Mheshimiwa Dkt. Shukuru Jumanne Kawambwa (Mb), Waziri wa Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi;

Mheshimiwa Hawa Ghasia (Mb), Waziri Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu Tawala za Mikoa na Serikali za Mitaa;

Waheshimiwa Manaibu Waziri;

Mheshimiwa Chiku Galawa; Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dodoma;

Mheshimiwa Magreth Sitta (Mb), Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Kudumu ya Bunge ya Huduma za Jamii;

Waheshimiwa Wabunge;

Balozi Ombeni Sefue, Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi;

Makatibu Wakuu na Naibu Makatibu Wakuu;

Washirika wa Maendeleo;

Wadau wa Maendeleo ya Elimu;

Viongozi wa Serikali na Mashirika ya Dini;

Walimu na Wanafunzi;

Ndugu Wanahabari;

Ndugu Wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana.

Shukrani

Ninayo furaha kubwa ya kuungana nanyi leo katika kuhitimisha maadhimisho haya ya pili ya kitaifa ya wiki ya elimu. Nakushukuru wewe, Mheshimiwa Waziri na viongozi wenzako wa Wizara ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi kwa kunipa heshima hii kubwa ya kushiriki  maadhimisho haya.

Pia, nawashukuru na kuwapongeza kwa dhati viongozi na wananchi wa Mkoa wa Dodoma wakiongozwa na Mkuu wa Mkoa, Mheshimiwa Chiku Galawa kwa kukubali kuwa wenyeji wa maadhimisho haya kwa mara ya pili mfululizo. Vile vile, napenda  kuipongeza Kamati ya Maandalizi ya Kilele cha Maadhimisho ya Pili ya Kitaifa ya Wiki ya Elimu Tanzania kwa kazi nzuri waliyofanya ya kufanikisha shughuli hii. Kwenu wote nasema hongereni sana!

Kauli Mbiu

Ndugu Waziri;

Ndugu wananchi;

          Nimefurahishwa na kauli mbiu ya maadhimisho ya mwaka huu isemayo “Elimu Bora ni Haki ya Kila Mtoto kwa Maendeleo ya Taifa”. Kauli mbinu hii ni muafaka kabisa  kwa kuwa kupata elimu ni moja ya haki ya msingi ya mtoto. Tena lazima apate elimu iliyo bora. Aidha kauli mbiu inaakisi kwa usahihi madhumuni na malengo ya Serikali katika hatua inazochukua kuendeleza elimu nchini. Kuwapatia Watanzania elimu bora ndiyo shabaha   ya msingi ya Sera ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya Mwaka 2014 niliyoizindua mapema mwaka huu.  Pia ndiyo shabaha ya Sera zilizokuwepo kabla ya hii tangu uhuru mpaka sasa.  Tulichokifanya katika awamu hii ni kutoa msukumo mkubwa zaidi katika kuendeleza elimu.  Kama ilivyokuwa kauli mbiu yetu ya ari Mpya, Nguvu Mpya na Ari Mpya na baadae ile ya Ari Zaidi, Nguvu Zaidi na Kasi Zaidi.

Ni ukweli ulio wazi kuwa tumepata mafanikio ya kutia moyo ingawaje bado tuna kazi kubwa ya kufanya mbele yetu.  Tuliamua kuanzisha maadhimisho ya Wiki ya Elimu nchini kwa malengo mawili. Kwanza,  kuelimisha Watanzania kuhusu jitihada zinazoendelea kufanyika na hatua tunazopiga katika kuboresha elimu na kuongeza fursa kwa watoto wetu na Watanzania kwa ujumla kupata elimu.  Pili, kutambua na kuwatunza waliofanya vizuri katika nyanja mbalimbali za elimu.

Chanzo cha Maadhimisho ya  Wiki ya Elimu

Ndugu Wananchi;

Katika kuboresha utendaji wa Serikali na kutekeleza mipango na ahadi zake tulibuni Mkakati wa Matokeo Makubwa Sasa (Big Results Now - BRN). Katika mpango huo Elimu ilikuwa miongoni mwa sekta sita za mwanzo, nyingine zikiwa maji, kilimo, nishati, miundombinu na mapato ya serikali.  Baadae tumeongeza mazingira ya uwekezaji na afya.

Baada ya kufanya uchambuzi wa hali ilivyo na kutafuta ufumbuzi wa changamoto zilizopo katika elimu ilikubaliwa mambo tisa kupewa kipaumbele. Mambo hayo ni:-

(i)              Upangaji wa shule kwa ubora kwa matokeo ya mtihani kitaifa kuanzia shule iliyoongoza hadi ya mwisho.

(ii)           Uratibu wa utoaji wa tuzo kwa shule zilizofanya vizuri,

(iii)        kuwa na kiongozi cha usimamizi wa shule,

(iv)        Upimaji wa kitaifa wa stadi za kusoma, kuandika na kuhesabu,

(v)           Mafunzo kwa walimu kwa stadi za kusoma, kuandika na kuhesabu,

(vi)        Kujenga uwezo wa walimu na wanafunzi katika ufundishaji na ujifunzaji,

(vii)     Ujenzi wa miundo mbinu muhimu ya shule; madarasa,

(viii)  Utoaji ya ruzuku wa uendeshaji wa shule na,

(ix)         Utoaji wa motisha kwa walimu.

Kuhusu utoaji wa tuzo naipongeza Wizara ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi kwa uamuzi wa busara kuwa tuzo hizo zitolewe kwenye kilele cha Maadhimisho ya Wiki ya elimu.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Ni matazamio yetu kuwa utoaji wa tuzo hizi utakuwa kichocheo cha kujenga ari, hamasa na tabia ya ushindani wa kitaaluma ndani ya mfumo wa Elimu. Jambo hilo litasaidia kuinua ubora na ufanisi katika ngazi zote za elimu.  Ushindani wa kitaaluma utasababisha kuongezeka kwa ufanisi na uwajibikaji katika kufundisha na kujifunza na hatimaye kuendelea kuboresha uelewa wa wanafunzi na kuwafanya wawe na matokeo mazuri.

Tuzo kwa Waliofanya Vizuri katika Mitihani ya Taifa ya

Mwaka 2014 na Uandishi wa Insha za Jumuiya ya Afrika

Mashariki (EAC) na Jumuiya ya Nchi za Kusini mwa Afrika (SADC)

Ndugu wananchi;

Napenda kutumia nafasi hii kutoa pongezi nyingi kwa wale wote waliopata Tuzo. Wahenga wamesema “mcheza kwao hutunzwa”. Siku hii ya leo, jumla ya shule 20 na wanafunzi 20 waliofanya vizuri katika matokeo ya mitihani ya Taifa ya darasa la saba na kidato cha nne mwaka 2014 wamepokea zawadi na tuzo. Nazipongeza sana shule zetu hizi na wanafunzi wote hawa kwa ushindi waliopata. Aidha jumla ya shule 3,090 yaani 2,166 za msingi na 924 za sekondari zilizopata ufaulu uliotukuka na nyingine kuongeza ufaulu kwa kiwango cha juu zitapata tuzo na zawadi stahiki.

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu wananchi;

Niruhusuni pia nitoe pongezi kwa vijana 13 walioitoa nchi yetu kimasomaso katika mashindano ya uandishi wa insha yanayoendeshwa na Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki (EAC) na Jumuiya ya Umoja wa Nchi za Kusini mwa Afrika (SADC). Hongereni Sana.

Hali kadhalika, natoa pongezi maalum kwa wale vijana watatu (3) waliopata ushindi kwa kuandika insha bora na wengine watatu (3) waliochora picha bora kuhusiana na kauli Mbiu ya maadhimisho ya mwaka 2015. Naomba Wizara ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi wakishirikiana na Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu – Tawala za Mikoa na Serikali za Mitaa (TAMISEMI) kuongeza wigo wa mashindano ya kitaaluma kwa wanafunzi. Naamini kufanya hivyo kutasaidia kuibua vipaji vya watoto wetu tangu wakiwa wadogo. Tusiishie hapo, nawasihi walimu, wazazi, walezi na jamii nao wahakikishe kuwa vipaji hivi vinaendelezwa.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Maadhimisho haya yanatukumbusha sote juu ya wajibu wa kila mwananchi kushiriki katika shughuli za maendeleo ya shule na ufuatiliaji wa karibu wa shughuli zote zinazofanyika shuleni kwa lengo la kumuwezesha kila mtoto kupata elimu bora. Ni ukweli ulio wazi kwamba wajibu wa kuhakikisha watoto wetu wanapata elimu bora si wa Serikali pekee, bali pia ni wa wazazi na walezi wanaoishi na watoto na jamii kwa ujumla. Daima tukumbuke kuwa watoto hawaishi Serikalini bali kwenye familia na jamii hivyo wazazi, walezi na jamii ina nafasi maalum katika maendeleo ya mtoto kwa upande wa elimu na mambo mengine maishani.

Maendeleo katika Sekta ya Elimu Nchini

Ndugu Wananchi;

Katika kipindi cha miaka kumi iliyopita tumeweza kupiga hatua kubwa katika sekta ya elimu nchini. Ninyi mliopo hapa ni wadau muhimu hivyo ni mashahidi wa mafanikio tuliyoyapata ambayo ni matokeo ya kuongezeka kwa shule, idadi ya wanafunzi, idadi ya walimu, vitabu na vifaa vya kufundishia na kujifunzia. Katika kipindi hicho, Shule za msingi zimeongezeka kutoka shule 14,257 mwaka 2005 hadi kufikia shule 16,343 mwaka 2014. Hii imefanya idadi ya wanafunzi kuongezeka kutoka milioni 7.54 hadi kufikia milioni 8.23. Kwa upande wa shule za sekondari, idadi yake imeongezeka kutoka shule 1,745 mwaka 2005 hadi kufikia shule 4,576 mwaka 2014. Hali kadhalika, idadi ya wanafunzi wa shule za sekondari imeongezeka kutoka wanafunzi 524,325 mwaka 2005 hadi kufikia wanafunzi 1,804,056 mwaka 2014.

 Jumla ya walimu wote wa msingi na sekondari idadi imeongezeka kutoka 153,767 mwaka 2005 hadi 301,960 mwaka 2015.  Katika kipindi hicho, vyuo vya ufundi vimeongezeka kutoka 184 mwaka 2005 hadi 744 mwaka 2015.  Wanafunzi wa elimu ya ufundi nao wameongezeka kutoka 40,059 mwaka 2005 hadi 145,511 mwaka 2015. Kwa upande wa elimu ya juu, wanafunzi wa vyuo vikuu wameongezeka kutoka 40,719 mwaka 2005 hadi 200,986 mwaka 2014. Hii ni kutokana na kuongezeka kwa vyuo vikuu na vyuo vikuu vishiriki vimeongezeka kutoka 26 mwaka 2005 hadi 52 mwaka 2015.  Upanuzi huu mkubwa katika udahili wa wanafunzi wa vyuo vikuu umewezekana kutokana na kuongezeka kwa bajeti ya Bodi ya Mikopo ya wanafunzi na kuruhusu wanafunzi wa vyuo vikuu vya binafsi navyo wapatiwe mikopo.  Bajeti iliongezwa kutoka shilingi bilioni 56.1 mwaka 2005 hadi shilingi bilioni 345 mwaka 2015 na kunufaisha wanafunzi 98,000 mpaka sasa.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Mafanikio haya ni matokeo ya kutoa kipaumbele cha kwanza kwa elimu katika bajeti ya serikali. Leo hii bajeti ya sekta ya elimu ndiyo kubwa kuliko zote nchini ambayo sasa imefikia shilingi trilioni 3.4 ikilinganishwa na shilingi bilioni 669.5 mwaka 2005. Tumefanya hivyo kwa kutambua kwamba kuwekeza kwenye elimu ni kuwekeza kwenye uhai na maendeleo ya taifa na watu wake sasa na miaka mingi ijayo. Tusipowekeza kwenye elimu, Watanzania hawataweza kutawala mazingira na raslimali zao na kuzitumia kujiletea maendeleo. Taifa lisilowekeza katika elimu, halina nafasi huko tuendako.

Ndugu wananchi;

Ukiacha sababu hizo, jambo lingine lililotufanya tuongeze sana bejeti ya elimu ni ule ukweli kwamba, wakati Serikali ya Awamu ya Nne inaingia madarakani mwaka 2005 Tanzania ilikuwa nyuma kwa wanafunzi wa elimu ya msingi, sekondari na vyuo vikuu kuliko Kenya na Uganda. Lakini nchi yetu ndiyo kubwa kuliko nchi zote katika Jumuiya ya Afrika ya Mashariki.  Takwimu zilizopo zinaonesha kuwa mwaka 2005, Tanzania ilikuwa na wanafunzi wa shule za sekondari 524,325 wakati Uganda ilikuwa na wanafunzi 728,393 na Kenya 925,341. Kwa upande wa vyuo vikuu Tanzania ilikuwa na wanafunzi 40,719, wakati Uganda ilikuwa na wanafunzi 124,313 na Kenya ilikuwa na wanafunzi 108,407.    

Kwa kuwa nyuma ya wenzetu katika utoaji wa fursa ya elimu kwa vijana wetu kulituweka pagumu katika kutoa ushindani katika soko la jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki.  Wakati ule wazazi wengi walilazimika kupeleka watoto wao kusoma Uganda na Kenya. Tukafanya uamuzi wa makusudi kuongeza uwekezaji kwenye elimu ili fursa ya kupata elimu ya msingi, sekondari na chuo kikuu ziongezeke hapa hapa nchini.  Kwa upande wa elimu ya msingi tulijenga shule mpya na kuongeza madarasa pale ilipohitajika.  Kwa upande wa sekondari tukaanzisha mkakati wa kujenga shule ya sekondari kwa kila kata na kwa elimu ya juu tulihimiza wadau wengine kujenga vyuo vikuu na serikali kutoa mikopo ya elimu ya juu kwa wote.  Sisi tulionesha mfano kwa kujenga Chuo Kikuucha Dodoma, Chuo cha Nelson Mandela na kuanzisha Chuo cha Mbeya na sasa tunajenga Chuo Kikuu cha Kilimo Butiama.

Matokeo ya uamuzi huo na hatua hizo ni kuongezeka sana kwa shule za sekondari na vyuo vikuu nchini. Kwa sababu hiyo ilipofikia mwaka 2013 hali ilikuwa tofauti kabisa. Wanafunzi katika shule za sekondari Tanzania walifikia milioni 1,804,056 na vyuo vikuu 200,986. Wenzetu wa Kenya bado wanatuzidi kwa kuwa na wanafunzi wa sekondari 2,104,300 na vyuo vikuu 324,600. Lakini, tuliweza kuipita Uganda iliyokuwa na wanafunzi wa shule za sekondari 1,362,739 na wa vyuo vikuu 140,403. Leo tuko mahala ambapo tunaweza kusema   tunashindana kisawa sawa na wenzetu.

Mafanikio hayo makubwa katika sekta ya elimu hayakutokana na nguvu za Serikali peke yake.  Haya ni mafanikio yaliyotokana na mchango mkubwa wa wananchi na wadau wengine. Wananchi walijitolea nguvu zao na chochote walichokuwa nacho kujenga shule za sekondari na msingi nchini kote. Aidha, huwezi kutaja mafanikio haya bila ya kutambua mchango mkubwa wa taasisi na mashirika ya dini na sekta binafsi ambao wamejenga shule za msingi na sekondari pamoja na vyuo vikuu.

Tunayo kila sababu ya kujipongeza na kujivunia matokeo haya na matunda ya kazi yetu nzuri. Wakati huo huo tunaendelea kukumbushana umuhimu wa kuendelea na kazi muhimu ya kuongeza ubora wa elimu waipatayo watoto wetu katika ngazi zote.

Suala la kuongeza ufaulu katika mitihani ya darasa la saba na kidato cha nne ni miongoni mwa malengo makuu ya Mkakati wa Matokeo Makubwa sasa. Kwa mujibu wa BRN malengo ya   ufaulu kwa kidato cha nne umetakiwa uwe asilimia 60 mwaka 2013 na asilimia 80 mwaka 2014. Kiwango cha ufaulu kwa kidato cha nne hivi sasa ni asilimia 69.7. Kwa upande wa darasa la saba, malengo yalikuwa kufikia asilimia 60 mwaka 2013 na asilimia 80 mwaka 2014 mpaka sasa tumefikia asilimia 56.9.

Kwa jumla ufaulu umekuwa unaongezeka lakini bado hatujafika pale tunapopataka.  Ufaulu wa wanafunzi ni kielelezo cha ubora wa elimu wanayopata.  Hivyo basi, tunayo kazi kubwa ya kufanya kuinua ubora wa elimu ncini.  Katika BRN kuongeza ubora wa elimu lilikuwa agenda mama na yote tunayofanya shabaha yake ni hiyo.  Tunaendelea na utekelezaji wake na sina shaka kwamba tukifanikiwa kutekeleza kwa ukamilifu elimu nchini siyo tu itamfikia kila anayeistahili bali itakuwa ya ubora wa hali ya juu.  Hakuna lisilowelezekana, kinachotakiwa ni kila mmoja wetu kutimiza wajibu wake.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Napenda kutumia fursa hii pia, kuzipongeza Halmashauri zote na mikoa yote kwa kuitikia wito wangu wa kujenga maabara katika shule zetu za sekondari ambazo hazina. Aidha, nawashukuru wazazi, walezi na wadau kwa kujitolea kuchangia nguvu kazi katika ujenzi wa maabara. Wasivunjwe moyo na wale wachache wanaojaribu kutukatisha tamaa. Kwa viongozi wa mikoa, Wilaya na Halmashauri, nakumbusha kwa mara ya mwisho kuwa ujenzi wa maabara zilizokuwa hazijakamilishwa uwe umekamilika ifikapo Juni 30, 2015.  Nimeona nirudie hili kuweka msisitizo.

Hitimisho

Ndugu Wananchi;

Hapana shaka kuwa tuko katika njia sahihi katika azma yetu ya kuleta mapinduzi katika sekta ya elimu, na kuwaandaa vijana wetu kukabiliana na changamoto za maisha za kujiletea maendeleo yao, ya jamii wanayoishi na nchi yao. Kila mmoja na atimize wajibu wake ipasavyo. Mafanikio ya kuleta mapinduzi ya elimu yanategemea mkusanyiko wa jitihada za wanafunzi, wazazi walezi, walimu, wamiliki wa shule na vyuo ikiwemo serikali.  Kila mmoja akilima mraba wake vizuri katika shamba hili kubwa, matunda yake na neema zake ni faraja kwetu. Tukifanya kinyume chake madhara yake ni hasara kwetu sote.  Hivyo basi,  kila mtu atambue  wajibu wake katika  kuhakikisha elimu inapatikana kwa watoto wetu wote na ni wa ubora ya hali ya juu.  Njia nzuri ya kutimiza wajibu wako ni kuanza na shule ya msingi na sekondari iliyoko katika eneo lako na kata yako maana hakuna  eneo wlala kata isiyo na shule hizo na hakuna Mtanzania asiyeishi katika kata.

Kila mmoja wetu na ajiulize, amechangia nini katika kuboresha shule ya eneo na kata yake? Amechangia nini katika kusimamia na kufuatilia mahudhurio na maendeleo ya kitaaluma ya mtoto aliyeko kwenye kaya yake? Elimu bora inawezekana na inaanza na wewe.  Timiza wajibu wako.

Mungu ibariki Tanzania!

Ahsanteni Sana kwa Kunisikiliza

Ndugu Gratian Mukoba, Rais wa Shirikisho la Vyama vya Wafanyakazi    Tanzania (TUCTA);

Ndugu Nicholaus Mgaya, Katibu Mkuu wa Shirikisho la Vyama vya Wafanyakazi Tanzania (TUCTA);

Mheshimiwa Gaudentia Mugosi Kabaka, Waziri wa Kazi na Ajira;

Mheshimiwa Magesa Mulongo, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Mwanza;

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri na Makatibu Wakuu wa Wizara;

Ndugu Alexio Musindo, Mkurugenzi Ofisi ya Shirika la Kazi Duniani (ILO) kwa nchi za Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda na Burundi;

Ndugu Almasi Maige, Rais wa Chama cha Waajiri;

Dr. Aggrey Mlimuka, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Chama cha Waajiri Tanzania (ATE);

Waheshimiwa Mabalozi;

Viongozi wa Vyama vya Wafanyakazi;

Wawakilishi wa Vyama vya Siasa;

Viongozi Waandamizi wa Serikali;

Ndugu Wananchi na Wafanyakazi Wenzagu;

Wageni Waalikwa, Mabibi na Mabwana.

Nakushukuru sana Rais wa TUCTA Ndugu Gratian Mukoba na viongozi wenzako  wa vyama vya wafanyakazi kwa kunialika kuja kushiriki nanyi katika sherehe za  mwaka 2015 za  Mei  Mosi hapa Mwanza.  Aidha, natoa pongezi nyingi kwa Chama cha Wafanyakazi wa Migodi na Ujenzi Tanzania (TAMICO) ambao ndio wenyeji wetu mwaka huu kwa maandalizi mazuri ya Sherehe hizi. Hakika yamefana sana.  

Sote ni mashahidi wa jinsi maandamano na maonesho ya kazi za wafanyakazi wa Tanzania yalivyopendeza. Nimesoma mengi ya mabango ya waandamanaji, napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa ujumbe umefika. 

