Kigoma RC orders newly-appointed DCs to address land conflicts, illegal immigration

KIGOMA: KIGOMA Regional Commissioner, Simon Sirro, has sworn in the newly-appointed District Commissioners in the region and directed them to address land conflicts and illegal immigration, which have emerged as major challenges in the area.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Kigoma Regional Commissioner’s Office grounds in Mnarani, Kigoma town, Ambassador Sirro said the region had received a large number of immigrants from the Great Lakes region, resulting in a significant number of foreigners living in the area without following proper procedures.

He said the situation posed risks to the country’s security and called on the new District Commissioners to work closely with relevant authorities to address the challenge.

Ambassador Sirro also said the region had taken firm measures to ensure the issuance of National Identification Authority (NIDA) identity cards amid the large number of illegal immigrants. He noted that the measures had resulted in complaints from citizens who had been denied identity cards, urging the new District Commissioners to listen to and carefully address such complaints.

“You have been appointed to serve the people. Your emphasis should therefore be on serving citizens rather than engaging in power struggles with fellow leaders. Visit development projects and take action on those facing challenges,” the Regional Commissioner said.

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Earlier, speaking on behalf of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Kigoma Regional Chairman Jamal Tamim welcomed the new District Commissioners and urged them to prioritise peace and security to ensure the region remains safe and enables residents to freely pursue their development activities.

Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony, Uvinza District Commissioner Mtella Mwampamba thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the appointment, saying he was ready to serve in accordance with the directives given to him.

He said he had taken note of the directives issued by the Kigoma Regional Commissioner and was ready to work with various stakeholders and authorities to implement them.