‘Handle pandemics firmly’

DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the newly appointed Chief Medical Officer, Dr Grace Magembe and her team to handle pandemic-related matters with precision and efficiency.

Speaking at the swearingin ceremony of four newly appointed Court of Appeal judges and the oath of integrity for senior officials at Chamwino State House in Dodoma yesterday, President Samia called for effective public health management.

“Grace, your role is crucial and requires great attention. You and your team must be firm to oversee pandemicrelated matters in the country effectively. We must avoid unnecessary alarms. I trust that you will carry out this responsibility competently and guide the country clear of such issues,” she said.

Addressing the Commissioner of Ethics for the Public Leadership Ethics Secretariat, Judge Sivangilwa Mwangesi, President Samia called for stricter action against unethical leaders.

She urged Judge Mwangesi to go beyond issuing mere warnings and to take decisive steps when necessary.

“Judge Mwangesi, you administer oaths every time we appoint people, but I feel like I have denied you the authority to take action. I have not heard of any leader being punished.

Instead, I receive reports suggesting warnings or guidance. Be bold one day and tell me, ‘Madam President, this person deserves action.’ Only then will leaders take ethics seriously,” President Samia said.

The president also called on all appointed officials to act as catalysts for change in their respective roles, ensuring their work results in tangible progress.

The Head of State also addressed the judiciary, recognising its independence and progress in leveraging technology to deliver justice.

She commended Chief Justice Professor Ibrahim Juma for improving efficiency in the judicial system, while acknowledging existing challenges.

“Chief Justice, I congratulate you on the use of technology in the judiciary. Although challenges remain, steps have been taken and we will continue to cooperate to resolve them,” she said.

ALSO READ: Economy soars, poverty fades

President Samia reminded the newly appointed judges of their responsibility to deliver justice swiftly and impartially.

“Your good performance is why I appointed you to this higher position. I urge you to fulfil your duties diligently and ensure justice is served in the areas where you have been posted,” she said.

Chief Justice Prof Juma expressed gratitude to the president for increasing the number of Court of Appeal judges from 35 to 39, noting that this will help address case backlogs and reduce congestion in prisons.

“With this addition, we can now increase judicial panels from 11 to 12, significantly reducing delays. The Commissioner of Prisons informed me that this efficiency has created space for 2,000 inmates due to faster case resolutions,” he said.

Prof Juma added that the judiciary is exploring the use of video conferencing for appeals to enhance security and efficiency, reducing the need to transport inmates physically.

Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango, called on all appointees to uphold their oaths and contribute to the judiciary’s growth.

“We have strengthened the judiciary and I urge all those sworn in today to continue their work with integrity and professionalism,” he said.

The newly sworn-in Court of Appeal judges include Justice Latifa Mansoor, formerly the Presiding Judge at the Integrated Centre in Morogoro; Justice George Masaju, previously a High Court Judge and Presidential Legal Advisor; Justice Dr Deo Nangela, formerly the Presiding Judge of the Sumbawanga High Court Zone; and Dr Ubena Agatho, who served in the Commercial Division of the High Court in Dar es Salaam.