Napenda kutumia nafasi hii kuwapongeza ndugu zetu wa Mkoa wa Mwanza wakiongozwa na Mkuu wa Mkoa, Ndugu Magesa Mulongo kwa kukubali kuwa wenyeji wa maadhimisho ya sherehe hizi.  Mmetupokea vizuri na kutukirimu kwa heshima kubwa.  Tunajisikia tuko nyumbani.

Ndugu Rais wa TUCTA;

Kwa mara nyingine tena nakupongeza kwa kuchaguliwa kwako kuwa Rais wa TUCTA.  Sisi katika Serikali tumeupokea kwa furaha uchaguzi wako. Narudia kukuhakikishia ushirikiano wangu na wa wenzangu wote katika Serikali ninayoiongoza, katika utekelezaji wa majukumu yako.  Ni matumaini yetu kuwa tutashirikiana kwa ukamilifu katika kuendeleza maslahi na ustawi wa wafanyakazi wa Tanzania na nchi yetu. 

Ndugu  wafanyakazi;

Napenda kuchukua nafasi hii kuwapa pole  kwa  msiba  mkubwa mlioupata wa kuondokewa na Bwana Erasto John Kihwele  aliyekuwa Katibu   Mkuu  wa Chama cha Wafanyakazi wa Reli (TRAWU).   Hakika mmepoteza kiongozi mahiri katika kujenga hoja na kupigania haki za wafanyakazi wa reli.  Namkumbuka sana kwa jinsi alivyosimama kidete kutetea wafanyakazi wa TAZARA katika kikao chetu cha pamoja mwaka jana. Utetezi wake ulizaa matunda kwa kuanzishwa kwa Baraza la Wafanyakazi TAZARA. Kwa kweli sote tumepata pigo.  Nawaomba muendeleze yale mazuri aliyoyasimamia. Mwenyezi Mungu ailaze roho ya Marehemu mahali pema peponi”. Ameen.

Pongezi kwa Wafanyakazi Bora

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

          Kama ilivyo ada leo tena tunawapongeza wafanyakazi wenzetu waliotekeleza vizuri majukumu yao katika maeneo yao ya kazi.  Tunawapongeza kwa kazi yao njema iliyowawezesha kuibuka washindi kati ya wafanyakazi wengi walio bora.  Nawapongeza na kuwasihi waendelee na ari na moyo huo wa kuchapa kazi kwa bidii, nidhamu na maarifa.  Ni matumaini yangu kuwa mafanikio yao yatakuwa kichocheo kwa wengine kuongeza bidii zaidi ili waweze kufikia na hata kuzidi viwango vyao vya ubora mwakani.

Risala ya Wafanyakazi

Ndugu Rais wa TUCTA na Wafanyakazi Wenzangu;

          Nimeisikiliza na kuifuatilia kwa makini sana risala ya wafanyakazi iliyowasilishwa kwa ufasaha na Katibu Mkuu wenu mahiri, Ndugu Nicholas Mgaya.  Nawapongeza kwa risala nzuri iliyobeba maneno ya shukrani, changamoto, faraja na karaha za wafanyakazi.  Risala yenu pia imekuwa na maoni yakinifu kuhusu namna ya kuyapatia ufumbuzi baadhi ya matatizo yaliyotajwa.  Nataka kuwahakikishieni kuwa nimeisikiliza neno kwa neno na kituo kwa kituo.  Nimeyasikia yale mliyosema kwa uwazi na hata yale mliyoyasema kwa mabano.  Nimeyapokea, tumeyapokea na kama ilivyo kawaida yetu tutayashughulikia kwa uzito unaostahili.  Baadhi yake nitayazungumzia katika hotuba yangu hii.

Kauli Mbiu

Ndugu Rais wa TUCTA;

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Nimefurahishwa na kauli mbiu ya Sherehe za mwaka huu isemayo “Jiandikishe, kura yako ni muhimu kwa maendeleo”.  Kauli mbiu hii ni muafaka kabisa na wakati tulionao sasa.  Ni kauli mbiu inayokumbusha wajibu muhimu wa kila mfanyakazi na kila Mtanzania. Kupiga kura kuchangua viongozi na, kwa ajili ya kuamua mambo muhimu kitaifa, yanayotakiwa kuamuliwa kwa Kura ya Maoni kama ilivyo Katiba Inayopendekezwa, ni haki na wajibu wa msingi wa raia. Lakini, ili mtu aweze kuitumia haki yake hiyo na kutimiza wajibu wake huo lazima awe na kitambulisho cha mpiga kura. Kitambulisho hicho hupatikana kwa kujiandikisha katika Daftari la Mpiga Kura.

Naungana nanyi kuwahimiza wafanyakazi mjitokeze kujiandikisha pale mtakapotangaziwa na Tume ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi kufanya hivyo.  Ni muhimu sana kuitumia fursa hiyo vizuri kwani haitarudi itakapopita.  Narudia kukumbusha kuwa watakaopiga kura mwaka huu ni wale tu wenye vitambulisho vipya vya mpiga kura. Vya zamani havitambuliki.

Ndugu wafanyakazi;

Ni ukweli usiopingika kuwa maendeleo yanategemea kuwa na Katiba nzuri na viongozi wazuri. Hivyo basi, usiipoteze fursa hii adhimu kwa ajili ya kuipigia kura Katiba Inayopendekezwa na kuchagua Rais, Mbunge, Mwakilishi na Diwani unayemuona anafaa. Hali kadhalika, ninyi mna ndugu, marafiki na kama viongozi wa kaya mnao wategemezi majumbani mwenu ambao wengine wanazo sifa za kuwa wapiga kura. Nawaomba   muwakumbushe na kuwahimiza wajitokeze kujiandikisha na siku ikifika waende kupiga kura. 

Ndugu Rais wa TUCTA;

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Hii ndiyo sherehe ya Siku ya Wafanyakazi ya mwisho kwangu kuhudhuria nikiwa Rais wa nchi yetu.  Nimekuwa nanyi kwenye maadhimisho haya kila mliponialika. Katika miaka 10 ya uongozi wangu tumefanya jitihada kubwa kukuza ajira na kuinua hali za wafanyakazi nchini.  Nafarijika sana kuona kuwa naondoka wakati ambapo tumefanikiwa kwa kiasi kikubwa kuyatekeleza yale tuliyopanga kufanya.

Ndugu Rais wa TUCTA;

Leo hii tukitazama tulikotoka na tulipo sasa tunaiona tofauti kubwa.  Ninaposema hayo sina maana kuwa matatizo na changamoto zote za wafanyakazi zimekwisha. La hasha! Natambua pia kuwa isingelikuwa rahisi kumaliza mambo yote yanayowasibu wafanyakazi  katika kipindi hiki.  Tunachojivunia, ni kule kuweza kuzishughulikia kwa ufanisi changamoto za msingi za wafanyakazi. Hata hivyo ni muhimu kutambua kuwa bado tunayo kazi kubwa ya kufanya mbele yetu. Katu tusibweteke na kulevywa na mafanikio haya. Hatujafika katika safari yetu. Madamu tuko katika mwendo, tutafika. 

Kuboresha Mazingira ya Kazi

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Kutokana na jitihada kubwa zilizofanywa na Serikali yetu tumefanikiwa kujenga taasisi, mifumo na sheria zinazoweka misingi imara ya utatuzi wa changamoto za wafanyakazi. Tumetunga Sheria na Kanuni mbalimbali kwa lengo la kulinda haki za msingi za wafanyakazi pamoja na kuweka mazingira bora ya kazi ikiwemo uhusiano kati ya waajiri na waajiriwa.  Sheria na Kanuni hizi ni zile zinazohusu viwango vya kazi, hifadhi ya jamii, na ajira. Kanuni za kutekeleza Sheria ya Ajira na Mahusiano Na.6 ya 2004 zilitengenezwa na kuanza kutumika mwaka 2007. 

Kuanza kutekelezwa kwa Sheria hii kumewezesha kuanzishwa na kuimarishwa kwa Taasisi mbalimbali za kazi, zikiwemo Idara ya Usimamizi Kazi na Huduma za Ukaguzi (Idara ya Kazi), Usajili wa Vyama vya Waajiri na Wafanyakazi, Mahakama ya Kazi, Tume ya Usuluhishi na Uamuzi wa Migogoro ya Kikazi (CMA), Bodi za Mshahara za Kisekta, Kamati ya Huduma Muhimu (Essential Services Committee) ya CMA na Baraza la Ushauri la Kazi, Uchumi na Jamii (LESCO).  Kuwepo kwa vyombo hivi kumesaidia sana kuweka uwanja wa majadiliano kuwa sawa kati ya waajiri na waajiriwa.

Ushirikishwaji wa Wafanyakazi

Ndugu wafanyakazi;

             Tangu tulipoingia madarakani katika awamu hii, tumetoa kipaumbele cha juu katika kuhakikisha kwamba ushirikishwaji wa Wafanyakazi unakuwa sehemu ya utamaduni katika sehemu za kazi. Kwa maneno mengine ni kwamba tumesisitiza utekelezaji wa matakwa ya  Sheria ya Ajira na Mahusiano Kazini Na.6 ya 2004.

             Juhudi zetu hizo zimezaa matunda.  Tumeshuhudia Vyama vya Wafanyakazi vikiongezeka kutoka vyama vya Wafanyakazi 18 hadi 30 ambavyo vimesajiliwa ili kutetea maslahi ya Wafanyakazi. Aidha, Mashirikisho mawili (2) na Chama cha Waajiri kimoja (1) vimesajiliwa.  Kwa lugha nyepesi tumewapa wafanyakazi sauti juu ya maslahi, hatima na mustakabali wao. Hata kwenye Bunge la Katiba wafanyakazi walishirikishwa kwa ukamilifu.

Mabaraza ya Wafanyakazi

Ndugu wafanyakazi;

Kwa upande wa utumishi wa umma, takwimu zinaonyesha kwamba Mabaraza ya Wafanyakazi yameundwa katika Wizara zote 26; Idara za Serikali 19; Wakala za Serikali 25 na Mamlaka za mikoa 21 na Halmashauri za Wilaya na Miji 168. Mengi ya Mabaraza hayo yamekuwa yanakutana kwa mujibu wa taratibu zilizopo. Hata hivyo zipo Idara za Serikali 4; Wakala za Serikali 7; Mikoa 5;  na Mamlaka za Serikali za Mitaa 34 bado hazijaunda Mabaraza hayo kwa sababu mbalimbali. 

Nimemuelekeza Waziri wa Kazi na Ajira na Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi wawabane wale wote ambao bado hawajaunda Mabaraza ya Wafanyakazi ili wafanye hivyo bila kuchelewa zaidi.  Pia, kwa wote, waliounda Mabaraza na wale wote watakaounda ihakikishwe kuwa mabaraza hayo yanakutana mara mbili kwa mwaka kama Sheria inavyotaka.  Kisingizio cha uhaba wa fedha hakiniingii akilini hata kidogo. Mbona sijawahi kusikia viongozi wamekosa posho za safari na vikao vyao!  Hayo ni matakwa ya kisheria, na ni agizo la Rais hivyo lazima kupewa kipaumbele katika utekelezaji.   

Ndugu wafanyakazi;

             Jambo jingine zuri ambalo tumelifanya kwa ufanisi katika kipindi hiki ni kuwa na utaratibu wa Rais kukutana na Viongozi wa Vyama vya Wafanyakazi. Tulianza kwa kukutana mara moja baadae tukaongeza na kuwa mara mbili kwa mwaka.  Japo wakati mwingine imekuwa sio rahisi sana kukutana mara mbili kwa sababu ya ratiba za Rais, lakini hatukukosa kukutana angalau mara moja.

             Mimi na viongozi wa vyama vya wafanyakazi ni shahidi kwamba vikao hivi vimesaidia sana kuleta maelewano baina ya Serikali na Vyama vya Wafanyakazi na hivyo baina ya Serikali na wafanyakazi.  Vikao hivi vimekuwa fursa maalum ya kuzungumzia masuala mbalimbali yanayowahusu wafanyakazi na kuyatafutia ufumbuzi.  Ukweli ni kwamba matatizo mengi tumeweza kuyatatua hata yale ambayo wakati mwingine yalionekana kuwa magumu sana. 

             Mwaka huu tumeshakutana mara moja. Ni matumaini yangu kuwa tutapata fursa ya kukutana tena, kabla sijang’atuka. Utakuwa mkutano wa kuagana. Nitamnong’oneza Rais ajaye kuhusu manufaa ya   utaratibu huu, ili ikimpendeza auendeleze.  Huu ni utaratibu wa kisheria, umekuwa na manufaa makubwa sana. Kama mlivyosema, umesaidia kujenga maelewano mazuri na ushirikiano baina ya Serikali na wafanyakazi, jambo ambalo ni muhimu sana katika kuleta mustakabali mwema nchini.  Naikumbuka pia ahadi yangu ya kukutana na viongozi wa Chama cha Waajiri. Nitatafuta wasaa hivi karibuni tukutane.

Usuluhishi wa Migogoro ya kikazi

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Katika awamu hii tumejitahidi sana kushughulikia migogoro ya kikazi kwa kupunguza muda wa mashauri kusikilizwa na hivyo kuwezesha wafanyakazi kupata haki zao kwa wakati.  Kama nilivyosema awali, mwaka 2008 tulianzisha Tume ya Usuluhishi na Uamuzi (CMA) ambayo jukumu lake ni kushughulikia migogoro ya kikazi. Tangu kuanzishwa kwake Taasisi hii imefanikiwa kushughulikia migogoro ya kikazi 10,281 ambapo migogoro 6,057 imeshatolewa uamuzi. Tume imeweza kupunguza muda wa kusuluhisha na kusikiliza mashauri ya migogoro ya kazi kutoka wastani wa siku 30 hadi 12 na muda wa kuamua umepungua kutoka wastani wa siku 90 hadi 85.

Kupungua kwa muda wa mashauri kusikilizwa na kuamuliwa maana yake ni kupunguza usumbufu na madhila kwa mfanyakazi ambaye hapo awali alichelewa sana kupata haki yake. Wakati mwingine kuchelewa kupata haki kwa wakati kulitafsiriwa kama haki iliyodhulumiwa.  Utaratibu huu umepunguza pia mlundikano wa kesi za masuala ya kazi mahakamani. Kasoro mlizozitaja katika risala yenu kuhusu utendaji wa CMA tutazifanyia kazi.

Usimamizi wa Ajira

 Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Kumekuwepo na malalamiko ya wafanyakazi juu ya kukithiri kwa idadi ya wageni wasio na sifa za kufanya kazi nchini ambao wanaajiriwa.  Niliahidi katika hotuba yangu ya Mei Mosi mwaka jana kwamba tutatunga Sheria maalum na kuweka utaratibu wa kisheria wa kusimamia ajira za wageni nchini.  Aidha, nilimwelekeza Waziri wa Kazi na Ajira akamilishe kanuni za kusimamia mawakala binafsi wa huduma za ajira. 

Nafurahi kuwa ahadi yangu ile imetimia kwa kutungwa kwa Sheria ya Kuratibu Ajira za Wageni katika Bunge la Machi, 2015.  Kilichobakia sasa ni Waziri wa Kazi na Ajira kutengeneza Kanuni za utekelezaji wa Sheria hiyo.  Ningependa kazi hiyo ikamilike mapema ili Sheria ianze kutumika mapema iwezekanavyo.

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Kuhusu makampuni ya mawakala wa ajira, Serikali imekwishaweka utaratibu mzuri wa kuyatambua, kuyasajili upya na kuyatengenezea kanuni za kuongoza utendaji wao.  Kwa ajili hiyo, hivi sasa Wizara inaweza kuyakagua na kujiridhisha iwapo yanafuata sheria za kazi.  Tayari makampuni 96 yameshasajiliwa. Hata hivyo, ili shughuli hii iweze kufanikiwa ushirikiano wa wafanyakazi ni muhimu. Inasikitisha kusikia kuwa, wapo wafanyakazi wanaokataa kutoa taarifa za ukiukwaji wa Sheria unaofanywa na makampuni haya kwa kuogopa kupoteza ajira zao.  

Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa, Serikali itasimamia kwa nguvu zote utekelezaji wa jambo hili. Haitasita kuchukua hatua stahiki dhidi ya Mawakala watakaokiuka sheria za ajira nchini, watakapobainika kufanya hivyo.  Tafadhalini timizeni wajibu wenu wa kutoa taarifa kuhusu wale wanaovunja Sheria na taratibu.

Hifadhi ya Jamii

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

          Katika kipindi cha miaka 10 ya uongozi wa Serikali ya Awamu ya Nne tumeboresha sana huduma ya hifadhi ya jamii ambayo ni moja ya haki za msingi kwa wafanyakazi. Hivi sasa tunaangalia uwezekano wa kujumuisha makundi mengine wakiwemo wakulima na wazee.

          Mabadiliko ya kisheria na kisera tuliyochukua yameongeza wigo wa mafao, aina ya mafao na ongezeko la mafao kwa wafanyakazi.  Takwimu zinaonyesha kwamba idadi ya Mifuko ya Hifadhi ya Jamii imeongezeka toka Mifuko 5 mwaka 2005 hadi mifuko 7 hivi sasa.  Hali kadhalika, kumekuwepo na ongezeko kubwa la wanachama na wale wanaofaidika na huduma za hifadhi ya jamii hususan wafanyakazi na wategemezi wao. Idadi imeongezeka kutoka 690,000 mwaka 2005 hadi 6,400,000 mwaka 2014. Haya ni mafanikio makubwa sana.

Ndugu Rais wa TUCTA na wafanyakazi;

          Habari nyingine njema ni kuwa hatimaye kile kilio chenu cha kutaka kuoanisha mafao ya mifuko ya hifadhi ya jamii kwa kuwa na kokotoo la aina moja kimepata ufumbuzi.  Matokeo yake ni kwanza, kwamba mafao ya malipo ya pensheni ya mwezi sasa yameongezeka kwa asilimia 5 kutoka asilimia 67 hadi asilimia 72.5. Pili, ni kuwekwa kwa kiwango cha chini cha asilimia 40 ya mshahara hata kwa mwanachama ambaye pensheni yake ingekuwa chini ya asilimia 40 ya mshahara.  Hii ina maana kuwa hakuna mwanachama wa mfuko wowote atakayepata pensheni ya chini ya asilimia 40 ya mshahara hata kama kwa masharti ya mfuko wake kabla ya uamuzi huu angestahili kupata chini ya hapo.  Uamuzi huu unajenga usawa wa mafao kwa wanachama wote wa mifuko yote. 

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

          Napenda kusisitiza kuwa mabadiliko haya hayataathiri wanachama wa mifuko ya PSPF na LAPF ambao waliajiriwa kabla ya kuanza kutumika kwa mfumo mpya wa ukokotoaji tulioanza tarehe 1 Julai, 2014.  Najua ipo hofu fulani ambayo na hata katika mkutano wangu na viongozi wa Vyama vya Wafanyakazi ilijitokeza (na leo pia imeelezwa kwenye risala yenu).  Tulikubaliana mazungumzo zaidi yafanyike kati ya TUCTA na SSRA kuhusu jambo hili.  Hivyo nawaomba muwe na subira.  Heri itapatikana kama walivyosema Wahenga.

          Nafurahi kutoa taarifa kuwa ufumbuzi umepatikana kuhusu suala la mafao kwa wale wafanyakazi ambao wakati wa utumishi wao, kabla ya kustaafu walichangia mifuko tofauti. Hawa ni wale ambao walihama au kuhamishwa kutoka Halmashauri za Wilaya na Miji na kwenda Serikali Kuu au kinyume chake. Kwa sababu hiyo wamechangia katika mifuko tofauti. Wanapostaafu wamekuwa wanapata ugumu katika malipo na kujikuta wanapoteza haki na stahili za utumishi wao wa muda mrefu.  Mwongozo wa kuunganisha michango ya wanachama waliochangia katika mfuko zaidi ya mmoja umeshatolewa na umeanza kutumika tangu tarehe 25 Aprili, 2014. Tatizo limemalizika na tayari SSRA imeshatatua malalamiko ya wanachama wapatao 11,070 waliokuwa wamekabiliwa na matatizo ya namna hii.

Mfuko wa Fidia

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Kile kilio cha siku nyingi cha fidia ya wafanyakazi wanaoumia kazini nacho kimefutwa machozi.  Mfuko wa Fidia ya Wafanyakazi (Workers Compensation Fund) umeanzishwa kwa mujibu wa Sheria ya Fidia ya Wafanyakazi Na.20 ya mwaka 2008. Nimeshafanya uteuzi wa Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Mfuko Ndugu Masha Mshomba na Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wadhamini Ndugu Emmanuel Humba. Waziri wa Kazi na Ajira ameshateua Wajumbe wa Bodi hivyo kazi imeanza. Kazi inayoendelea sasa ni kuandaa kanuni za uendeshaji wa Mfuko huo zinazotarajiwa kukamilika Juni, 2015. 

Kama nilivyosema mwaka jana, Mfuko huu utachangiwa na waajiri wote yaani Serikali na wa sekta binafsi.  Mfuko utaondoa ule mwanya wa baadhi ya waajiri kukwepa wajibu wa kulipa fidia pale yanapotokea madhara kwa wafanyakazi wao. Kwa hatua hii wafanyakazi  sasa wana hakika ya kulipwa fidia stahiki.

