointed Charles Kitwanga as Minister of Home Affairs and fired him in May 2016 for turning up to parliament and answering questions while under the influence of alcohol.

With the sacking of Lugola, the Ministry of Home Affairs becomes historic ministry that have been led by three ministers in four years’ time. President Magufuli’s five-year term ends in October 2020 that is obvious to have fourth minister for that position before he ends his first term as president. 

The Ministry of Home Affairs comprise of Tanzania Police Force, Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force, Immigration Services and Tanzania Prisons. - Africa