Jenista Mhagama succeeds Ummy Mwalimu after cabinet reshuffle

TANZANIA—The Ministry of Health has announced the appointment of Ms. Jenista Mhagama as the new Minister of Health, succeeding the long-serving Health Minister, Ummy Mwalimu, who was removed following a recent Cabinet reshuffle.

The change in leadership is part of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader strategy to realign her government ahead of the general elections next year.

Although the official statement did not provide a specific reason for Ummy Mwalimu’s dismissal, it is widely viewed as President Hassan’s strategic move to strengthen her administration.

Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka announced the new appointment, emphasizing that Ms. Mhagama, who previously served as the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, will now oversee Policy, Parliament, and Coordination in her new role at the Ministry of Health.

During the handover ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dodoma, Minister Mhagama expressed her admiration for Ummy Mwalimu’s leadership and acknowledged the significant advancements made in the health sector under her predecessor’s 14-year tenure.

Mhagama pledged to build on the foundation laid by Ummy and continue the collaborative efforts needed to achieve even greater progress in the health sector.

Ummy Mwalimu, in her remarks during the event, congratulated her successor, Jenista Mhagama, on her new role and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the ministry effectively.

 On her Instagram page, Ummy conveyed her deep gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the trust and responsibilities entrusted to her throughout her career.

She wrote, “With great honor and humility, I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for trusting me with the opportunity to serve in her government. I will always cherish this trust and the honor bestowed upon me.”

Ummy Mwalimu has held various key government positions over the years, including her recent roles as the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government from March 2021 to January 2022 and as the Minister of Health from January 2022 to August 14, 2024.

 Her extensive experience in various ministries, both as a Minister and Deputy Minister since 2010, has significantly impacted the country’s governance and health sector development.

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