Maslahi ya Wafanyakazi

Ndugu Rais wa TUCTA;

Wafanyakazi Wenzangu;

Jambo lingine ambalo tumejitahidi kufanya bila ajizi ni kuboresha maslahi ya wafanyakazi. Pamoja na changamoto tulizonazo kwa upande wa mapato na ukubwa wa majukumu ya serikali tumechukua hatua za makusudi kuongeza kima cha chini cha mishahara katika utumishi wa umma kila mwaka tangu tuingie madarakani.  Kwa ajili hiyo, katika utumishi wa umma, kwa mfano, kima cha chini cha mshahara mwaka 2005 kilikuwa shilingi 65,000, mwaka 2014 kima cha chini kimeongezeka na kufikia shilingi 265,000.  Ni nyongeza ya zaidi ya mara nne.  Najua kwa hali ilivyo sasa ongezeko hili bado ni ndogo lakini si haba.  Naahidi kuwa na mwaka huu pia tutaongeza.

Punguzo la Kodi kwa Wafanyakazi (PAYE)

Ndugu wafanyakazi;

Tumeendelea kupunguza kiwango cha kodi ya mapato kwa wafanyakazi (PAYE) mwaka hadi mwaka tangu 2005 hadi sasa.  Kwa ajili hiyo, kodi hiyo iliyokuwa asilimia 18 sasa ni asilimia 12.  Na mwaka huu pia tutaendelea kupunguza kodi ya mapato kwa wafanyakazi.  Natambua kuwa maombi yenu ni kutaka iwe chini ya asilimia 10.  Hatukuweza kufikia hapo mwaka huu lakini safari tuliyoianza na hapo tutakapofikia itabakisha padogo sana kufikia tunapopataka sote.

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Kama nilivyosema mwaka jana, kwa upande wa wafanyakazi katika sekta binafsi kima cha chini kinapangwa na Bodi za Mishahara za kisekta zinazoundwa na Waziri wa Kazi.  Hadi kufikia mwaka 2011 tulikuwa nazo Bodi 12 ambazo zimewezesha majadiliano na waajiri wa sekta binafsi kufanyika. Matokeo yake ni kima cha chini cha mshahara kupanda kutoka shilingi 48,000 kwa mwezi hadi kati ya shilingi 100,000 na 400,000 kutegemeana na sekta.  Kwa kuwa bodi hizo zinakutana kila baada ya miaka mitatu, na mara ya mwisho mishahara iliongezwa mwaka 2013  hivyo basi viwango vipya vinatarajiwa kutangazwa mwaka 2016. 

Naambiwa kuwa bado wapo waajiri wasiolipa viwango hivi ambavyo vimekubaliwa kwa pamoja baina yao na wafanyakazi.  Hili si jambo la kiungwana na linalonihuzunisha sana. Ndugu Almasi tusaidie tabia hii iachwe.  Nazitaka mamlaka husika kutimiza ipasavyo wajibu wao wa kuhakikisha maamuzi ya Bodi yanatekelezwa.  Tusikubali watu hao wakaendelea kudhulumu haki za wafanyakazi.  Pendekezo la kutaka kuwepo na Bodi moja badala ya kila sekta kuwa na Bodi yake limepokelewa na litafanyiwa kazi kwa mujibu wa taratibu zilizopo.

Wakala wa Afya na Usalama Mahali pa Kazi (OSHA)

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

 Serikali yetu imetoa umuhimu mkubwa kwa uimarishaji wa afya ya wafanyakazi na usalama mahala pa kazi.  Mafanikio makubwa yamepatikana. Kati ya mwaka 2010 na 2015 Wakala wa Afya na Usalama Mahala pa Kazi (OSHA) umefanya kaguzi za kawaida 26,000 na kaguzi maalumu 53,000.   Hali kadhalika, wafanyakazi wapatao 435,063 wamepimwa afya zao kwa lengo la kubaini matatizo na athari wazipatazo wakati wakiwa kazini na hata baada ya kuacha  kazi.  Mwaka 2014, OSHA imefanya ukaguzi kwenye migodi yote nchini na kutoa maelekezo juu ya namna ya kuboresha hali katika migodi hiyo.  Tutaendelea kuiimarisha OSHA ili iweze kufanya kaguzi nyingi zaidi na kwa wakati muafaka.

Marekebisho ya Miundo na Madai ya Wafanyakazi

Ndugu Wafanyakazi Wenzangu;

             Katika kipindi cha miaka 10 hii, tumefanya marekebisho ya miundo ya utumishi ya kada mbalimbali za utumishi wa umma.  Miundo miwili ninayopenda kuzungumzia leo ni ile ya walimu na wauguzi.  Kwa upande wa walimu, muundo wa walimu umeidhinishwa na utekeleaji wake umeanza tangu Julai, 2014.  Nimeambiwa kuwa utekelezaji haujaanza kote kwa wakati mmoja, lakini nimehakikishiwa kuwa wote watahamia kwenye muundo mpya katika mwaka ujao wa fedha.

             Sambamba na hili la muundo, malimbikizo ya stahili za walimu yameendelea kulipwa.  Mwaka huu madai ya deni la walimu yalikuwa shilingi bilioni 53,185,440,406 yanayowahusu na walimu 70,668 yalipokelewa.  Uhakiki umefanyika na tayari, walimu 29,243 wamekwishalipwa jumla ya shilingi bilioni 23,233,654,025.  Madai mengine ya walimu 7,169 ya jumla ya shilingi 9,285,283,600 yataanza kulipwa mwezi Agosti, 2015.  Katika uhakiki uliofanywa, madai ya walimu 30,807 yenye thamani ya shilingi bilioni 17,346,593,468 yamekutwa na dosari na hivyo kurejeshwa kwenye Halmashauri na kwa wahusika kufanyiwa masahihisho.  Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa hizo zikirekebishwa malipo yatafanyika. Fanyeni hima jambo hili tulimalize.

Ndugu Rais wa TUCTA;

             Tumekwishapeleka  Bungeni Muswada wa Sheria ya kuanzisha Tume ya Utumishi wa Walimu (Teachers Service Commission) ambao tayari umesomwa kwa mara ya kwanza. Aidha, tunakamilisha maandalizi ya kuwasilisha Bungeni Muswada wa kuanzisha Bodi ya Taifa ya Taaluma za Walimu (National Teachers Professional Board). Yote haya yanathibitisha dhamira na utashi wetu kushughulikia masuala ya walimu na wafanyakazi kwa jumla.  Shemeji zangu walimu baada ya kufanya hayo nina hakika nawaacha pazuri.

             Nimefurahishwa na uamuzi wenu walimu wa kufungua Benki ya Walimu.  Nawapongeza sana kwa hatua hii kubwa na ya maendeleo. Sisi katika Serikali tunaunga mkono juhudi za walimu na tunaahidi kutoa ushirikiano wa kuwezesha lengo lenu hili jema kutimia.

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

             Kwa upande wa kada ya wauguzi, mtakumbuka kuwa tulirekebisha muundo ambao umeanza kutumika tarehe 1 Julai, 2010.  Tumepokea malalamiko kuwa mabadiliko hayo yameathiri baadhi ya wauguzi kwa viwango vyao vya mshahara kushuka baada ya kuanza kutumika kwa muundo mpya.  Hili ni kosa ambalo halikustahili kutokea.  Nimeelekeza lirekebishwe,  mara moja. Nimeagiza wale ambao mishahara yao imeshushwa, warejeshewe mishahara yao ya awali na malimbikizo yao walipwe. Hali kadhalika, nafurahi kuwa yale maombi ya kutaka ianzishwe Kurugenzi ya kada ya wauguzi na wafamasiya nayo yamefanyiwa kazi. Kibali kimetolewa na Menejimenti ya Utumishi wa Umma kwa Kurugenzi hizo kuanzishwa. Kwa sasa ni kitengo.

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

             Katika kipindi hiki, tumeendelea kushughulikia na kufanikiwa kutatua kero nyingine nyingi za wafanyakazi.  Kati ya mwaka 2005 na 2010, jumla ya watumishi 476,430 wamepandishwa vyeo.  Aidha, kati ya mwaka 2012 na 2015, kwa mfano,jumla ya watumishi 125,372 wamelipwa malimbikizo ya jumla ya shilingi bilioni 123,141,755,959.68.   Nimewaagiza ndugu zetu wa Hazina waanze kulipa madeni ya wafanyakazi wa Serikali za Mitaa yanayofikia shilingi bilioni 18,029,441,595.  

             Kwa kweli, mtakubaliana nami kuwa tumejishughulisha kwa kadri ya uwezo wetu kutafuta majawabu kwa kero na matatizo yanayowakabili wafanyakazi nchini.  Hapajakuwako na upungufu wa  dhamira upande wetu. Kwa yale ambayo hatukuweza kuyafanya ni kwa sababu ya ugumu wa tatizo lenyewe kulipatia ufumbuzi au kwa sababu ya uhaba wa pesa.  Hakuna jambo ambalo hatukujaribu kulishughulikia na juhudi zinaendelea.   Hata wakati huu ambapo nafikia ukingoni mwa kipindi changu cha uongozi, naendelea na nitaendelea kuyashughulikia mambo ya wafanyakazi mpaka nitakapokabidhi kijiti kwa kiongozi wetu mpya. Ninawaomba tuendelee kushirikiana mpaka wakati huo na muendelee kushirikiana na Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano kama mlivyofanya wakati wangu. Tena ningefurahi kuona ushirikiano wenu ukiwa mkubwa zaidi hata kuliko wakati wangu. Ni jambo lenye maslahi kwa pande zote: Serikali, wafanyakazi na nchi yetu.

Fursa za Ajira

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

             Serikali imeendelea kuchukua hatua za kukabiliana na tatizo la ajira nchini.  Itakumbukwa kuwa katika Ilani ya Uchaguzi ya mwaka 2005 – 2010 Chama cha Mapinduzi kiliahidi ajira mpya milioni moja. Tulifanikiwa kuzalisha ajira milioni 1,271,923 ambazo ni zaidi ya lengo.  Katika kipindi cha miaka mitano hii, tayari tumeshazalisha ajira milioni 1,381,621.  Na hivyo kufikisha jumla ya ajira milioni 2,653,544 katika kipindi cha miaka 10.  Kati ya hizo ajira 600,547 zilitokana na sekta ya umma na ajira milioni 2,052,997 zimetokana na sekta binafsi. 

             Pamoja na mafanikio hayo, bado tatizo la ukosefu wa ajira ni kubwa hapa nchini na hasa miongoni mwa vijana.  Hivyo basi, tutaendelea na tunaendelea na utekelezaji wa mikakati na mipango ya kukuza ajira nchini.    Wizara ya Kazi na Ajira ikishirikiana na Ofisi ya Taifa ya Takwimu, imefanya utafiti wa nguvu kazi nchini tangu mwezi Februari, 2014 ambao unatarajiwa kukamilika ifikapo mwezi Mei, 2015.  Utafiti huu utatoa taarifa za soko la ajira nchini ikijumuisha hali halisi ya kiwango cha ukosefu wa ajira kwa vijana.   

             Napenda kurudia maneno niliyowahi kuyasema awali kuwa, kwa wakati wa sasa uwezo wa sekta ya umma kuajiri watu wengi si mkubwa na kwamba jawabu la ajira liko katika sekta binafsi.  Azma ya Serikali ni kuendelea kujenga mazingira mazuri ya kurahisisha ukuaji wa sekta binafsi na kuvutia wawekezaji kuongeza mitaji ili kuongeza ajira.  Tumefanya hivyo, na matokeo yake tumeyaona.  Tutaendelea kufanya hivyo, sasa na siku zijazo. 

Hitimisho

Ndugu Rais wa TUCTA;

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Naomba nimalize hotuba yangu kwa kurudia kuwashukuru kwa dhati Wafanyakazi wote na viongozi wote wa vyama vya wafanyakazi nchini kwa ushirikiano mlionipa katika kipindi chote cha uongozi wangu.  Kimsingi ushirikiano na ushauri wenu ulikuwa wa msaada mkubwa sana kwangu na wenzangu wote katika Serikali kuhusu namna iliyo bora ya kuzikabili changamoto mbalimbali za wafanyakazi nchini.  Ushirikiano wetu huo ndio uliotuwezesha kwa pamoja kuzitafutia ufumbuzi. Najua kwamba hazikuisha zote. Nawaahidi kuwa Rais ajaye nitamkabidhi orodha ya yale ambayo bado ni kiporo. Ni imani yangu kwamba mtaendelea kutoa ushirikiano kwa Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itakayokuwapo baada ya uchaguzi mkuu wa Oktoba, 2015.

Ndugu wafanyakazi;

Narudia kuwashukuru tena kwa kunialika kwenye sherehe za mwaka huu ambazo zinanipa nafasi ya kuagana nanyi kama Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano Tanzania. Nawashukuru sana kwa wema wenu huo mlionifanyia. Nawatakia kila la heri katika kutimiza majukumu yenu ya ujenzi wa nchi yetu. Daima nitawakumbuka. Ninawapenda sana na nitaendelea kuwapenda. 

Mungu Ibariki Afrika!

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania!

Asanteni kwa kunisikiliza.

Waziri wa Ulinzi na Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa, Mheshimiwa Dkt. Hussein Ali Mwinyi (Mb);

Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam, Mheshimiwa Mecky Sadick;

Balozi wa Jamhuri ya Watu wa China nchini Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Lu Youging;

Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi, Balozi Ombeni Sefue;

Katibu Mkuu Wizara ya Ulinzi na JKT, Job Masima;

Mkuu wa Majeshi ya Ulinzi, Jenerali Davis Mwamunyange;

Makatibu Wakuu wa Serikali Mliopo;

Mnadhimu Mkuu wa Majeshi ya Ulinzi, Luteni Jenerali Samwel Ndomba;

Viongozi mbalimbali wa Serikali mliopo;

Wakuu wa Vyombo vya Ulinzi na Usalama;

Wakuu wa Kamandi za Jeshi la Ulinzi la Wananchi wa Tanzania;

Majenerali mliopo;

Wawakilishi kutoka Jeshi la Ukombozi la Jamhuri ya Watu wa China;

Maafisa na Wapiganaji;

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana.

Shurani na Pongezi

Mheshimiwa Waziri wa Ulinzi;

Nakushukuru Waziri na Mkuu wa Majeshi ya Ulinzi kwa kunialika kwenye hafla hii muhimu ya uzinduzi wa Meli Vita za Jeshi la Wanamaji la JWTZ. Natoa pongezi nyingi kwa CDF, Kamanda wa Navy na wanajeshi wote kwa hatua nyingine muhimu tunayopiga katika kuimarisha uwezo wa Jeshi letu kutekeleza majukumu yake kwa upande wa mpaka wetu wa majini. Kwa niaba yenu napenda kuwashukuru ndugu zetu na marafiki zetu wa Jamhuri ya Watu wa China kwa kutupa meli hizi ambazo tunazizindua leo. Ni ukweli usiofichika kuwa hatuna mshirika mkubwa kwa maendeleo ya Jeshi letu kushinda Wachina.  Wamekuwa nasi tangu JWTZ lilipoanza miaka 51 iliyopita. Kwa kweli, hatuna maneno mazuri ya kuwashukuru zaidi ya kusema asanteni sana.  Natoa shukrani maalum kwa kampuni ya Poly Technologies Inc. kwa ushirikiano wenu.  Ni moja ya kampuni muhimu inayotupatia silaha na zana za kijeshi.

Tukio Linatuunganisha na Wananchi wa China

Maafisa na Wapiganaji;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Kupatikana kwa MELI VITA MWITONGO na MELI VITA MSOGA kunaandika histori mpya katika kuliwezesha Jeshi letu la Wanamaji katika utendaji wake.  Kama mnavyojua,  Jeshi letu la Wanamaji lilianzishwa rasmi mwaka 1971 kwa msaada wa Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Watu wa China. Serikali ya China ilitoa idadi ya meli 13 na kutujengea vituo vitatu vya Rada kwa ajili ya uchunguzi wa Pwani; na kutujengea karakana na chelezo (slipway).

Pia marafiki zetu wa China wametupa wataalam mbalimbali kwa ajili ya karakana na chelezo, wametupa nafasi nyingi za mafunzo nchini kwao kwa ajili ya maofisa na askari wetu; na wametuanzishia Kombania mbili za Marine Special Forces. Hii ni pamoja na kugharamia mafunzo na vifaa vyake.

Ndugu zetu hawa wanaendelea kutupatia waalimu na wakufunzi kwa ajili ya shule yetu ya Ubaharia. Kwa ujumla, kwa mrefu Kamandi ya Navy ya Jeshi la Wananchi wa Tanzania imekuwa ikipata misaada mbalimbali kutoka Jeshi la Ukombozi la Watu wa China.

Usione vinaelea vimeundwa.  Haya yote ni ya udugu na urafiki baina ya nchi zetu ulioasisiwa na viongozi waasisi na mataifa yetu mawili: yaani Chairman Mao Tse Tung wa China na Julius Nyerere. Pia ni kutokana na kazi nzuri iliyofanywa na viongozi waliofuatia. Naahidi kuwa sisi Tanzania tutaenzi na kudumisha uhusiano huu wenye tija kubwa kwa nchi zetu mbili.

Meli Zimekuja muda Muafaka

Waheshimiwa Viongozi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Kwa mujibu wa maelezo niliyopewa, meli hizi - MELI VITA MWITONGO na MELI VITA MSOGA - zinaweza kwenda kwa kasi, zikiwa na  silaha za ulinzi kwa kiwango cha kuweza kutoa ulinzi wa kutosha.  Pia zinaweza kukaa baharini kwa muda mrefu na kufanya kazi kwa umbali mrefu. Uwezo mkubwa wa meli hizi kulinda maji yetu na EEZ ni hazina kwetu na faraja kubwa kwa Taifa letu. Tuendelee  kuwa na ushirikiano na Serikali na Jeshi la Jamhuri ya Watu wa China ili tuzidi kuvuna zaidi kutokana na uzoefu wao.

Upatikanaji wa Meli Vita hizi umekuja wakati muafaka ambapo nchi yetu inahitaji ulinzi wa bahari wa kutosha kwa kushirikiana na majirani zetu wa Kenya, Msumbiji na mataifa mengine katika kupambana na uharamia wa baharini. Kutokana na meli hizi, eneo letu la bahari sasa litakuwa salama kwani tunaweza kulilinda kwa uhakika. Zitasaidia kuchagiza maendeleo ya kiuchumi kwa taifa letu kupitia ulinzi wa rasilimali za baharini. Kama mjuavyo, tuna samaki wengi baharini wanaoibiwa bila sisi kujua. Tuna gesi asilia ambayo ni tumaini kubwa kuitoa nchi yetu hapa tulipo na kuipeleka mbele kwenye maendeleo. Lazima rasilimali hiyo tuilinde. Namna pekee ya kuweza kuhakikisha usalama wa mipaka yetu na rasilimali za bahari ni kuwa na vifaa vya kutosha na vya kisasa, kama meli vita hizi tunazozizindua leo.  Aidha, ari ya utendaji kazi kwa maafisa na askari wa Kamandi ya Navy pia itazidi kuongezeka.

Meli Zitumiwe kwa Ufanisi

Kamanda wa Navy;

Hongereni kupata zana na silaha mpya katika Kamandi yenu. Bila ya shaka itawaongezea ari ya utendaji kazi wa maafisa na askari. Kwa hiyo, napenda kutumia nafasi hii pia, kuwasihi mzitumie vizuri meli hizi, na hasa hasa mzitunze ili ziweze kutimiza majukumu yaliyokusidiwa na kwa ufanisi mkubwa. Kufanya hivyo ni kwa manufaa ya Jeshi lenyewe na kwa  manufaa ya Taifa kwa ujumla, katika utendaji wenu wa shughuli za ulinzi katika maeneo yetu ya Bahari ya Hindi.  Aidha, tutunze kwa umakini mkubwa vifaa na zana mbalimbali kama hizi zinazowawezesha kutekeleza majukumu yenu.

Kila fursa ya kiuchumi inapojitokeza, Serikali  itaendeleza juhudi zake za kiliimarisha jeshi letu kwa kulipatia vifaa vya kisasa na kuwawezesha maafisa wake kuwa na uwezo mkubwa wa kulinda mipaka yetu. Pia tutazidi kuimarisha upatikanaji wa huduma nyingine muhimu za msingi ikiwa ni pamoja na malazi bora na mavazi nadhifu.

Hitimisho

Waheshimiwa Viongozi ;

 Mabibi na Mabwana ;

Mwisho, napenda kuwapongeza Mheshimiwa Waziri wa Ulinzi na JKT, Mkuu wa Majeshi na wale wote kwa namna mbalimbali  walivyotoa michango yao kufanikisha kupatikana meli hizi. Nichukue nafasi hii pia, kuwashukuru na kuwapongeza  Maafisa na Askari wa Kamandi ya Navy kwa kazi nzuri wanayoifanya katika majukumu yao ya kulinda nchi yetu na hasa zinazohusiana na operesheni mbalimbali za baharini.

Aidha, nawapongeza pia wote walioshiriki katika maandalizi ya shughuli hii ya leo.  Wamefanya kazi kubwa inayostahili pongezi za dhati. Tuendelee kushirikiana katika majukumu kama haya ili kuliwezesha Taifa letu kusonga mbele katika maendeleo ambayo yanategemea sana ulinzi imara.

Asanteni sana!

Mheshimiwa Dkt. Shukuru Kawambwa, Waziri wa Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi;

Mhe. Meck Said Sadick, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dar es salaam;

Mhe.  Bi Sophia Mjema, Mkuu wa Wilaya ya Temeke;

Mheshimiwa Dkt. Terezya Huvisa, Kaimu Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Chuo;

Prof. Shadrack S. Mwakalila, Mkuu wa Chuo cha Kumbukumbu ya Mwalimu Nyerere;

Mheshimiwa Pius Msekwa, Spika Mstaafu wa Bunge la Jamhuri ya Muungano;

Waheshimiwa Mabalozi;

Ndugu Wanataaluma na Wafanyakazi Waendeshaji wa Chuo;

Ndugu Wanafunzi;

Ndugu Wanajumuiya ya Chuo;

Ndugu Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana.

