Zungu takes Speaker’s gown

• Pledges to foster fairness, inclusivity and equality

DODOMA: THE newly elected Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Mussa Azzan Zungu has pledged to foster a cooperative Parliament that upholds fairness, inclusivity and equality for all Members of Parliament (MPs).

Speaking shortly after being unanimously elected with 378 votes out of 380 valid votes in Dodoma on Tuesday, Speaker Zungu assured MPs that his office would remain open and accessible to all lawmakers.

Mr Zungu expressed his deep gratitude to the National Chairperson of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for the trust placed in him to vie for the top parliamentary position.

He also thanked all MPs for their overwhelming support, urging continued cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of government priorities over the next five years including smooth implementation of the DIRA 2050, which refers to Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.

He promised to lead a parliament that effectively steer the long-term national blueprint that will guide the country’s social, economic and environmental transformation from 2025 to 2050.

This document succeeds Tanzania Development Vision 2025 (TDV 2025), which focused on transforming Tanzania into a middle-income, industrialised nation by 2025.

“The trust you have shown in me is immense. I want to assure you that this victory belongs to all of us. You have not elected me to lead Parliament alone, but to work together to achieve our national priorities,” he said.

Speaker Zungu paid tribute to his predecessors, particularly Dr Tulia Ackson, under whom he served as Deputy Speaker during the 12th Parliament (2022–2025).

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“Dr Tulia trusted me and involved me in many matters. I faithfully followed all her directives to ensure that Parliament fulfilled its duties in accordance with its rules and procedures. I sincerely thank you, Dr Tulia, for your contribution and the knowledge you shared,” he noted.

Mr Zungu promised that, once his lieutenants are elected, they would work as a team to lead the 13th Parliament with fairness, integrity and impartiality.

Announcing the results, the Clerk of the National Assembly and Returning Officer, Mr Baraka Leonard, said that out of 383 votes cast, three were rejected.

Mr Zungu defeated five other contestants to the post. They include Ms Veronica Charles Tyeah from National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) who garnered zero votes, same as Mr Chrisant Nyakitita from Democratic Party (DP) and Mr Amin Alfred Yango from Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC).

Ms Anitha Alfan Mgaya from National League for Democracy (NLD) earned one vote, same as Mr Ndonge Said Ndonge from Alliance for Africa Farms Party (AAFP).

The election was conducted in accordance with Article 86(1) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977), Standing Order No. 9 and the First Schedule to the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, 2025. Before the voting began, Mr Leonard read the Presidential Proclamation summoning Parliament and appointed Isimani MP, Mr William Lukuvi, the longestserving legislator, to chair the election session.

Following the election of the new Speaker, MPs took the oath of allegiance, led by former Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson, who was the first to be sworn in.

Profile: Mussa Azzan Zungu Birth and Background:

Born on May 25th 1952 in Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania), Mr Zungu is a longserving member of CCM and has represented Ilala Constituency in Dar es Salaam since December 2005.

Career Highlights:

Minister of State in the VicePresident’s Office (Union and Environment) – January to June 2020 under the late President John Magufuli. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly (elected February 2022).

Played an active role in parliamentary oversight and promoting fairness in the management of public funds, including the 10 per cent councils’ loan scheme for youth, women and persons with disabilities.

Education and Early Career:

Mr Zungu studied at the Military College of Aviation in Tanzania and Canada from 1979 to 1982, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation and Aircraft Engineering.

Advance Secondary Level at Tambaza Secondary School, Ordinary Secondary School Level at Kinondoni Secondary School and St Joseph Primary School. Before entering national politics, he worked in the aviation sector and held local government positions, including councillor and deputy mayor of Ilala District.

Key Priorities and Contributions:

Advocates for strong parliamentary oversight of government expenditure. Promotes innovation and technology adoption in agriculture, urging farmers, particularly in the sugar sector, to use modern technologies. Fosters international parliamentary cooperation, having led Tanzanian delegations in discussions with the European Parliament on the EU– OACPS partnership.

Why He Matters:

As the newly elected Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Zungu now holds one of the most influential positions in Tanzania’s governance system. His leadership will shape parliamentary procedures, strengthen oversight of government actions and guide legislative development for years to come.