Mheshimiwa Waziri wa Elimu,

Ninakushukuru sana Mheshimiwa  Waziri wa Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi na pamoja na Mkuu wa Chuo cha Kumbukumbu ya Mwalimu Nyerere Kivukoni kwa kunialika Chuoni hapa siku ya leo.  Nawapongeza kwa uamuzi wenu wa busara wa kuanzisha Programu Maalum ya Mafunzo ya Uongozi na kuizindua leo tarehe 13 Aprili, 2015 siku ya kumbukumbu ya kuzaliwa Hayati Baba wa Taifa, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere  miaka 93 iliyopita. 

Pongezi kwa Chuo cha Kumbukumbu ya

Mwalimu Nyerere

Ndugu Wageni Waalikwa;

Nakupongeza sana Kaimu Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Chuo, Mkuu wa Chuo, wakufunzi na wafanyakakazi wote kwa kazi nzuri mnayoifanya na kwa mafanikio yanayoendelea kupatikana hapa Chuoni.  Katika miaka 10 ya uhai wake Chuo kimekua sana.  Kama alivyoeleza Mkuu wa Chuo, mmefungua tawi kule Zanzibar na sasa mnadahili wanafunzi 4,000 hapa Kivukoni na 2,400 kule Zanzibar. Aidha mnaendesha mafunzo ya ngazi za awali (foundation), cheti, stashahada na shahada hapa Kivukoni na katika Tawi la Zanzibar. Nawapongeza sana kwa upanuzi huu mkubwa.

Programu ya Uongozi na Maadili

Ndugu Mkuu wa Chuo;

Nakosa maneno mazuri ya kuelezea furaha yangu kwa uamuzi wenu wa kuanzisha Programu Maalum ya Uongozi na Maadili. Nafurahi kuwa mnafanya moja ya mambo muhimu yaliyokuwa yanafanywa na Chuo cha Kivukoni wakati ule kabla ya kuwa Chuo cha Sayansi ya Jamii cha Kivukoni na sasa Chuo cha Kumbukumbu ya Mwalimu Nyerere. 

Napenda mjue kwamba hapa palikuwa hoteli iliyoitwa Ghana Hotel.  Mwaka 1961, hoteli hiyo ilinunuliwa na kuanzishwa Chuo cha Kivukoni ambacho madhumuni yake ni kuwaendeleza kwa elimu na mafunzo vijana wa kiafrika ambao hawakupata elimu nzuri.  Walengwa hasa walikuwa vijana waliojiunga na harakati za kudai uhuru ili waweze kujiendeleza maishani.  Miongoni mwa wanufaikaji ni pamoja na hayati Kighoma Malima ambaye aliacha shule darasa la 10 na kushiriki harakati za kudai Uhuru.  Alikuja Chuoni hapo akaendelezwa na baadaye kwenda Marekani kusoma zaidi na hata kufikia kuwa mchumi bingwa aliyetambulika kimataifa. 

Chuo kilianza kwa kufundisha masomo ya sayansi ya jamii na walimu wake walikuwa wa kutoka nje hususan Uingereza, Canada na Marekani.  Ilikuwa hivyo kwa sababu wasomi wazalendo walikuwa wachache sana.  Baadaye ndipo walipoajiriwa kidogo kidogo mpaka hatimaye wazungu walipoondoka.

Baada ya Azimio la Arusha, Mwalimu Nyerere aliagiza Chuo kifundishe Azimio hilo kwa viongozi wa Chama na Serikali.  Mwaka 1972  Chuo kikabadilika kabisa na kuwa cha mafunzo ya siasa na uongozi.  Kwa ajili hiyo, viongozi wa ngazi mbalimbali wa Chama wakati ule, Serikali na taasisi zake wakiwemo wa vyombo vya ulinzi na usalama na mashirika ya umma walipitia Kivukoni.  Walipatiwa mafunzo ya siasa,  ya uongozi maadili.  Mimi ni mmoja wa wanafunzi waliopitia na kuhitimu katika Chuo hiki.  Lengo lilikuwa ni kuwawezesha kuwa viongozi wanaoweza kutimiza ipasavyo majukumu yao uongozi katika taifa linalojitegemea na la kijamaa.  Viongozi pia ambao ni waadilifu wanaotambua na kuheshimu miiko ya uongozi.  Katika mafunzo yale miiko ya uongozi kwa mujibu wa Azimio la Arusha yalikuwa yanafundishwa.

Baada ya mageuzi ya kiuchumi na ya kisiasa, na Chama cha Mapinduzi kuachana na vyuo vya siasa, kukatokea ombwe kubwa kwa upande wa mafunzo ya uongozi.  Si vyema kuhoji busara ya uamuzi wa Chama lakini athari zake sote tunaziona.  Kumekuwepo na kilio na manung’uniko kuhusu maadili na mienendo ya viongozi. Tumeshuhudia viongozi wakifanya matendo ya utovu wa maadili na hata kutumia lugha zisizofanana na uongozi ulio adilifu. Hivyo, uamuzi wenu huu umekuja wakati mwafaka sana.  Ni uamuzi uliokuja wakati unahitajika sana. 

Mkuu wa Chuo;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Wanazuoni wamekuwa na mjadala kwa karne nyingi kuhusu uongozi na hayajakamilika.  Moja ya mambo yanayowashughulisha wanazuoni ni kama viongozi huzaliwa na vipaji vya uongozi au huandaliwa kwa mafunzo kuwa  viongozi. Huu ni mjadala unaoendelea hata sasa katika fani ya sayansi ya siasa. Tafiti nyingi zimeonyesha kuwa pamoja na kuwepo ushahidi kuwa wako viongozi wenye kuzaliwa na vipawa na karama za uongozi, hata hivyo, ubora wa viongozi, hata kwa wale waliozaliwa na vipawa na karama zao hutokana na mafunzo.  Inaweza kuwa mafunzo darasani au kwa kuona na kwa kutenda.  Bahati mbaya hatuna vyuo vya uongozi wa jamii.

Mafunzo kwa viongozi ni muhimu kwa kuwa huwapa nyenzo na ufunguo wa kuyaelewa mazingira wanayoongozea, historia na uzoefu wa eneo wanaloliongoza, watu wanaowaongoza, matarajio yao, hulka zao, changamoto zao na muhimu sana maadili na miiko ya uongozi wenyewe. Hali kadhalika, uadilifu katika uongozi, hujumuisha desturi na tabia zinazokubalika na zinazotarajiwa na jamii na wananchi kutoka kwa kiongozi. Wananchi hawamtegemei kiongozi kuwa mla rushwa, mlevi, mhuni, mwongo au asiye na uhusiano mzuri na watu.

 Maadili na miiko ya uongozi vinapaswa kuzingatiwa na viongozi wote katika jamii na taifa bila ya kujali vyama vya siasa.  Kiongozi asiye na uelewa huu, hupwaya katika uongozi. Maadili na miiko ya uongozi ni tunu muhimu sana kwa kiongozi yeyote. Kiongozi anapaswa awe mtu mwenye uadilifu usiotiliwa shaka utakaomfanya aaminiwe na awe na  mamlaka ya kimadili (moral authority) juu ya wale anaowaongoza.

Katika miaka hii 10, tumejishughulisha sana na masuala ya maadili katika uongozi na utendaji Serikalini. Tumefanikiwa kuimarisha mifumo ya kusimamia maadili ya viongozi kwa kutunga Sheria, Kanuni na Taasisi za kufuatilia mienendo ya viongozi. Tumeimarisha Sekretariati ya Maadili ya Viongozi wa Umma kwa kuipa uwezo wa kiuchunguzi, rasilimali watu na vitendea kazi. Tumelipa meno Baraza la Maadili na tumeliona kwa mara ya kwanza likiwaita na kuwahoji viongozi wenye tuhuma za kimaadili.

Mwaka 2009 tumetunga Sheria Mpya ya Rushwa iliyoboreshwa na kuongeza nguvu kupambana na rushwa.  Orodha ya makosa ya rushwa imeongezwe kutoka manne hadi 24 na Taasisi ya Kuzuia na Kupambana na Rushwa (TAKUKURU) imeimarishwa kwa majengo, vifaa na rasilimali watu. Hivi sasa TAKUKURU iko katika wilaya zote nchini na watuhumiwa wengi wa rushwa wamefikishwa katika mahakama na fedha nyingi zimekuwa zinaokolewa. 

Vilevile, tumetunga Sheria ya Matumizi ya Fedha katika Uchaguzi ili kuhakikisha kwamba maadili ya kupata viongozi wa kuchaguliwa katika taifa letu yanazingatiwa. Tutakapokamilisha Sheria ya kutenganisha shughuli za siasa na biashara tutakuwa tumepiga hatua kubwa.  Tumetunga pia Sheria mpya ambayo imeimarisha Ofisi ya Mkaguzi na Mdhibti Mkuu wa Hesabu za Serikali (CAG).  Imesaidia kuimarisha nidhamu ya matumizi ya fedha za umma na kuwabana viongozi na watumishi wa umma wanaofanya vitendo vya wizi au ubadhilifu wa fedha na mali za umma.  Yote haya tumeyafanya ili kuimarisha mifumo ya kusimamia maadili ya viongozi na watendaji wetu.

 Bahati nzuri katika Katiba Inayopendekezwa, Bunge Maalumu la Katiba limesisitiza na kuweka uzito unaostahili kwa maadili ya viongozi na watendaji wa umma.   Ibara 28 na 29 inazungumzia maadili ya viongozi wa umma, na ibara 30 na 31 inazungumzia maadili ya watendaji wa umma.  Katiba Inayopendekezwa ikipitishwa tutakuwa tumefanikiwa sana katika kuimarisha mifumo ya usimamizi wa maadili nchini.  Ombwe lililoachwa na Azimio la Zanzibar kuhusu miiko ya uongozi litakuwa limepata jawabu la uhakika.   

 Ni ukweli usiopingika kuwa pamoja na jitihada hizo, leo hii tunayo nakisi ya maadili miongoni mwa viongozi na watendaji wa umma.  Funzo tunalolipata hapa ni kuwa kukinga ni bora kuliko kutibu. Mifumo ya udhibiti pamoja na umuhimu wake, si badala ya mifumo ya kuwaandaa viongozi kimaadili. Zamani kupitia Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa (JKT) na Chuo cha Kivukoni zilikuwa sifa muhimu za kupata uteuzi wa uongozi wa siasa.  Baada ya mageuzi ya kiuchumi na kisiasa na kuingia kwa mfumo wa soko huria na vyama vingi, mambo hayo hayakupewa umuhimu.  JKT ikadorora, vijana wakakosa fursa ya kujengwa uzalendo.  Ukichanganya na Azimio la Zanzibar lililolegeza miiko ya uongozi ya Azimio la Arusha, kumekuwa na mmong’onyoko mkubwa wa maadili miongoni mwa viongozi.  Kufa kwa Chuo cha Kivukoni kumeshusha ubora wa uongozi. 

Baada ya kurejesha JKT, hakika, taifa linahitaji sana programu ya aina hii tunayozindua leo ili kutuandalia viongozi wazuri, wenye mtazamo wa kitaifa na maadili mema. Nasema hivyo kwa kuwa sote ni mashuhuda wa matatizo ya maadili ya uongozi nchini.    

Hatuna budi kuwaandaa viongozi wetu hasa vijana kwa mafunzo maalumu ili waje kuwa viongozi bora. Ni jambo ambalo tulikuwa tukilifanya siku za nyuma. Uzoefu unaonyesha hata katika nchi zilizoendelea wanafanya hivi. Viko vyuo maalum vinavyoandaa na kutoa viongozi wa kada mbalimbali. Katika nchi za wenzetu kuna ngazi fulani za uongozi huwezi kushika ikiwa hujafundwa katika taasisi maalumu.  Kwa kuzingatia ukweli huo, ndiyo maana tumeanzisha Chuo cha Uongozi kiitwacho Uongozi Institute.  Chuo hiki kinalenga kutoa mafunzo ya uongozi kwa viongozi wa Serikali.  Wamekuwa wakitoa mafunzo kwa Wakuu wa Wilaya, Wakuu wa Mikoa na viongozi wengine wa ngazi mbalimbali.   

Nimefurahishwa na taarifa yako kuwa kutakuwa na Kada za aina tatu katika mafunzo ya program hii yaani ngazi ya juu yenye viongozi na watendaji wa  kitaifa na mkoa;ngazi ya kati itakayohusisha viongozi wa ngazi ya wilaya; na ngazi ya chini yenye viongozi wa ngazi za kijiji. Aidha, umesema yatakuwa ni mafunzo ya muda mfupi. Nakubaliana nanyi kwani si vyema kuziacha nafasi hizi wazi kwa muda mrefu. Vile vile, ni muhimu sana mafunzo haya yakaegemea pia katika vitendo na uzoefu badala ya nadharia pekee. Hii inajumuisha kuwa na wakufunzi mchanganyiko kutoka katika taaluma na wale kutoka katika uongozi na utendaji wa fani mbalimbali.

Uamuzi wenu wa kuanzisha Kibweta cha Mwalimu Nyerere kwa madhumuni ya kusimamia program ya mafunzo haya ni mzuri. Nimefurahishwa pia na uteuzi wenu wa Mheshimiwa Pius Msekwa kuwa Mwenyekiti wa Kibweta hiki. Chaguo hili ni muafaka kwani amesheheni historia, uzoefu na hazina kubwa ya uongozi. Ni imani yangu kuwa chini ya uongozi wake programu hii itafanikiwa. Sisi katika Serikali tunaahidi kuwapa kila aina ya ushirikiano mtakaohitaji. Tuleteeni mapendekezo yenu kuhusu program hii ili ifanyiwe kazi na tuanze kuleta viongozi kwa ajili ya mafunzo hayo.

Changamoto za Chuo

Mkuu wa Chuo;

Kama ulivyoeleza, kukua na kupanuka kwa Chuo hiki kumekuja na changamoto zake. Idadi ya wanafunzi inaongezeka wakati majengo ya hosteli ni finyu. Umezungumzia ujenzi wa hosteli kusimama kutokana na uhaba wa fedha.  Nitawasaidia kusema.  Kuhusu kupewa majengo ya TAFICO ili myabadili matumizi na kuyatumia kwa kufundishia itabidi kushauriana na wenye majengo kujua mipango yao na mahali hapo.  Kama itawezekana tutawapeni taarifa.  Kuhusu tatizo la mmomonyoko wa fukwe unaotokana na kuongezeka kwa bahari tutawasiliana na mamlaka husika utafiti ufanywe na ushauri wa kitaalamu utolewe.

Nikuhakikishie kuwa nimepokea changamoto zenu na ni changamoto za msingi na tutatazama moja baada ya nyingine tuone namna ya kujenga Chuo hiki kulingana na mahitaji yake ya sasa na ya siku za usoni. 

Hitimisho

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Niwashukuru sana kwa kunialika katika maadhimisho ya kumbukumbu ya kuzaliwa Mwalimu Nyerere na ufunguzi wa Programu Maalum ya Uongozi na Maadili.  Nimefurahi sana kujumuika na nanyi wote katika eneo hili ambalo linanikumbusha nilipokuwa nikihudhuria mafunzo katika chuo hiki. Sasa ninayo furaha kutangaza kuwa Programu Maalum ya Mafunzo ya Uongozi na Maadili imefunguliwa rasmi.

Asanteni sana kwa kunisikiliza.

Mwadhama Polycarp Kardinali Pengo;

Mhashamu Askofu Mkuu, Tarsisius Ngalalekumtwa, Rais wa Baraza la Maaskofu Tanzania;

Mheshimiwa Balozi wa Vatican, Mhashamu Askofu Mkuu Protase Rugambwa;

Mhashamu Askofu  Liberatus Sangu, Askofu Mpya wa Jimbo Katoliki Shinyanga;

Wahashamu Maaskofu Wakuu na Maaskofu;

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri na Naibu Mawaziri;

Mheshimiwa Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Shinyanga;

Viongozi wa Dini na Serikali Mliohudhuria;

Ndugu Waumini,Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana:

Tumsifu Yesu Kristo!

Shukrani na Pongezi

Napenda kuungana na nyote mlionitangulia kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa rehema na baraka zake zilizotuwezesha kushiriki pamoja katika tukio hili muhimu na adhimu kwa Jimbo Katoliki Shinyanga kupata Askofu wake wa nne. Nawashukuru Baraza la Maaskofu Katoliki Tanzania na Jimbo Katoliki Shinyanga kwa heshima kubwa mliyonipa ya kunialika katika sherehe ya kuwekwa wakfu na kusimikwa Mhashamu Baba Askofu Liberatus Sangu kuwa Askofu wa Jimbo Katoliki Shinyanga. Hii ni heshima kubwa kwangu na kwa Serikali yetu na ni kielelezo  hai cha uhusiano mzuri uliopo kati ya Kanisa Katoliki na Serikali.

Mhashamu Baba Askofu Liberatus Sangu;

Nakupongeza kwa kuteuliwa kwako na kwa leo hii kukabidhiwa rasmi dhamana ya kuwa Kiongozi Mkuu wa Jimbo Katoliki la Shinyanga. Uteuzi wako kushika wadhifa huu ni uthibitisho wa imani kubwa aliyonayo Baba Mtakatifu  Francis kwako.  Imani hiyo ndiyo pia waliyonayo wajumbe wa Baraza la Maaskofu Katoliki Tanzania, makasisi, watawa na walei wa Jimbo la Shinyanga.  Sote, tumeusubiri uteuzi huu kwa hamu tangu tulipopata pigo la kuondokewa na mpendwa wetu Baba Askofu Aloysius Balina mwaka 2012.   

Nakuomba utambue kuwa imani hiyo imebeba matumaini makubwa kwamba utaitenda kazi yako kwa moyo wa dhati, uadilifu na uaminifu mkubwa. Kwa kawaida matumaini ya waamini kwa kiongozi wao wa kiroho huwa makubwa na wakati mwingine huwafanya wakasahau kuwa kiongozi wa dini pia ni binadamu. Lakini wanafanya hivyo kwa nia njema na kwa sababu nzuri kwamba hakuna mwingine ila wewe.  Mimi naamini kwamba kwa malezi mazuri uliyopatiwa na Kanisa lako ukichanganya na uzoevu wako wa muda mrefu wa kazi za kichungaji, uwanazuoni wako na kwa rehema za Mwenyezi Mungu utayamudu vyema majukumu yako ya kuwaongoza kondoo wa Bwana kwenye malisho mazuri ya kiroho na kimwili.

Maadili Mema

Mhashamu Baba Askofu Liberatus Sangu;

Waheshimiwa Maaskofu;

Ndugu Waumini na Wageni Waalikwa;

Malisho ya kiroho huwafanya waumini wawe wacha Mungu. Na, mcha Mungu kwa kawaida humpenda Mungu na jirani yake, huzingatia maadili mema, huwa na tabia njema na mara nyingi huwa raia mwema. Kwa ajili hiyo, viongozi wa dini kama walivyo wa Serikali wanao wajibu maalum wa kulilea taifa.  Ninyi mnalea kiroho, kwa maana ya kuwafanya waumini kufuata taratibu za kiimani na  sisi tunalea kidunia kwa maana ya raia kufuata taratibu za kikatiba na kisheria na maadili mema kwa mujibu wa mila na desturi za jamii na nchi yetu.

 Ninyi viongozi wa dini huwalea waumini kiimani waweze kutende mema hapa duniani ili waje kupata malipo mazuri wanaporejea kwa Muumba wao.  Hili la kulea kiimani likifanikiwa basi kwa kiasi kikubwa kazi ya Serikali inakuwa rahisi. Hapatakuwa na watu wanaoiba, wanaoua wenzao, wanaokata albino viungo vyao, wanaotukana wenzao, matapeli, wanaofumaniwa na kadhalika. Hivyo basi, Serikali ingepunguziwa kasi ya ikuwakamata, kuwafikisha mahakamani na kuwafunga magerezani watu wengi kama tufanyavyo sasa.  Hivyo basi, mchango wenu katika kujenga maadili mema kwa jamii na watu wake ni kitu kilicho bayana.  Aidha, pale tunapokuwa na jamii iliyojaa maovu, umuhimu na ukubwa wa kazi yenu unaonekana bayana.  Napenda kutoa ombi maalumu kwako Baba Askofu Sangu pamoja na Maaskofu, Mapadre katika mikoa ya kanda hii kuongeza bidii katika kuelimisha jamii kuacha mauaji ya vikongwe na watu wenye ualbino.  Tushirikiane na Serikali kupamba na ushirikina kitu ambacho ndicho chanzo cha mauaji haya na kukatwa viungo albino.  Ninyi mnasikilizwa sana, itumieni nafasi hiyo tuondokane na aibu hii.

Mchango wa Kanisa Katika Maendeleo ya Taifa

Waheshimiwa Maaskofu;

Uhusiano kati ya Serikali na madhehebu ya dini likiwemo Kanisa Katoliki ni wa muda mrefu na ni wa kihistoria. Serikali imekuwa ikiunga mkono shughuli za Kanisa katika kutoa huduma za jamii za elimu, afya na nyinginezo zenye kuwaletea maendeleo wananchi. Mmetoa mchango mkubwa sana ambao umewanufaisha Watanzania wengi wa dini na madhehebu mbalimbali.  Huduma hizi zimesaidia sana kuongeza kasi ya kuwatoa wananchi kwenye umaskini na kujiletea maendeleo.  Tunawapongeza na kuwashukuru sana kwa mchango wenu mkubwa.

Haistaajabishi kuwa matumaini ya waamini wa Kanisa Katoliki, Jimbo la Shinyanga na wananchi wa Shinyanga kwa ujumla juu yako Baba Askofu Sangu siyo ya kiroho pekee. Wanatarajia kuwa chini ya uongozi wako, Kanisa Katoliki litaendelea kutoa huduma za jamii kwao.  Wana matumaini hayo kwa sababu wanatambua na kuthamini manufaa makubwa wanayopata katika harakati zao za kujiletea maendeleo kutokana na kazi njema inayofanywa na Kanisa. Wanategemea utaendeleza kazi nzuri zilizofanywa na waliokutangulia na utabuni na kutekeleza miradi mingine mipya ya maendeleo katika Jimbo lako. Nami naungana nao na, sina mashaka juu ya usahihi wa imani yao hiyo kwako.

Ahadi ya Serikali

Mheshimiwa Baba Askofu;

Napenda kukuhakikishia ushirikiano wangu binafsi na ule wa Serikali ninayo iongoza katika kutekeleza majukumu yako ya kiroho na ya huduma za kiuchumi na kijamii kwa maendeleo ya wananchi wa Shinyanga. Pale utakapo ona mchango wa Serikali unahitajika, usisite kuwasiliana nasi. Na iwapo utaona kuna upungufu wo wote sema kwa viongozi wa Wilaya, Mkoa na wa kitaifa:  Waziri Mkuu, Makamu wa Rais na hata kwangu.  Sisi ni wasikivu. Tuite tutakuitika. Ukituambia tutakujibu kwa lile linalohitaji majibu na tutatenda kwa lile la kufanya, bora tu liwe kwenye uwezo wetu na ni wajibu wetu kufanya.

Wahashamu Maaskofu;

Sisi katika Serikali tunayo kila sababu ya kuendeleza uhusiano mzuri kati yetu na madhehebu ya dini maana kazi muifanyayo haina badala yake.  Tunaamini kwa dhati kuwa, kwa pamoja tunaweza kujenga, kuimarisha na kuendeleza amani, umoja na mshikamano uliopo katika taifa letu. Hali kadhalika, tukishirikiana tutaongeza kasi ya kuwawezesha Watanzania kupata maendeleo. 

Tutaendelea kutimiza wajibu wetu wa kutengeneza mazingira mazuri kwa madhehebu ya dini kutekeleza majukumu yake.  Kuna mambo mawili: Jambo la kwanza ni kuhakikisha kuwa uhuru wa kuabudu unakuwapo nchini, unaheshimiwa na unatekelezwa kwa vitendo.  Hii ni haki inayotambulika na Katiba yetu ya sasa na utekelezaji wake hauna kasoro.  Bahati nzuri imesisitizwa na kufafanuliwa vizuri zaidi katika Katiba Inayopendekezwa.

Pili, tutaendelea kushirikiana na kusaidiana kwa upande wa shughuli zenu za huduma za kiuchumi na kijamii mzifanyazo.  Tumekuwa tunatoa misamaha ya kodi kwa shughuli za madhehebu ya dini na hata kuchangia fedha za Serikali na watumishi kwa baadhi ya shughuli zenu hasa za afya na mikopo ya wanafunzi katika vyuo vikuu.  Tutaendelea kufanya hivyo kwa kutambua mchango muhimu unaotolewa na huduma hizo kwa maendeleo ya nchi yetu na ustawi wa watu wake.  Maombi yangu au yetu kwenu ni kuwa msiwaruhusu watu waovu wakaitumia vibaya fursa hii muhimu.  Tunapopata taarifa za fursa hiyo kutumika kinyume hutusumbua sana.

Tuendako

Mwadhama Kardinali;

Waheshimiwa Maaskofu;

Wageni Waalikwa;

Wakati wote sisi viongozi wa Serikali na dini tunao wajibu wa kipekee katika uhai wa taifa letu na watu wake.  Tunalo jukumu maalum la ulezi, yaani kuhakikisha watu katika nchi yetu wanaishi kwa amani,  umoja, upendo na mshikamano licha ya tofauti zetu za rangi, kabila, dini, jinsia, maeneo tutokako, au ufuasi wa vyama vya siasa.  Naomba tukumbuke kuwa tofauti hizi ambazo hatuna budi kuishi nazo,  tusiziache zikawa nyufa za uhasama ambao siyo tu zitaligawa taifa bali zinaweza kulimong’onyoa na kulisambaratisha. 

Sisi viongozi tuna wajibu wa kihistoria wa kutambua kuwa ni jukumu letu kuhakikisha kuwa hilo haliwi.  Nayasema haya kwa sababu.  Kwa jumla tunapita katika kipindi kisichokuwa cha kawaida, ambacho kama hatutafanikiwa kubadili mwelekeo huu kunaweza kuwepo madhara makubwa. Nawaahidi ushirikiano wangu binafsi na wa Serikali ninayoiongoza.  Naomba viongozi wa dini msaidie ufa usiwe mpana zaidi.  Tumieni Kamati za dini kwa mwaka kama huu wa uchaguzi ambapo baadhi ya  wanasiasa na washabiki wao katika tamaa yao ya kupata madaraka hupenda kuzitumia tofauti hizi kwa maslahi yao binafsi na vyama vyao, tunaomba muwe makini zaidi.  Wakati mwingine wanasiasa hufanya makusudi kuchochea uhasama kwa kutumia tofauti zetu za asili ili wapate manufaa ya kisiasa.  Wao hawajali inayoweza kutokea na madhara makubwa kwa nchi yetu. 

Kwa ajili hiyo, niwaombe viongozi wa dini tutumie vizuri  nafasi ya uongozi mliyojaaliwa na Mwenyezi Mungu kuzuia wanasiasa wasilifikishe taifa pabaya.  Watakeni waumini wenu wasiwasikilize na kufanya mambo yote yanayofarakanisha jamii bali washikilie yale yanayowaunganisha na kuleta utangamano.  Na lililo muhimu kuliko yote ninalowaomba msiwape wanasiasa fursa kuingiza dini kwenye siasa au siasa kwenye dini.  Tuambieni bila kigugumizi.  Wasiziache dini ziwe huru kwa watu wa vyama vyote.  Makanisa na Misikiti ibaki kuwa nyumba za ibada na siyo majukwaa ya siasa.  Iwe mahali pa kuwaunganisha wote na viongozi wa dini wawe kimbilio lao wakati wanapogombana. 

Msikubali ufuasi wa vyama vya siasa ukawafarakanisha viongozi wa dini mpaka mkapoteza dira na nafasi yenu muhimu ya uongozi wa waamini wenu.   Kuchanganya dini na siasa ni hatari sana kwa usalama, amani na utulivu wa jamii na hata dini zenyewe.  Si vyema wakati wa Chama cha siasa kushindwa kukawa ni kushindwa dini fulani na waumini wake au Chama na kushinda ni kwa dini nyingine na waumini wao.  Wafuasi wa vyama vya siasa kugombana si jambo la ajabu.  Je itakuwaje  kama dini zimehusishwa na kugawanyika kidini.  Ugomvi huo unakuwa na sura ya ugomvi baina ya wafuasi wa dini tofauti kwa mwamvuli wa siasa?  Kuna hatari ya kuzuka vita vya kidini na nchi ikawaka moto.  Kunaweza kutokea maafa yasiyotabirika sura yake na mwisho wake.  Naomba viongozi wa dini mtambue wajibu wenu wa kuponya.  Tuwaache waumini wawe wafuasi wa vyama vya siasa wavipendavyo.  Kwa uchaguzi muwahimize waumini wenu wachague kwa busara kadri watakavyoridhishwa na sera, ilani na ahadi za vyama vya siasa na wagombea wao.  Wasisitizeni kujali ubora, moyo wa uzalendo na uadilifu wa wagombea.  Tukifanya hivyo tutavuka salama.  Kinyume chake inaweza kuzua tatizo.  

Hitimisho

Mheshimiwa Baba Askofu;

          Leo ni siku ya furaha kwetu sote.  Ni siku pia ya kumsifu Mwenyezi Mungu kwa neema zake na kumshukuru kwa uteuzi wako.  Waumini waliofurika hapa wamekuja kwa ajili ya sherehe za kuwekwa wakfu na siyo Mkutano wa Rais.  Niruhusu niishie hapa nitoe nafasi kwa kuabudu na kumtukuza Mungu wetu.  Nitatafuta wasaa mwingine mwafaka wa kuzungumza na wananchi wa Shinyanga na Watanzania kwa jumla kuhusu mambo ya maendeleo. 

Nikushukuru tena kwa kunialika na kwa kunipa heshima hii ya kuzungumza na viongozi wa Kanisa,  waumini na wananchi.  Mwenyezi Mungu na akubariki Baba Askofu na akufanyie wepesi katika majukumu yako.

          Asanteni kwa kunisikiliza.

Hon. Seif Rashid, Minister for Health and Social Welfare;

Dr. Tom Arnold, Chairperson of the Sub Group Meeting and Coordinator of SUN Movement;

Members of Diplomatic Corps and Development Partners;

Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I am pleased to welcome you all to Tanzania and to this SUN Lead Group’s Visioning Sub Group meeting. Tanzania is pleased to co-host this important meeting that will come up with detailed recommendations to be presented to the Lead Group for movement-wide response on the Independent Comprehensive Evaluation (ICE). This will go a long way to contribute towards having a time bound and structured process. Ultimately, the Movement wide response will help the Lead Group to prepare a report to the UN Secretary General as the contribution of the SUN Movement to improving the nutrition situation in the world.

Tanzania is proud to be among the first members of the SUN Movement which has grown to 54 countries, from the 13 countries which joined in 2014.  Together we have made a difference and transformed the nutrition agenda from being a narrow health issue to a broader sustainable development matter. We have raised awareness, understanding and making the issue of nutrition a global development agenda. The growth in the number of membership of the SUN Movement is a testimony that our message has been loud enough and has reached receptive ears.

Tanzania Experience in Scaling Up Nutrition

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our experience in scaling up nutrition convinces us that it is within our hands and means to halve global malnutrition and eventually reverse it. In my view, it requires political will, financing and coordination of response. We must invest wisely and be smarter in scaling up nutrition particularly to mothers and children. We in Tanzania, have taken bold steps to scale up investment in nutrition through our 5 Years National Nutrition Strategy (2011/12-2015/2016). These steps include:

a)    Putting in place Nutrition Focal Officers in 157 out of 169 District Councils and employ Nutrition Focal Officers in 25 regions;

b)     Increased food fortification plants from 6 in 2013 to 10 for wheat flour and from 3 to 10 for edible oil;

c)     Increased fortification of maize flour at small and medium scale flour mills and home fortification for children aged 6-24 months from 3 to 6 regions;

d)   Nearly  doubled expenditure on nutrition at Council level from 18 Billion Tanzania Shillings to 33 Billion Tanzania shillings between 2010/2011 and 2012/2013;

e)      Initiated a process to formulate  new National Food and Nutrition Policy which will incorporate recommended structures by SUN Movement; and

f)      Endorsed agricultural transformation, food fortification and consumer behavior change as 3 priorities for engaging private sector.

Achievements

Ladies and Gentlemen,

These efforts and investments have yielded encouraging results. About 20 million people have now been reached with fortified food products as a result of various interventions undertaken. The 2014 National Nutrition Survey findings shows that prevalence of stunting has decreased from 42 percent in 2010 to 34.7 percent in 2014, representing a reduction of 8 percent since 2010. Furthermore, prevalence of global acute malnutrition has been maintained below 5 percent with underweight prevalence reaching 13.4 percent in 2014 which is close to target 8 of the MDG Goal 1 of 12.5 percent in 2015. It is also important to note that, between 2010 and 2014 there has been an increase in Vitamin A supplementation for children from 6 to 59 months from 61 percent to 72 percent.  With regard to deworming, coverage for children 12-59 months has increased from 50 percent to 71 percent.

This is very much a function of increased allocation of human and financial resources and improved coordination since 2011. Our experience makes me say with confidence, that big results are possible provided that the right things are done.  Lot of what we have been able to achieve with only 20 percent of the planned 825 billion Tanzania shillings required for the implementation of our National Nutrition strategy. It is evident that with more resources, we can achieve far better.

Challenges

Ladies and Gentlemen;

There is still a long way to go for Tanzania to reach the MDGs objectives of the 2020 World Health Assembly targets and those of the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 with regard to nutrition.  It is estimated that there are still more than 2. 7 million children under five years of age who are stunted.  About 58 percent of these live in the 10 regions with inadequate key nutrition interventions.

Studies also indicate that taking 2025 as target year, the number of children who will die of stunting would be 580,687 if the status quo is maintained.  This will translate into 20,376 million USD of loss of economic productivity.  If averted about 120,633 children will be saved and the economic gain is estimated to be 4,759 million USD. Certainly, this is a worthy investment that Tanzania needs to make.  Of course, given our limited financial resources, international collaboration and partnership with private sector will be required to achieve these targets much earlier. 

Way Forward

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we reflect and negotiate on the Post 2015 Sustainable Development Goals, we must take into account that the world still lags far behind as far as nutrition is concerned.   It is important that the SUN Movement plays a part in the ongoing dialogue and negotiations of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our experience in the SUN Movement has so far taught us that malnutrition should be approached from a standpoint of global emergency that requires global action.  I am glad that this meeting will deliberate on these issues in line with the Independent Comprehensive Evaluation report and make recommendations to the Sun Movement Lead Group.   In my opinion, the following could be given thorough thoughts in your deliberations:

a)    The need to have in place a financing mechanism for scaling up nutrition at the Global Level in the Post 2015 Sustainable Development Goals Framework;

b)    The need to have institutionalized global structures for coordination, monitoring  and implementation of scaling up nutrition beyond the life of the SUN Movement to ensure sustainability of the momentum generated so far; and

c)     How best to leverage Private Sector involvement and contribution in realizing the scaling up nutrition agenda given that, the benefits of investing in nutrition have far reaching impact across all sectors including the private sector.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Let me concluded by once again thanking you for coming to Dar es Salaam.  It is an honour we will always cherish.  I hope you will find time at the end of this meeting to see a bit of Tanzania.  I am sure you will be appetized enough to come back for a longer visit.  With these many words it is now my singular honour and pleasure to wish you very successful deliberations.  Good luck. 

Honourable Mr. Thomas Nides, Chairman of Woodrow Wilson Centre;

Honourable Jane Harman, President and CEO of Woodrow Wilsin Centre;

Mr. Monde Muyagwa, Director, Africa Program of the Woodrow Wilson Centre;

Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          I thank you President Jane Harman for the invitation to speak at this prestigious and world renowned Woodrow Wilson Centre.  I feel greatly honoured and privileged to have this Conversation with the distinguished audience.  I will always cherish this rare opportunity.  In her invitation you asked me to share my personal experience of leadership challenges as a President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Also to share my thoughts about US-Africa relations.  This invitation could not have come at any better time than this.  I am going to leave office after the elections in October, 2015 on completion of my mandatory two terms as President of my great country.

I must admit that I had a hard time deciding where to start and where to end especially about what and how much to say because there is too much to talk about.  As such, I apologise to those who may feel I did not talk about what they would have wished me to say.  Please blame that it on limited time.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

After being nominated Presidential candidate of my Party (Chama cha Mapinduzi – CCM) in May 2005 I set down to contemplate in greater depth the task ahead of me.  I always reflected on the same during the campaign and after being elected President.  During my maiden speech on 30^th December, 2025 while opening the National Assembly, I crystallised my thoughts.  I underlined six major policy tenets which will guide and define my Presidency.  These were:

1.  Holding the country together.
2. Maintain peace and political stability which is the hallmark of Tanzania.
3. Promote fast socio-economic growth and development as a measure to fight poverty and accelerate development.
4.  Consolidate democracy and ensure good governance, rule of law and human rights.
5. Undertake unrelenting fight against crime including corruption; and
6. Develop good relations with all countries in the region, Africa and the world.

It is important to underscore the fact that elections are taking place in a specific context and historical timelines. Together they dictate expectations, aspirations and preferences of the voters and politics of the day.  These, however, are not static, they may keep on changing every time you come close to achieving them.   It gives a lesson that, leadership is all about solving puzzles, with each solution breeding another challenge or contributing to solving the other challenge.

Tanzania of 2005

Ladies and Gentlemen;

   I took the country from my predecessor, President Benjamin William Mkapa, who I served under his Cabinet for 10 years as his Foreign Minister.  In 2005, the country was emerging from the difficult times of Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP) and liberalization related reforms that were so painful to our economy and people. The focus on debt repayment had a negative impact on the government’s ability to provide basic social services such as health, education and water. Less than 10 percent of primary school leavers found their way in to secondary education. The country GDP was at 14.14 billion US Dollars and per capita income was at US Dollars 375. 

On the political front, with just 13 years of multiparty experience, many of our democratic and accountability institutions were at the formative stage.  Opposition parties occupied less than 15 percent of the seats in the Parliament.  There was a political standoff in Zanzibar after election that was threatening security and political stability in the Isles and in the entire country.  That very same year Tanzania experienced unprecedented drought causing acute food shortages necessitating more than 3.776 million people to be given food support by our new government.  At the same time dams at hydropower stations did not have enough water causing serious load shedding.  It forced us to source power from emergence power producer which lauded our government into trouble. 

Keeping the Nation Together

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Tanzania is a nation of great diversity making the task of holding the country together to top priority agenda.  The people of Tanzania belong to over 120 tribes and different races although people of African descent are the overwhelming majority.  They subscribe to different religions and there are many who don’t belong to any.  May be they have chosen to be non-aligned or are still choosing.  After the reintroduction of multiparty system in 1992, the people of Tanzania joined the various political parties. There were already signs of differences in political affiliations that could threaten the peace and stability of the nation.  The United Republic of Tanzania is a new nation born on April 26, 1964 through merger of the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and the Republic of Tanganyika.  Managing and balancing the differences between these two partners needed special attention.  As I alluded you earlier, in Zanzibar there was a dangerous standoff between the ruling party CCM and the main opposition CUF.  Because CCM was strong in Unguja Island and CUF in Pemba Island the standoff was threatening to drive a wedge between the two Islands which together formed the People’s Republic of Zanzibar.

Ensuring that the people of Tanzania celebrate their diversities but they do not split the country into hostile camps and entities is a mammoth task.     Temptations of demagogue politicians to exploit social fault lines, as the means to consolidate and ascend to power is much higher. We are already seeing it happening therefore a great deal of political management is required.  Fortunately, the founding fathers of Tanzania Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the first President of Tanganyika and Tanzania and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume the President of Zanzibar and First Vice President of Tanzania had laid strong foundation to ensure that these diversities don’t break up the country.  My two predecessors His Excellency Ally Hassan Mwinyi and His Excellency Benjamin Mkapa and the successive generations of Presidents of Zanzibar have maintained the good policies.  I also vowed to follow the good examples of my predecessors.  So far so good.

I am proud that I have been able to continue to hold the country together despite challenges and threats.  We have dealt with threats whenever they arose. I supported and contributed to political process that saw the two contending parties in Zanzibar sign a political accord in 2010. The Political Accord that contributed to peaceful elections in Zanzibar and the formation of government of National Unity between my ruling party CCM and the opposition party CUF.  I have never shied away from reaching out political and to religious leaders whenever there was a need and worked with them in confronting many of the divisive tendencies.  With regard to the differences, I launched the Constitutional review process to address the issues.  I equally never hesitated to take resolute action against all those who use the diversity to incite chaos, civic disobedience, break laws and disrupt peace.  So far so good.  The country is at peace.

Economic Growth and Development

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I was elected in 2005 and 2010 on the pledge that I will deliver on the promise made by my Party in our election manifesto of “better life for every Tanzanian”. It was a pledge to change the lives of the people of Tanzania for the better.  From where they were to somewhere better.  This means two things.  One to see people’s incomes increased, and, two to see the people of Tanzania having access to better social and economic services.  Here I have in mind things like education, health care, water supply, electricity, roads, railway, aviation etc.  In pursuit of these lofty goals we decided to stay the course on economic reforms started by our Second President and continued by the third President.  These reforms have not been so easy since by their very nature they bite on the comfort of some sections of our people and displace others from their economic position.

It is heart-warming, indeed, that sustaining the reforms has worked well for us.  Our economy has continued to register strong macro-economic performance.  GDP growth has been at an average of 7 percent for the one and a half decade.  Tanzania is among the 10 fastest growing economy in Africa and among 20 in the world. Our GDP now stand at 43 billion US Dollars compared to 14.4 US Dollars in 2005 and per capita GDP has increased from 375 US Dollars   in 2005 to 944 US Dollars in 2014.  We have succeeded to tame inflation rate from 18 percent in 2011 to 4.8 percent currently.   Revenue collection has increased from Tanzania shillings 177.1 billion (96 million US Dollars) per month in 2005 to Tanzania shillings 800 billion (about 433 million US Dollars) per month in 2015. This is too little compared to demand to meet government obligations.  We have accelerated the pace of poverty reduction in the last six years.  Between 2000 and 2007 poverty reduction was only 2 percent and between 2007 and 2014 poverty reduction was 5.5 percent.  However, the future looks even brighter for the economy and the government when the effects of the already discovered 55 tcf of natural gas begin to be felt.  Certainly, government revenue position will be bolstered significantly.    

Improving Social and Economic Services

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          We have succeeded to scale up the provision of basic social and economic services hence increasing, Tanzania’s who have access to these important services.  This contributes in a big way to the improvement of people’s lives.  Allow me to give specific examples.  In education for example, primary school enrolment is 98 percent and secondary school enrolment increased three and a half times from 525, 325 students in 2005 to 1.8 million students in 2014 and university enrolment increased from 40,719 in 2005 to 200,986 students in 2014.  By doing so, more Tanzanian sons and daughters have access to education now than any other time.  The other thing worth mentioning is that, there are more girls than boys in primary schools.  There is gender parity in secondary school but in higher education there are more men than women although the number of women is increasing fast.   

The number of people with access to electricity has also increased from 10 percent in 2005 to 36 percent 2014.  About 5,336 villages in rural areas have access to electricity which 43 percent of the total 12,423 villages in the country.  The number of people with access to clean and safe portable water have increased from 74 percent in urban areas and 53.7 percent in rural areas in 2005 to the current 86 percent and 60 percent respectively.  With regard to health care, we have built more dispensaries, health centres and hospitals as a result more Tanzanians have access to better health services. This translated into reduction in under five mortality rate from 112 deaths per 1,000 in 2004/2005 to 54 deaths per 1,000 live births.  Maternal mortality rate from 578 deaths per 100,000 births in 2005 to 432 deaths per 100,000 births.  Malaria infections and deaths have been cut by 50 percent and HIV infection rates is down to 5.1 percent and coming further down.  Immunization coverage for children and mothers is way above 90 percent.  Availability of medicines has improved considerably although there are still teething challenges to overcome.  Expansion in training is helping to increase the number of health professionals thus slowly but surely closing the gap.

Big Result Now (BRN)

We have recorded tremendous success on the road infrastructure.  Close to 6,000km have been paved out of the 11,474 km under construction.  We have set our sights on upgrading the railway network. 

Consolidating Governance and Growth

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          Improving governance has been a top priority agenda of my administration.  We have been taking measures to promote transparency and accountability. There has been deliberate measures to build and strengthen institutions of democracy, governance, accountability and rule of law.  The judiciary is independent of government interference.  The Parliament is very vibrant and performs so well its oversight of government.  The office of the Controller and Auditor General has been strengthened as a result financial discipline is improving.  Audit reports are made public.  They are debated by Parliament where proceedings are broadcast live on TV. 

The fight against corruption is unrelenting.  There is no undue protection of people suspected being found guilty of engaging in corrupt practices.  The anti corruption law has been strengthened and the institutions responsible for Preventing and Combating Corruption (PCCB) has been strengthened.  I have fulfilled my pledge of widening democratic space, and significantly improving the political environment, on which Opposition parties could grow. Further efforts have been directed in strengthening freedom of press.  There are 825 newspapers, 95 radios station of which government owned are only two and 28 TV Stations.  In Tanzania we have so many newspapers that one requires about 20 US Dollars to be able to buy all daily newspapers. 

US-Tanzania Relations

Ladies and Gentlemen;

The relationship between the United States of America and the United Republic of Tanzania is excellent.  And to say it more appropriately, they are at their best state ever.  Government to government relations are strong as evidenced by two US Presidents undertaking visits to Tanzania within a span of five years.  President George W. Bush visited with us in 2008 while President Barack Obama came in 2013.  President Bill Clinton made an official visit in 2000 but has been to Tanzania several times after living office to follow up projects supported by his Foundation.  President Bush has been there twice since leaving office.  Several senior officials of our two governments have exchanged visits which have helped to strengthen our bilateral relations.

Tanzania and the United States see eye to eye on a number of global and African issues and have supported each other at international and regional fora.  The US has extended a big hand of support to Tanzania’s development endeavours which has made a huge difference towards improving the lives of our people and the development of the country at large.  I have in mind the good work being done by the USAID covering many aspects of the socio-economic life of the people of Tanzania.  Also, programmes like PEPFER, PMI, MCC, Feed the Future and Power Africa are making phenomenon contributions to the development of Tanzania and its people.

People to people relations are also strong and getting stronger with each passing day.  I believe visits like mine serves that purpose.  Many private foundations, non – government organisations and individual Americans are working in Tanzania and have good relations with the people and the government of Tanzania.

Way Forward

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          When I look back to 2005, when I assumed the highest office in our country, I hold no regrets, only harbour lessons.  I believe my successor will carry on and learn from these lessons, so that he or she can continue from where we will have left off.  One thing I am proud of is that, we have built strong foundations to guide our country in the implementation of the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 whose overarching objective is to transform the country into a middle income economy by 2025.  I have in mind the Long Term Prospective Plan divided into three Five Year Development Plans.  Also, I hope we will be able to have in place the policy and legislation on the management of gas economy and revenues, which are expected to flow in earnest from 2020.  Ultimately, I hope we will hold free, fair, peaceful and credible elections so that I can handover the Presidency to my successor in a tranquil atmosphere.  I cannot wait to see that day. 

I thank you for your kind attention.  

Jacqueline Miller, President for World Affairs Council;

Excellencies;

Distinguished guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I thank you Madam President for the invitation to come to your beautiful city of Seattle and for the very warm reception and gracious hospitality.  I also thank you for affording me the opportunity to speak to this distinguished audience.   At long last I could make it after failing to do so last year.    

I have come to Seattle to know this important city, see old friends and make new ones, learn from your vast experience and successes.  But, more importantly I am here to develop relation and partnership between the people of Seattle and Washington State with the people of Tanzania.  Also, forge links of cooperation and partnership between Seattle’s business community and the Tanzania counterparts and Tanzania in general.

Let me begin saying that the relationship between the United States of America and the United Republic of Tanzania is excellent.  And to say it more appropriately, they are at their best state ever.  Government to government relations are strong as evidenced by two US Presidents undertaking state visits to Tanzania within a span of five years.  President George W. Bush visited with us in 2008 while President Barack Obama came in 2013.  President Bill Clinton made an official visit in 2000 but has been to Tanzania several times after living office to follow up projects supported by his Foundation.  President Bush has been there twice since leaving office.  Several senior officials of our two governments have exchanged visits which have helped to strengthen our bilateral relations.

Tanzania and the United States see eye to eye on a number of global and African issues and have supported each other at international and regional fora.  The US has extended a big hand of support to Tanzania’s development endeavours which has made a huge difference towards improving the lives of our people and the development of the country at large.  I have in mind the good work being done by the USAID covering many aspects of the socio-economic life of the people of Tanzania.  Also, programmes like PEPFER, PMI, MCC, Feed the Future and Power Africa are making phenomenon contributions to the development of Tanzania and its people.

People to people relations are also strong and getting stronger with each passing day.  I believe visits like mine to Seattle serves that purpose.  Many private foundations, non – government organisations and individual Americans are working in Tanzania and have good relations with the people and the government of Tanzania.  No wonder, some of you gathering here are among them. 

Prominent citizens of Seattle, like Bill and Melinda Gates are exemplary in this regard.  They have extended a lot of support in many areas of our development endeavours to buttress efforts of our government and the people of Tanzania.  Their support has born positive outcomes.  They are saving lives of women and children and improving the living standards of the people of Tanzania in many ways.  Bill and Melinda are exceptional human beings indeed.  Very wealthy people working with poor people, isn’t that amazing?  Only people with big and warm hearts like them would do that.  There are some rich people who blame the poor for their being poor.  They are different.  They empathise with them and go all the way to help them move up to the ladder.  Isn’t that wonderful?  Thank you so much.  The people of Tanzania will always remain grateful to them and, always pray, to God Almighty, to bless them with long life, good health and even more prosperity.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

We need to do more to develop relations between US and Tanzania and between Tanzania and Seattle on the investment and trade fronts.  Trade between the US and Tanzania is not worth talking about.  You will agree with me that at 491 million US Dollars this is way too little.  It shows that there is a lot of room to do better.  The people of Tanzania like American products but they are not readily available.  They also produce commodities which can be used in the US by industries and people.  US investments in Tanzania stand at 4.5 billion US Dollars.  This is nothing compared to what the US can do and is actually doing elsewhere in the world.

I am in Seattle today to encourage captains of industry and commerce to look at Tanzania as a destination of choice for investment and trade.  For sure there are plenty of business opportunities to take advantage of and benefit from.  I have brought with me responsible officials to brief Seattle businessmen on what Tanzania has to offer.  Let me say generally that, opportunities abound in a wide range of sectors such as oil and gas, mining, agriculture, and agribusiness, infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, housing, ICT and several others. 

Oil and gas

On oil and gas, Tanzania and Mozambique are the latest addition to the list of global sources of natural gas.  The first discovery in the deep sea started in 2010 and has never stopped ever since.  So far proven deposits stand at 55 tcf.  It is estimated that Tanzania has a potential of up to 200 tcf. The search for petroleum continues, but we have not been lucky yet.  Indeed, exploration for oil and gas is ongoing in several blocks licensed to global companies including US companies.  The fourth bidding round has just ended, but there are still a number of onshore and offshore blocks available. Not long from now, gas-based downstream activities are expected to commence, thus opening new investment opportunities.  We invite interested Seattle companies to come and invest in these and other gas related activities and services.  

Agriculture

          There are abundant opportunities in agriculture.  The country has 44 million hectares (110 million acres) of arable land of which only 25 percent is currently being utilised. The remaining 75 percent represents the potential that is yet to be exploited.  Tanzania’s climatic conditions are good for all types of crops to grow including tropical and temperate crops. Rainfall is good in many parts of the country, although of recent because of the effects of climate change, rainfall reliability has become a challenge.  Nonetheless, water for irrigation is available in rivers, lakes and underground.  Fertile land is available throughout the country.

          There are prospects in the other aspects of the agriculture value chain.  I have in mind things like supply of agricultural machinery, equipment and, inputs to farmers. They need seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, financial services, storage and marketing of their produce.  There are opportunity in agro-processing and agribusiness in general. The prospects are enormous because of the ongoing transformation and modernization of smallholder farmers.  There are also ample opportunities in the livestock sector as well.  There is plenty of land to establish cattle ranches for beef and dairy cattle and for investing in the entire meat and milk value chain.

Energy

          With only 36 percent of the population having access to electricity investment opportunities are enormous in the electricity subsector.  Fortunately, Tanzania has a big potential for increasing power generation from the various sources.  These include hydro, natural gas, coal, wind, solar, geothermal, bio-fuel and biomass.  Work has started in earnest on reforming the power sector to unlock the present bottlenecks and give the private sector greater role in generation, transmission and distribution. This will broaden the scope of investment opportunities.   Tanzania has the potential to become a power exporter in our region.   Indeed, the market does exist in the East and Southern Africa regions.  Those who are interested are welcome to do business with us in the power sector.

Tourism

          Tourism is another sector that offers plenty of investment opportunities.  It is a fast growing sector in the country.  At the moment only 1.1 million tourists visit Tanzania every year.  This is not much comparing to the existing potential in terms of tourist attractions: wildlife, the spice Island of Zanzibar, historic and scenic sights.  The United States is an important tourist source market but I believe there can be more tourists than the current 50,000 to 70,000.  I believe this number can increase ten-fold.  However, we must invest more in tourism infrastructure and requisite services. 

We must build more hotels, and improve services.  Encourage more long haul flights to Tanzania from major tourist source markets.  These are opportunity in tour operator’s business as we strive to improve their services and expand other tourism related businesses in the entire tourism value chain.  The prospects in tourism and the hospitality industry as a whole are immense.  I would like to use this opportunity to invite US companies to come and partner with us to develop the tourism industry in Tanzania.

Mining

There are also plenty of opportunities for investments in mining.  Tanzania is blessed to have plenty of mineral resources.  Some of the minerals exist in large quantities.  Fortunately, also many are yet to be exploited and for those being exploited not all reserves have been depleted.  Tanzania has gold, silver, copper, platinum, uranium, nickel, cobalt, kaolin, phosphates, soda ash, coal and iron ore.  There are also plenty of gemstones including the rare blue stone found in Tanzania only called Tanzanite.  The other good thing about mining is that the fiscal regime is like the ones you will find anywhere in the world.  Investing in Tanzania is equally competitive.  The responsible officials will elaborate better on these important issues.

Manufacturing

Investment opportunities in manufacturing are boundless.    Tanzania has a huge raw material base from agriculture, mining, forestry, fishing and other natural resources.  As a result one can establish industries to produce products from them.  Moreover, industrialization is the next big thing in Tanzania’s development strategy.  Also it is an important pillar of our economic reform agenda.  The Tanzania Investment Centre is under specific instructions to promote investment in manufacturing.  The Export Processing Zones Authority was established to drive the industrialization agenda forward.   Tanzania intends to become a manufacturing and a service hub for the region to take advantage of its geographical location.  Also, because of our membership of the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community when one invests in Tanzania he gets access to a market of about 300 million people.  I know investors from the US can be strong partners in the manufacturing sector.    I therefore, invite you to come and make full use of these opportunities which are backed with good incentives. 

Service Sectors

          Service sectors, in Tanzania, are growing at a very fast pace.  Apart from tourism, which I have already mentioned, there are also telecommunications, banking, insurance, ICT and trade facilitation services.  We welcome you to look at these opportunities and invest.  They represent high paying investment opportunities where quick returns are guaranteed.

Ports and Railways

Infrastructure development is a major preoccupation of my administration and is a top priority in our economic reform agenda.  In this regard, we have targeted roads, sea ports, airports, railways, power, telecommunication and water supply.  So far so good.  We have been doing a lot to develop these important elements of Tanzania’s infrastructure.  The outcomes are visible.  However, much more needs to be done and we invite the US private sector to come and join hands with us.  One can come alone or in partnership with the government or with Tanzania’s private sector players.  With regard to partnership, with government, there is a Public Private Partnership Law which governs such partnership.  We welcome investors to access and reap the benefits it offers. 

Conducive Business Environment

             I spoke at length about why Seattle business people should consider Tanzania as a business destination of choice in relation to the abundant opportunities available.  Let me now speak about other important things.  Tanzania has a business friendly environment.  We pursue sound economic policies which have engendered strong macro-economic performance.    There are good incentives for investors.  Investments are guaranteed by law against expropriation or nationalisation and investors are allowed to repatriate profits and dividends.  We are members of MIGA and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes which further assures the investor recourse to justice in time of need.  There is a sizeable skilled labour force and a growing middle class.  There is political stability, democratic governance, rule of law, respect for human right and unrelenting fight against corruption. These latter attributes enhances the climate for doing business.

          I, therefore, welcome you to take a serious look at Tanzania’ potentials and please come and visit with us as tourist, philanthropists and investors. The Executive Director of Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), Director General of EPZA, the Director General of Tanzania National Parks, and the Director General of the Ngorongoro Conservative Area and the Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation.  If you need any detailed account on any areas of opportunity, please make full use of them.  Come One, Come All.  Tanzania is ready to do business with you.

I thank you for your kind attention!

Your Excellency, Mr. Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister of Sweden;

Your Excellency Mr. Peny Gladstone Christie, Prime Minister, The Commonwealth of Bahamas and Chair of CARICOM;

Your Excellency, Ambassador Vladimir Drobnjak, Vice President of ECOSOC and Chair of ECOSOC 2015 Integration segment;

Your Excellency Mr. Sam Kahamba Kutesa, President of the 69^th Session of the General Assembly;

Your Excellency Mr. Jan Ealiasson, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations;

Mr. Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, International Trade Union Conference (ITUC)

Mr. Daniel Funes de Rioja, President, International Organization of Employers (IOE);

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I thank you Mr. Vice President for the invitation and for associating me with the 2015 ECOSOC Integration Segment.  I find the theme “Achieving sustainable development through employment creation and decent work” to be very opportune. Indeed, these are core issues for ensuring meaningful human development, prosperity, security and social stability within nations and in the world at large. 

Mr. President;

I was happy to learn that, these important issues are now getting serious attention.  I am told the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals, has included decent work and employment creation to be among the 17 goals of Sustainable Development. In the African Union’s Transformative Agenda 2063, African countries have been directed to pursue sound programmes that will create shared growth, decent jobs and economic opportunities for all. 

In the Common African Position (CAP) on Post 2015 Development Agenda adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in January, 2014, these issues were also underscored.

The Nexus Between Sustainable Development

Employment, Creation and Decent Work

Your Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates;

            As we meet here today, there are, globally, 201 million people unemployed and the number is expected to increase by 80 million in the coming 4 years.  This means, there is need to create additional 280 million jobs by 2019 to cater for the new entrants in the labour market.  Also, we must remember that, almost half of the world’s employed people are still working in vulnerable conditions, with no guaranteed access to decent work and social protection.  Unfortunately, women are the majority of such people. This is not acceptable, we must find ways of ensuring that work everywhere is decent and there is social protection.

            The situation in Africa is worrisome and calls for even urgent and special attention.  Statistics tell us that African countries created 37 million jobs only, over the last decade.  Out of these jobs only 28 percent were qualified to be called decent jobs.  At the same time, it is estimated that there are 122 million new entrants in the labour market annually in Africa.  This is scaring when one considers the fact that almost 200 million people in Africa fall within the age of 15 and 24 years.  It is estimated the number will double by 2045. 

This means, therefore, that there will be too many unemployed people in Africa, the majority of whom will be young men and women.   This is both an opportunity and a challenge.  It is an opportunity in the sense that when an investor looks for employees they will be readily available provided they meet the skills he needs.  But, it become a challenge if jobs cannot be found and these huge armies of unemployed youths who increase in numbers every other year, could becomes a threat to social stability and to security of the country.  Some may indulge in criminal activities and cause social and security problems. Some may be recruited by bad people with ill intentions and become disruptive elements in society, nations or the world.  Rebellions and terrorist groups fill their ranks and thrive from unemployed youths. 

It is important, therefore that, job creation becomes a critical component of the development agenda, plans and programmes of all nations.  Of course, jobs are created best when economies are growing.  As such putting in place sound economic policies which will engender growth of the economy is a matter of essence.  Also, it is important to note that, growth takes place where there is investment.  Therefore, creating an enabling environment to attract investors to come and invest is what will actually create and deliver jobs.  So developing nations, must strive to have sound economic policies as well as attractive investment climate. 

The Africa Dilemma

Your Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates;

            Many African countries, including mine, have registered good economic performance over the last two to three decades.  Today, more than 10 African countries enjoy growth rates averaging 5 – 6 percent which is higher than the global average. Africa’s collective GDP is estimated to hit 2.6 trillion US Dollars in the next five years, making our continent one of (if not) the world’s fastest growing economic regions.    However, beneath this success story lies the painful reality of high unemployment and poor working conditions in the few jobs available mostly found in the informal sector.

            The truth of the matter is, the number of young men and women who enter the job market are far more than the jobs being created.  I hope at this meeting we will share ideas about how African nations can tackle this problem and get advice about what we should do to attract more investments.

 I would also appreciate advice and possible support about ways of assisting our young people with self employment.  How to assist them to start and run a business and how to source capital.  Honestly, we need special programmes and projects to address this urgent matter.  Governments must play a role as well as development partners, the private sector and other interested associations.  Support to programmes on self employment will surely make a difference.  It makes economic and social sense.  We must know that the problem of unemployment can destabilise or even topple good governments.  Appropriate action in this regard is a matter of utmost agency.

Excellencies;     

            Much as we all agree on the need and importance of achieving sustainable development through employment creation and decent work, we must not lose sight of the realities of the world we live in.  I say so, because countries on this planet are at different levels of development as a result they have different capabilities to deal with these overarching challenges of our time. 

While to some countries and regions the focus is on making the available jobs decent and creating more decent jobs, we in Africa are simply struggling to create jobs first and foremost.  The issue of the jobs being decent comes later.  The idea here is first keep the stomach of hungry men full before talking about balanced diet.  Ideally the two should be done simultaneously because jobs being decent is just as important.  Decency of jobs should not be compromised.  There should be clear standards and regulations which must be strictly respected.  Where jobs were created first before decency being observed, it should not be allowed to remain that way.  The regulators must do their job to ensure rules are followed to the letter and spirit. 

Another challenge we have to contend with is that of striking the proper balance between preserving the environment on one side and promoting growth and creating jobs to meet urgent problem of unemployment on the other.  This is an African and a global dilemma that needs to be addressed.

Excellencies;

            It is evident that, at the current state of development, many of our countries in Africa will not deliver adequately on sustainable development through job creation and decent work.  They are faced with a plethora of other challenges as such they have compelling limitations and handicaps.  Mind you, Africa is home to 34 of the Lest Developed Countries in the world.  African nations must, therefore, be assisted if they are to keep pace and catch up on our common goal of making extreme poverty history by 2030.

Excellencies;

Africa has demonstrated, strong desire and commitment to change its course for the better.  Most African nations have undertaken socio-economic reforms which have worked well so far.  On the economic front for example, pursuit of sound macro-economic policies has been responsible for the strong economic performance which Africa is being applauded for. We are, indeed, witnesses to better economic management, high economic growth rates, visible progress in the social-economic life of nations, and more people are being lifted out of poverty.  However, the pace is not good enough and not deep enough.  Rest assured that, we in Africa, would like to do better, faster, deeper and broader had it not been for our underdevelopment.

Africa should therefore, be assisted in the implementation of programmes and projects which will promote socio-economic growth, create jobs, increase people’s incomes, eradicate poverty and enable people to live a decent life.  I believe this is the right and best thing to do by the developed countries.  The waves of boat people trying to enter Europe will not end as long as long poverty and unemployment persists unabated.  As long as pasture is brown in Africa and green in Europe the flow won’t stop.  Help make the pasture in Africa green. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

Fortunately, there is, also, demonstrable progress on the governance side in Africa.  There is marked improvement on the political, ethical, democracy and human rights fronts.  Of course, the rate of progress varies from one country to another, but the common denominator is that things are happening for the better and steady progress is being registered in all African nations.

This is why today, we talk about Africa rising.  Indeed, the continent is on the ascent.  If the social, political and economic gains are sustained for another two to three decades, most of the LDCs in Africa if not all, will become middle income countries.  The current lower middle income countries will become high middle income countries or be on the threshold of graduating into developed country status.  Some may even become developed economies. 

Tanzania’s Experience and Contribution

Your Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates;

            We in Tanzania too, have set our sights on becoming a middle income country by the year 2025.  This is the overarching objective of the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 launched in the year 2000.   In 2010 we conceived the 15 year Long Term Perspective Plan which is divided into three medium term plans of five years each.  The purpose of doing so was to guide the implementation of the objectives of the Vision in a structured manner for the remaining 15 years.

 The Vision is informed and cognisant of the need for the economy to grow at a fast pace, develop human capital, increase people’s access to basic social and economic services, reduce income poverty and create a conducive environment for growth of the productive and service sectors.  Also, sound environmental management policies and practices have been emphasized.  Good governance, democracy, human rights and rule of law have been underscored in the Vision as well.

The implementation of the Vision and the First Five Year Development Plan is going on well and the results are encouraging.  Of course, our inability to mobilise all the financial resources required to implement the various programmes and projects has been a serious encumbrance. Had we been able to mobilise all the requisite resources, I believe, Tanzania would have been better off than what we are todate. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

These challenges notwithstanding, significant progress has been made so far.  Marco-economic indicators are on good stead.  Average GDP growth has been at 7 percent for the last decade and a half.  GDP per capita has increased from US Dollars 375 in 2005 to US Dollars 695 in 2013 (base year 2001).  However, with 2007 as the base year GDP per capita in 2013 was US Dollars 948) which comes close to the threshold of US Dollars 1,045 that defines a middle income country.  The number of people who live below the poverty line has been decreasing steadily but not at the pace I would have desired.  For example, in 2000 they were 35.7 percent, 33.7 percent in 2007 and decreased further down to 28.2 percent in 2012. 

 We scaled up on the availability of basic social and economic services to our people.  Today more Tanzanians have access to education, health care, electricity, water supply, roads, telecommunication, financial services etc.  More roads are paved, these days than ever before to the extent that Tanzanians can get to any place in the country on the same day.  In the past, it had to take not less than two days or more.

More young men and women have access to education from kindergarten to university.  Primary school enrolment is at 98 percent and all students who pass primary school leaving examination get a place in secondary school.  Between 2005 – 2014 there were 4,576 secondary schools compared to 531 that were there in 2005. The student population has increased from 524,325 in 2005 to 1,804,056 in 2014.  The number of vocational training institutions has increased from 184 in 2005 to 744 in 2014 and so has the number of students getting skills training at these institutions.  With regard to university education the number of students increased from 40,719 in 2005 to 200,986 todate.

We have done similar expansion with regard to health care.  We have built more dispensaries, health centres and hospitals.  As a result more people have access to better health services and we are witnessing reduction in numbers of people who contract and die of diseases which used to kill a lot of people.  I have in mind diseases like malaria, HIV, TB and others.  It is also the case with child mortality and maternal mortality although we need to do more on the latter.  As a result of all these achievements on the health front life expectancy is on the increase.  It is now 61 years compared to  47 two decade ago.

Transforming the Rural Economy

Your Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates;

            In our quest to reduce the number of people who live below the poverty line, we decided to give special attention to agricultural reform and rural transformation.  We decided to do this because the majority of the poor people live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, increased productivity and production meant food security and increased incomes to farmers thus lifting many out of poverty.  Improvement in the availability of basic services improves their living conditions and productive capacity.

 Three initiatives are worth mentioning in this regard.  The Agricultural Sector Development Programme, Kilimo Kwanza and the Southern Agriculture Growth Corridor of Tanzania.  There are positive changes happening in our agriculture and rural economy.  For three years now, Tanzania has enjoyed surplus food production.  The challenge now is about how to increase storage and get assured market for the surplus produce.  We are working on resolving those challenges. I believe current plans to establish a Commodity Exchange will help address them.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

  These measures and achievements notwithstanding,  I acknowledge much more needs to be done to see increased agricultural  productivity and production through modernization of crop and animal husbandry and improving the availability of requisite support services to farmers including financial services.  Implementation of the three initiatives and the establishment of the agricultural development bank will help Tanzania’s agriculture.

Excellencies;

The other important programme being undertaken by the government which will help rural transformation is rural electrification.  So far 3,836 villages have been covered and the plan is to reach another 1,500 villages by June, 2015.  This means, 43 percent of the 12,423 villages will be covered. Rural electrification will be a significant step in rural transformation in view of what electricity can do as a catalyst of development. 

Overall, we have made encouraging progress with regard to electricity coverage in the country.  In 2005 only 10 percent Tanzanians had access to electricity, in 2014 that number had increased to 36 percent compared to 32 percent for Sub-Saharan Africa.  This is not bad at all but at the African and global level our coverage is too little.  First we want to catch up and surpass the average Africa coverage of 43 percent. That is why electricity development is a priority programme in my government’s development agenda.  

We are also taking action to expand and advance manufacturing, mining tourism, ICT, trade and other services for the sake of promoting growth and creating jobs.  So far, so good and we are seeing a lot of jobs being created in these sectors.

Social Protection

Your Excellencies and Distinguished Delegation;

            When we talk about sustainable development, job creation and decent work, we should also discuss social protection.  In Africa, Tanzania included, social protection schemes largely cater for those who work in formal employment.  In 2012 we undertook reform of the social security system to include the hardworking people in the informal sector like farmers, traders and others. It is beginning to show positive results.  With the total working population estimated to be 22.5 million, and employment in the formal sector at 1.55 million, the total membership of social security schemes was at 1.95 million in 2013/2014.  This means, about 400,000 new entrants have been enrolled in the Social Security Scheme from the informal sector in just two years. Therefore, we can do better if we stay the course of encouraging people in the informal sector to join social security schemes.  I am confident we will succeed in this ambitious goal as well. 

Informal Economy

Your Excellencies;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

            The informal sector is huge and remains a major source of employment in Africa and in Tanzania.  It accounts for 70 percent of employment in Sub-Saharan Africa, 80 percent of the total labour force and contributes 55 percent of the GDP.   In Tanzania the contribution of the informal sector has been decreasing from 43.6 percent of the GDP in 2005 to 39.7 percent in 2010.  In 2014, its contribution decreased further to 30 percent of the GDP.    

            It is in the best interest of the national economies in Africa and those engaged in the informal economy to have the informal sector formalised.  It makes pursuit of decent work easy.  It also broadens the tax base.  Improvement in legal regime governing business which makes it possible for financial institutions to lend money to small and medium enterprises in the informal sector is one way of doing it. The expansion of financial services through mobile phone technology is another.  It has not only promoted financial inclusion, in an unprecedented way, but also has encouraged formalization of informal business.

Excellencies;

Let me mention here that through mobile phone financial services, the number of people with access to financial services in Tanzania has increased from 17 percent in year 2012 to 43 percent in year 2013.  Our financial inclusion target is to reach 50 percent by 2016.  I believe we will attain it before that time.  By 2014, about 10 million people were using electronic payments with transaction having reached a phenomenon one billion US Dollars per month.  This is a tremendous achievement.

Conclusion

Your Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates;

            I have tried to share my thoughts and our experience on job creation, decent work as means to achieve sustainable development.  I believe it is achievable.    If there is cooperation among all the players both in the public and private sector, together we can deliver on sustainable development, job creation and decent work. We have seen the underlying potential to achieve more if we invest more and wisely.

            Let us rise to the moment. 

                        I thank you all for listening.

Sheikh Alhadi M. Salum, Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Haki na Amani ya Viongozi wa Dini Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Mhasham Askofu Valentino Mokiwa, Kaimu Makamu Mwenyekiti,;

Fadha John Solomon, Katibu wa Kamati ya Haki na Amani ya Viongozi wa Dini Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Wajumbe wa Kamati ya Haki na Amani ya Viongozi wa Dini Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Viongozi wa Dini;

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Shukrani

          Nianze kwa kuungana na walionitangulia kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu, mwingi wa rehema aliyetuwezesha kukutana siku hii ya leo tukiwa na afya njema.  Nawashukuru Mwenyekiti na Katibu wa Kamati ya Haki na Amani ya Viongozi wa Dini Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam kwa kunialika kushiriki nanyi katika mkutano huu maalum wa kutafakari afya ya jamii katika taifa letu.  Hili ni jambo muhimu hasa wakati huu taifa letu linapopitia kwenye hali isiyokuwa ya kawaida.

          Nawapongeza viongozi na wanakamati wote kwa juhudi kubwa mnazozifanya katika kuhakikisha kwamba taifa letu linabakia kuwa kisiwa cha amani.  Hii si kazi ndogo hata kidogo.  Ni kazi kubwa yenye vikwazo vingi.  Inahitaji moyo wa ujasiri uvumilivu na wenye kuweka maslahi ya taifa mbele.  Unahitaji uongozi wenye kuona mbali na wenye kujali maslahi mapana ya taifa letu na watu wake.  Naamini ni kazi ambayo inampendeza Mwenyezi Mungu hivyo ina Baraka zake zote. 

Ndugu Viongozi wa Dini;

Kwenye mwaliko wenu mmenitaka nizungumzie mambo makubwa matatu; amani ya nchi, Katiba Inayopendekezwa na Mahakama ya Kadhi.  Suala la usalama na amani ya nchi yetu nimekuwa nalizungumza mara kadhaa na mara ya mwisho nililizungumzia kwa kirefu kwenye hotuba yangu ya mwisho wa mwezi wa Februari, 2015.  Leo nitalizungumzia suala la amani kwa kulihusisha na wakati tulionao na hasa mwelekeo wa mambo yanayotokea hivi sasa nchini.  Huhitaji kuwa bingwa wa unajimu kuweza kujua kuwa hali ilivyo sasa hairidhishi na kama hatutachukua hatua thabiti kuubadili mwelekeo huu nchi yetu itaingia kwenye mfarakano mkubwa kati ya Wakristo na Waislamu.  Hatari ya kuvunjika kwa amani ni kubwa.

Kama sote tujuavyo mchakato wa kutunga Katiba Mpya unakaribia ukingoni baada ya Tume ya Mabadiliko ya Katiba kutoa Rasimu ya Katiba na Bunge Maalumu la Katiba kutunga Katiba Inayopendekezwa.  Tunasubiri kupiga Kura ya Maoni ya kuamua juu ya hatma ya Katiba hiyo.  Upigaji kura huo utaendeshwa kwa kutumia Daftari la Wapiga Kura lililoboreshwa na siyo la zamani.  Kwa kuwa daftari linaboreshwa kwa kutumia teknolojia mpya kila mtu anapatiwa kitambulisho kipya cha mpiga kura.  Kinachoendelea sasa ni zoezi la uandikishaji wa wapiga kura na litakapokamilika ndipo Kura ya Maoni itakapofanyika. 

Kwa sasa wengi wetu tunasubiri zamu yetu ya kujiandikisha ili tupate vitambulisho vyetu vya Mpiga Kura, ili kuwa tayari kutimiza haki yetu ya Kisheria na Kikatiba ya kuipigia kura Katiba Inayopendekezwa na baadae kuchagua Rais, Wabunge na Madiwani.  Bahati mbaya kasi ya uandikishaji haijaenda kama tulivyotangaziwa awali na Tume ya Uchaguzi.  Naamini wakati mwafaka Tume itatueleza na kutuelekeza kuhusu uandikishaji na mchakato mzima mpaka upigaji wa Kura ya Maoni. 

Waheshimiwa Viongozi wa Dini;

Katika kipindi cha kusubiri kujiandikisha katika Daftari la Mpiga Kura, kumetokea matamko ya baadhi ya viongozi wa dini ya kuwataka waumini wajiandikishe kwa wingi ambalo ni jambo jema sana.  Lakini, pia wamewataka waipigie kura ya hapana Katiba Inayopendekezwa.  Kauli hii imenisikitisha na kunihuzunisha kwa sababu sikutegemea viongozi wetu hawa tunaowaheshimu sana wangeweza kufanya hivyo na kwa namna ile waliyofanya.  Ninaposema hivyo sipendi nieleweke kuwa nahoji haki yao kama raia kutoa maoni ya kuunga mkono au kutokuunga mkono Katiba Inayopendekezwa.  Hiyo ni haki yao ya msingi kama ilivyo kwa raia ye yote.  Kinachonisumbua ni kutaka kulipa suala la Katiba Inayopendekezwa ambalo ni la raia wote, sura, mtazamo na msimamo wa kidini.  Kama ingekuwa Katiba Inayopendekezwa inakinzana na uhuru wa kuabudu hapo wangekuwa na haki ya kuikataa na mimi ningeungana nao kuipinga.

Ukweli ni kwamba Katiba Inayopendekezwa inatambua haki na uhuru wa watu kuabudu dini wanayoipenda.  Niruhusuni ninukuu Ibara ya 41 ya Katiba Inayopendekezwa ambayo ina vifungu saba lakini ninanukuu vichache (1, 2, 3, 5 na 6) inasema kwamba:     

(1)             Kila mtu ana uhuru wa mawazo, dhamiri, imani na uchaguzi katika mambo ya imani ya dini na anao uhuru pia wa kubadilisha dini, imani yake au kutokuwa na imani na dini.

(2)            Kazi ya kutangaza dini, kufanya ibada na kueneza dini itakuwa ni huru na jambo la hiari kwa mtu binafsi ili mradi hakiuki sheria za nchi.

(3)            Shughuli ya uendeshaji wa jumuiya za dini itakuwa nje ya shughuli za mamlaka za Serikali.

(5)   Ni marufuku kwa mtu, kikundi, au taasisi ya dini kutumia uhuru wa kutangaza dini kwa namna ambayo italeta uvunjifu wa amani, kujenga chuki au kuchochea vurugu na ghasia kwa madai ya kutetea imani au dini hiyo.

(6)             Dini na imani ya dini haitatumika kwa namna yoyote iakayowagawa wananchi, kuleta uhasama au uvunjifu wa amani miongoni mwa wananchi.

Kwa kweli kulipa jambo la Katiba Inayopendekezwa sura, mtazamo na msimamo wa kidini linanipa taabu sana kuelewa.  Nasumbuliwa na ule ukweli kwamba haijakiuka misingi yoyote ya dini, labda dini ya shetani kama ipo.  Isitoshe mchakato wa kutengeneza Katiba Mpya umekuwa na ushirikishwaji mkubwa na mpana wa watu katika hatua zote.  Viongozi wa dini na waumini wao walishiriki katika hatua zote za mchakato.  Haijapata kutokea mambo ya dini kupuuzwa au watu wa dini ye yote kubaguliwa.  Katiba Inayopendekezwa imezingatia, imeimarisha, kudumisha na kuendeleza misingi muhimu ya taifa letu.  Misingi hiyo ni pamoja na:

(i)                               Nchi yetu kutokuwa na ubaguzi wa aina yoyote, ubaguzi wa dini, rangi, kabila, jinsia au eneo mtu atokako.

(ii)                            Serikali yetu kutokuwa na dini ingawa wananchi wake wanaruhusiwa kuwa na dini.

(iii)                         Uhuru wa kuabudu.  Kila Mtanzania anao uhuru wa kufuata na kuabudu dini atakayo bila kubughudhiwa.  Uhuru huu umezingatiwa katika Katiba Inayopendekezwa.

(iv)                         Utoaji wa fursa sawa za kiuchumi na kijamii kwa wananchi wote bila upendeleo wala ubaguzi.

(v)                           Haki za msingi za makundi yote zimeainishwa.

 Ndugu Viongozi wa Dini;

Ndugu Wageni Waalikwa;

Kwa ajili hiyo sioni sababu kwa nini viongozi wa dini wawaelekeze waumini wao kuipigia Kura ya Hapana, Katiba Inayopendekezwa.  Kuna lipi la kidini au linalokwenda kinyume na haki na uhuru wa kuabudu?  Nimeisoma na kuirudia sijaliona linalokwenda kinyume na dini yo yote.  Kwa ajili hiyo nawasihi viongozi wa dini wawaache waumini wao kuamua wenyewe wanavyoona inafaa, bila ya kushinikizwa na mtu yeyote.  Katiba Inayopendekezwa ni ya taifa letu na ya Watanzania wote.  Tena walikuwa ni wawakilishi wazito, bora na makini kwa kila hali.  Lipi tena lililoharibika hadi tufikie hapa?

Nilifuatilia kwa undani nini kilichowafanya viongozi wetu wa dini kutoa matamko ya kuwataka waumini wao kuikataa Katiba Inayopendekezwa na kutokuipigia kura CCM.  Nimeona kuwa labda ni hasira kwa uamuzi wa Serikali kupeleka Bungeni Muswada unaohusu Mahakama ya Kadhi.  Pia wana hasira kuwa Katiba Inayopendekezwa imeyaacha baadhi ya mambo wanayoyaona kuwa ni muhimu.  Nitajaribu kuyazungumzia yote mawili, na namuomba Mwenyezi Mungu anijaalie kauli njema ili maelezo yangu yatosheleze kujibu hoja hizo.

Waheshimiwa Viongozi wa Dini;

Niruhusuni nianze na hili la pili la baadhi ya mambo waliyoyaona kuwa ya msingi kutokuwemo katika Katiba Inayopendekezwa.  Niseme kwa jumla tu kwamba si kila alichokitaka kila mtu kimejumuishwa au kingejumuishwa.  Isingekuwa rahisi kufanya hivyo.  Tungekuwa na Katiba ya ukubwa gani na ingeandikwaje na nani angeiandika!  Mchakato huu unaendeshwa kwa mujibu wa Sheria ya Mabadiliko ya Katiba iliyotungwa na Bunge la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania.  Kila taasisi au chombo kilichotakiwa kuundwa kwa mujibu wa Sheria hiyo kiliundwa na kutimiza ipasavyo wajibu wake.  Wapo waliohoji Mahakamani mamlaka ya Bunge Maalumu la Katiba kuhusu Rasimu ya Tume ya Mabadiliko ya Katiba.  Walipata majibu stahiki kuwa Sheria ilizingatiwa na Bunge maalum lina mamlaka hayo.

Sioni ubaya wa mtu kuyasikitikia yale ambayo yamemkereketa sana, lakini kuyapa sura, mtazamo na msimamo wa kidini inanipa taabu.  Mambo ya dunia yanayotungwa na wanadamu hubadilika na nyakati, tofauti na maandiko matakatifu.  Linaloonekana linafaa leo kesho siyo na linaloonekana silo leo kesho litaonekana ndilo lenyewe.  Niliwahi kusema wakati mmoja kuwa kama jambo halipo sasa ipo siku litakuwepo. 

Mfano mzuri ni Orodha ya Mambo ya Muungano katika Katiba yetu ya sasa.  Yalipoingizwa yalionekana yanafaa na yanahitajika sana, leo baadhi yameonekana hayajitajiki na ni kikwazo.  Kwa mambo kama hayo kwa viongozi wa dini kuyawekea msimamo wa dini ni kwenda mbali mno.  Waachieni wanasiasa walumbane na waumini wenu waamue wanavyoona inafaa.  Mtawakwaza isivyostahiki.

Waheshimiwa Viongozi wa Dini;

Pengine niyasemee kidogo haya madai yahusuyo maadili.  Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa maadili ya taifa pamoja na miiko ya uongozi vimezingatiwa. Katiba Inayopendekezwa imeyaainisha vizuri maadili ya viongozi tena kwa namna inayotekelezeka na kuunda mifumo na vyombo vya kusimamia. Miongoni mwa vyombo hivyo ni pamoja na Tume ya Maadili tofauti na ilivyo sasa ambapo ni Baraza la Maadili.  Katiba Inayopendekezwa inaitambua Sheria ya Maadili na TAKUKURU ambayo haikutajwa kabisa katika Rasimu ya Katiba ya Tume nayo imeingizwa.    

Kumekuwa na madai kwamba maadili ya viongozi na watendaji wa umma yameondolewa kwenye Katiba Inayopendekezwa.  Hiyo siyo kweli.  Ibara za 28 na 29 zinazungumzia maadili ya viongozi wa umma na Ibara ya 30 na 31 zinazungumzia maadili ya watendaji wa umma. Ibara ya 228 inaunda Tume ya Maadili ya Umma na Ibara ya 249 inaunda Taasisi ya Kuzuia na Kupamba na Rushwa (TAKUKURU).  Kilichofanyika ni kuyaondoa maadili kutoka kwenye sehemu yaliyopendekezwa kuwekwa na kupelekewa sehemu nyingine ambako yanaweza kutekelezwa kwa mujibu wa sheria.  Tume iliandika maadili kama Tunu tu ambazo kimsingi hazipaswi kutekelezwa bali kuzingatiwa tu.  Bunge Maalumu la Katiba likaona liyajengee Mifumo ya Utekelezaji na vyombo vya kusimamia.

 Hivyo ndugu zangu, Katiba Inayopendekezwa ni bora kuliko Katiba ya sasa na Rasimu ya Katiba. Katiba Inayopendekezwa isipopita, tunarudi kwenye Katiba ya sasa na changamoto zake.  Ni vizuri sana ikaeleweka kuwa, chaguo ni kati ya Katiba Inayopendekezwa ambayo imeboreshwa na kukidhi mahitaji na maslahi ya makundi mbalimbali nchini au kubaki kwenye Katiba ya Sasa.   Pamoja na hayo, tutambue kwamba Katiba si Biblia au Msahafu vitabu ambavyo haviwezi kubadilishwa.  Zitakuwepo fursa mbalimbali za kuifanyia marekebisho kadri mahitaji ya wakati yatakavyojitokeza..  Tumekuwa tukifanya hivyo siku zote, sioni sababu ya watu kuhamanika na kuwa na mashaka safari hii.  Kile ambacho hakikupatikana leo kinaweza kupatikana kesho.

Mahakama ya Kadhi

Ndugu Viongozi wa Dini;

Ndugu Wageni Waalikwa;

Kuhusu Mahakama ya Kadhi, ni vizuri tukaelewa kwamba Serikali ilishafanya maamuzi kwamba Mahakama hiyo haitaanzishwa na Serikali bali na Waislamu wenyewe wakiona inafaa. Tulielewana pia kwamba Serikali haitaingia gharama za kuiendesha. Hayo yote yamezingatiwa na Mahakama hizo zimekwishaanzishwa na BAKWATA, Makadhi wamekwishateuliwa na zinaendeshwa na Waislamu wenyewe.   

Tunachotaka kufanya sasa Bungeni ni kuwezesha maamuzi yanayofanywa na Kadhi yatambuliwe kisheria.  Kwa mujibu wa Sheria zetu hilo siyo jambo geni na wala halikinzani na Katiba wala Sheria za nchi. Sheria zetu zinatambua Sheria tulizozirithi kutoka kwa Wakoloni, Sheria zilizotungwa na Bunge, Sheria za Kimila pamoja na Sheria za Kiislamu.  Hii ni kwa mujibu wa Sheria iitwayo Judicature and Application of Laws Act, 1961 (JALA) hususan kifungu cha 11(c)(ii) kinachoelekeza kwamba: “Nothing in this Section shall prelude any Court from applying the rules of Islamic Law in matters of marriage, divorce, guardianship, inheritance, wakf and similar matters in relations to members of a Community which follows that law”.

Ndugu Viongozi wa Dini;

Kabla ya Uhuru na mara tu baada ya uhuru, Sheria za Kiislamu zilisimamiwa na Mahakama zilizoundwa chini ya Sheria ya Mahakama za Wenyeji - Native Courts Ordinance  na baadaye Local Courts Ordiance.  Mahakama za Maliwali zilizoundwa katika maeneo ya wenyeji Waislamu zilisimamia Sheria za Kiislamu.

Kufuatia kuunganishwa kwa mifumo yetu ya Mahakama za wenyeji na Mahakama za wazungu na kuwa mfumo mmoja, mwaka 1963, kazi ya kusimamia sheria hizi ilikuwa chini ya Mahakama za Mwanzo.  

Mwaka 1964 ilitungwa Sheria iitwayo “The Islamic Law Restatement Act (Sura ya 378) ambayo ilimpa Waziri wa Sheria majukumu ya kutambua na kutangaza matamko mbalimbali ya sheria za kiislamu kwa mujibu wa madhehebu tofauti ya Kiislamu.  Sheria zote mbili (JALA) na Islamic Law Restatement Act, zilipiga marufuku matumizi ya Sheria za jinai za Kiislamu na Kimila. 

Mwaka 1971 kufuatia Tume ya Jaji Spry iliyoundwa mwaka 1968, ilitungwa Sheria mpya ya ndoa.  Sheria hii ya ndoa inatambua mifumo ya sheria na taratibu za kufunga ndoa zinazotumika na dini mbalimbali ikiwa ni pamoja na ile ya Wakristo na Waislamu.  Ndoa za Kikristo zinasajiliwa  na Wakristo wenyewe Makanisani na kwa Waislamu, Makadhi wanatakiwa kuhudhuria, kufungisha na kusajili ndoa za Kiislamu.  Hii ni kwa mujibu wa fungu la 43 la Sheria ya Ndoa ya mwaka 1971, Sura ya 29 ya Sheria zetu ambayo inasema:

(2)  When a marriage is celebrated by a minister of religion according to the rites of a specified religion, it shall be his duty forthwith to register it.

(3)  When a marriage is contracted in Islamic form in the presence of a Kadhi, it shall be his duty forthwith to register it.

(4)  When a marriage is contracted in the presence of a registration officer in Islamic form (no kadhi being present) or according to customary law rites, it shall be the duty of the registration officer to take necessary steps to register the marriage with the district registrar or a kadhi.

Taratibu za kuvunja ndoa kwa mujibu wa fungu la 101 la Sheria hiyo, linawataka wahusika kwanza kupata suluhu ya Mabaraza ya Ndoa, ikiwa ni pamoja na yale ya Makanisa na ya Misikiti.  Kama mabaraza haya yakishindwa ndipo mtu anaweza kuomba talaka. Ingawa utaratibu huu umewekwa kwenye Sheria ya Ndoa, talaka ni utaratibu unaotumbulika na Waislamu, Wakristo hawana.  Kwao ndoa inayofungwa Kanisani haivunjiki.  Hivyo, usuluhishi wa Kiislamu ni tofauti sana na wa Kikristo.

Hivyo basi, kinachotafutwa kwenye muswada uliopo Bungeni siyo kitu kigeni, kipo kwenye Sheria ya JALA, Islamic Law Restatement Act na Sheria ya Ndoa.  Kwa kweli kinachotafutwa ni kidogo tu, kama Kadhi anafungisha ndoa kwa mujibu wa Sheria ya Ndoa, kwa kutumia Sheria ya Kiislamu, inayotambulika kwa mujibu wa Sheria ya Islamic Law Restatement Act na JALA, basi mamlaka itambue maamuzi yake hayo na katika masuala ya mirathi na wakfu.  Ilivyo sasa, ni vigumu kwa Waislamu waliopitia kwenye Mahakama ya Kadhi, kupata haki zao kutoka kwenye Mamlaka mbalimbali za nchi kwa sababu maamuzi ya Mahakama hizo hayana nguvu ya kisheria.  Jamani ndugu zangu hili nalo lina ubaya gani mpaka tufike mahali pa kutaka kupata uhasama na kuhatarisha amani, usalama na utulivu wa nchi zetu? 

Sioni sababu ya kupandikiza chuki baina ya Wakristo na Serikali yao, au baina ya Wakristo na Chama cha Mapinduzi chenye hiyo Serikali.  Sioni sababu ya kuleta mfarakano baina ya Wakristo na Waislamu.  Haipo kabisa kwani sheria zetu zinatambua na kujali haki za msingi za dini zote.  Zipo Sheria zinazotambua mambo ya Wakristo kuhusu ndoa (Sheria ya Ndoa ya 1971 Sura 29), urithi Cap 345 ya 2002, Sheria ya Viapo na Matamko na kadhalika. 

Zipo sheria zinazowahusu Waislamu, sura 28 ya 2002 inayozungumzia mirathi ya muumini asiyekuwa mkristo au mwenye asili ya Kiasia (Non Christian – Non Asiatic Act, the Islamic Law (Restatement) Act.  Na Wahindu nao wanasheria yao kuhusu mirathi na kuendeleza mali za marehemu (Hindu Law Succession Act of 1870.

 Kila dini mambo yake yanatambuliwa kisheria tena kwa mujibu wa taratibu za dini hizo zinavyotaka iwe. Na, yote yanahusu ndoa, talaka, mirathi na wakfu.  Katu hairuhusu masuala ya jinai.  Na, Mahakama ya Kadhi inahusu mambo hayo.  Kama inavyofanywa kwa dini zote nyingine kama Waislamu wameamua Kadhi ndiyo wasimamie shughuli hizo iweje tuwakatalie?  Tutazua chuki isiyo kuwa na sababu.

Mwisho

Ndugu zangu, tunapoelekea kwenye uchaguzi kuna mambo mengi yatakayofanywa na mengi yanayosemwa.  Mengine kwa nia njema, na mengine kwa hila za kujitafutia ushindi katika chaguzi, na mengine kwa hila ya kuitakia nchi yetu mabaya. 

Tusikubali kuruhusu watu wenye nia mbaya na nchi yetu kutugawa kwa misingi ya dini zetu.  Daima tukumbuke kuwa yale yanayotuunganisha ni muhimu zaidi kuliko yale yanayotugawa.  Viongozi wa dini hamna budi kutambua kwamba nafasi na mamlaka yenu katika kujenga au kubomoa umoja na mshikamano wa kitaifa ni mkubwa.  Huko nyuma nilikwisha watahadharisha juu ya watu wenye dhamira ya kutaka kutufarakanisha kwa misingi ya dini.  Wako watu wanaojiuliza kwa nini Tanzania ni tulivu kwa nia ya kutafuta mbinu za kuwagawa na hata kuwasambaratisha kama ilivyo kwa baadhi ya nchi za Afrika. Kwa historia yetu si rahisi kutumia kabila, rangi na mengineyo. Wameamua kutumia imani zao za kidini.  Ninyi ndio viongozi wetu naomba muwe wepesi kutambua hila hizo na kuzizuia. Narudia kuwatahadharisha muwe macho na watu hao.  Hatutegemei viongozi wa dini wakatufikisha huko.

Kama viongozi wa kitaifa, tunao wajibu wa kujenga umoja na mshikamano wa kitaifa.  Na si vinginevyo. 

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania!

Asanteni kwa Kunisikiliza!

Mheshimiwa Mathias Chikawe, Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi;

Mheshimiwa Said Mecky Sadiki, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa

Dar es Salaam;

Ndugu Mbaraka Abdul Wakil, Katibu Mkuu Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi;

Inspekta Jenerali wa Polisi, Ndugu Ernest Mangu;

Naibu Inspekta Jenerali wa Polisi, Abdulrahman Kaniki;

Waheshimiwa Mabalozi;

Makamishna na Manaibu Kamishna wa Polisi;

Viongozi mbalimbali wa Serikali na Vyama vya Siasa;

Maofisa Waandamizi wa Vyombo vya Ulinzi na Usalama;

Mkuu wa Chuo, Maofisa, Wakaguzi, Wakufunzi  wa Vyeo

      Mbalimbali na Wanajumuiya ya Chuo Cha Taaluma

         ya Polisi Dar es Salaam;

Wahitimu;

Wageni waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Shukrani na Pongezi

Nakushukuru sana Mheshimiwa Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani na Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi kwa kunialika na kunishirikisha katika sherehe za  kufunga mafunzo ya uofisa wa ngazi ya Warakibu Wasaidizi wa Polisi. Kwangu mimi huwa ni jambo la faraja kuja hapa Chuoni. Inanipa nafasi ya kukutana na kuzungumza na viongozi wa Chuo na Jeshi la Polisi kuzungumzia hali ya Chuo, mafunzo na mambo mengineyo yahusuyo Jeshi la Polisi. 

Wakati wote kuja hapa kumenipa fursa nzuri ya kusikia hali ilivyo katika Jeshi la Polisi na juu ya mafanikio yenu na changamoto.  Hata leo, kama ilivyokuwa miaka ya nyuma, Waziri na IGP wamefanya hivyo tena kwa lugha rahisi  na fasaha.  Napenda kusema kama nilivyosema miaka ya nyuma kuwa nimesikia na tutaendelea kuchukua hatua zipasazo.  Kwa yale yanayowezekana kufanyika sasa tutajitahidi yafanyike na yale yanayostahili kuingizwa katika bajeti ijayo tutafanya hivyo.  Na yale ambayo sitayakamilisha katika muda huu uliobakia nitamwachia Rais wetu anayefuatia. Nawahakikishia kuwa nitayaeleza vizuri kwenye handing-over notes.

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Nimefurahishwa na kuridhishwa na niliyoyasikia na kuyashuhudia kuhusu kozi inayomalizika leo. Walianza wanafunzi 296 na waliohitimu ni 289 na saba hawakumaliza kwa sababu mbalimbali. Gwaride lilikuwa zuri lenye kuonesha ukakamavu wa hali ya juu.  Bahati mbaya, kwa sababu ya Baraka ya mvua, maonesho ya mbinu za kutuliza ghasia, ya mapigano ya singe na ya mapigano bila silaha (taekwondo) hayakuweza kufanyika. Kwa jumla mmenidhihirishia na kunifanya niamini kwamba maofisa mliowaandaa kwa kipindi cha miezi sita wana utayari wa hali ya juu wa kukabiliana na uhalifu wa aina zote nchini. Nakupongeza kwa dhati Ndugu Mkuu wa Chuo na wakufunzi wote kwa kazi nzuri mliyoifanya ya kuwapatia wahitimu hawa mafunzo yanayowaimarisha katika utendaji wa kazi zao, maadili ya kijeshi pamoja na kuheshimu haki za binadamu. 

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

 Nimefurahishwa sana na taarifa kwamba wanafunzi wanawake katika mafunzo haya mwaka huu walikuwa 46 ambalo ni ongezeko la maradufu kutoka wanafunzi 23 wa mwaka jana. Huu ni uthibitisho kwamba Jeshi la Polisi linatambua na kutekeleza kwa vitendo mkakati wa kitaifa wa kuongeza idadi ya wanawake kwenye nafasi za uongozi na uamuzi.

Kwa jumla jitihada zenu za kujenga usawa wa kijinsia katika Jeshi la Polisi zina muelekeo mzuri na mnaendelea kupata mafanikio. Hata hivyo, bado mnayo au tunayo safari ndefu. Hapana budi juhudi za makusudi zichukuliwe kuongeza maafisa na askari wanawake. Nimeambiwa kuw kati ya mwaka 2005 hadi sasa wanawake 65 wamepandishwa vyeo na kushika nyadhifa za maamuzi.

Kuongezeka kwa maofisa wa kike kunatoa fursa kwa Jeshi la Polisi kupanua huduma za dawati la jinsia nchini kushughulikia makosa ya ukatili dhidi ya wanawake na watoto. Kukosekana kwa maafisa wanawake wa kutosha inakuwa kikwazo cha kuanzisha madawati hayo na hivyo, kunafanya matukio ya ukatili dhidi ya wanawake na watoto kutokushughulikiwa ipasavyo.  Si vyema kuacha matukio ya namna hiyo yawe yakimalizwa majumbani kifamilia badala ya kufikishwa polisi hivyo kuwa kichocheo cha ukatili huu kuendelea. 

Vitendea Kazi na Maslahi  ya Polisi

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi;

Tukiangalia nyuma tulikotoka na hapa tulipo sasa yapo mafanikio ya dhahiri tuliyoyapata katika ujenzi wa Jeshi la Polisi. Hata hivyo natambua kuwa bado hatujafika pale tunapopatarajia sote kwa sababu mbali mbali ikiwa ni pamoja na ile ya kutokupatiwa fedha za kutosha katika Bajeti.  Wakati mwingine bajeti hutengwa lakini Hazina haina fedha inayostahili hili ni tatizo la Wizara zote na Idara zote wala siyo nyie pekee. Inatokana na kutokufikiwa kwa malengo ya ukusanyaji wa mapato na utovu wa nidhamu ya matumizi.  Tunaendelea kubanana na tunaendelea kupata mafanikio kiasi. Hivyo basi, tunayo kazi kubwa ya kufanya mbele yetu jambo ambalo linaendelea kufanyika kadri fedha zinapopatikana.

Mpaka sasa mambo mengi mazuri yamefanyika hasa katika utekelezaji wa mpango wa maboresho ya Jeshi la Polisi. Tumeongeza vyombo vya usafiri kwa Jeshi letu. Mwaka 2006, kwa mfano, Jeshi la Polisi lilikuwa na magari ya kutendea kazi 954 na pikipiki chache. Leo kuna magari 1,540 na pikipiki 834. Bado hayatoshi kulingana na mahitaji. Taratibu za kupata magari mengine mapya zinaendelea. Kinachosubiriwa kwa sasa ni Hazina kukamilisha taratibu za kupata mkopo kutoka nchi mbili rafiki ili magari yaje.

Kama tujuavyo pia, Jeshi la Polisi linakabiliwa na uhaba mkubwa wa majengo yaani vituo vya polisi na nyumba za kuishi za maafisa na askari. Isitoshe, majengo mengi yaliyopo ni chakavu. Katika Mpango wa Maboresho ya Jeshi la Polisi kuondoa uhaba huu kwa kupata majengo mapya na kukarabati majengo chakavu kumepewa kipaumbele cha juu.  Lengo ni kuweka mazingira mazuri ya kazi na kuwatoa askari kuishi uraiani na kurudi kambini.  Kwa ajili hiyo Vituo vya Polisi kadhaa vilivyokuwa chakavu vimekarabatiwa na vipya kujengwa.

Katika utekelezaji wa azma hii kwa mfano, vituo 12 vya Daraja la A vimekarabatiwa na vipya 7 vimejengwa. Nyumba 220 zilikarabatiwa pamoja na ofisi 5 na mahanga 12. Bahati mbaya mpango wa ujenzi wa nyumba za kuishi tuliouanza mwaka 2007 tuliusitisha baada ya ujenzi wa nyumba mpya 394, kwa sababu mkopo tulioupata ulikuwa ghali sana. Tulikopa shilingi bilioni 23 lakini tutajikuta kuwa tutakuja kulipa shilingi bilioni 100. Jitihada za kupata nafuu ya riba hazijafanikiwa.  Hivyo basi, tukaona tuachane na wakopeshaji hao tutafute vyanzo vingine. Hivi sasa mpango wa kujenga nyumba 10,000 umekamilika kinachosubiriwa ni Hazina kukamilisha taratibu za mkopo kutoka chanzo nafuu ili utekelezaji uanze.

Mhehimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi;

Kama mjuavyo tumeendelea kuboresha maslahi ya askari katika Jeshi la Polisi na mtakumbuka kuwa nilikuta shilingi 84,000 ndicho kima cha chini cha mshahara wa askari. Leo hii ni zaidi ya mara nne na nusu ya ilivyokuwa mwaka 2005.  Posho ya chakula nayo imeongezwa kutoka shilingi 40,000 mwaka 2005 hadi shilingi 180,000 za sasa. Hatua za kuboresha zaidi maslahi zinaendelea kwani tunatambua haja na hoja ya kufanya hivyo.

Hali kadhalika tumetoa msukumo maalum katika upandishaji wa vyeo kwa wale wanaostahili.  Kulikuwepo na ucheleweshaji mkubwa na kuwavunja moyo maofisa na askari. Hadi mwaka 2015 maafisa 2,846 walipandishwa vyeo ikilinganishwa na 83 mwaka 2005. Wakaguzi 5,079 walipandishwa vyeo ikilinganishwa na wakaguzi 182 mwaka 2005. Jambo la kufurahisha ni kuwa askari wa kawaida 17,619 nao walipandishwa vyeo ikilinganishwa na 2,073 mwaka 2005.

Katika kipindi hiki pia, tulifanyia marekebisho ya muundo wa Jeshi la Polisi Makao Makuu ili ulingane na mahitaji ya wakati. Jeshi limepanuka sana kwa idadi hivyo lazima muundo urekebishwe ili kurahisisha utendaji. Kwa sababu hiyo kamisheni zimeongezeka kutoka 4 hadi 8. Nafurahi pia kwamba hatua za makusudi zimechukuliwa kuajiri wasomi. Kwa sababu hiyo naambiwa idadi yao imeongezeka kutoka 2,103 mwaka 2005 na kufikia 26,284 hivi sasa. Hii ni muhimu katika kuliwezesha Jeshi letu kuwa la kisasa. Hata idadi ya wanawake wasomi nayo imeongezeka kutoka 549 na sasa wako 5,884. Nawaomba mdumishe msimamo huo kwani huko mbele tuendako Jeshi letu lisipokuwa na wasomi wa kutosha litashindwa kukabili uhalifu unaoendeshwa kwa mbinu mpya, maarifa na teknolojia ya kisasa.

Mapambano dhidi ya Uhalifu

Mheshimiwa Waziri,

Ndugu Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi;

Makamishna;

Viongozi wengine na Wahitimu;

Kwa hatua tuliyofikia sasa ya utekelezaji wa Mpango wa Maboresho ya utekelezaji wa Jeshi letu umeboreka sana. Mtakumbuka kwa mfano kuwa, wakati wa kampeni za Uchaguzi Mkuu wa mwaka 2005 na wakati naanza kazi ya uongozi wa taifa letu hali ya ujambazi nchini ilikuwa mbaya. Niliahidi kuwa hatutawaacha majambazi kutamba. Tumetimiza ahadi hiyo kutokana na jitihada zenu. Majambazi hawatambi kama zamani na matukio ya uhalifu yamekuwa yakipungua.

Pamoja na kwamba matukio ya uhalifu nayo yamekuwa yanashuka, pamejitokeza matukio ya uhalifu wa kupitia mitandao ambayo mwaka 2005 hayakuwepo, na sasa yameanza kukua kwa kasi. Jeshi letu halina budi kujipanga vizuri kukabiliana na mabadiliko haya.  Natoa pongezi za dhati kwa hatua mnazochukua kwa ajili hiyo na mafanikio mnayoyapata.  Ongezeni bidii maradufu. Hali kadhalika, lazima tuongeze juhudi na maarifa kwa upande wa kudhibiti mauaji ambayo yameongezeka kutoka 2,775 mwaka 2005 hadi 3,775 ya sasa. Hili ni ongezeko la wastani wa asilimia 26 au sawa na asilimia 2.6 kwa mwaka.

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Viongozi na Askari;

         Napenda kutumia nafasi hii kuwataka mfanye kila linalowezekana tukomeshe mauaji ya ndugu zetu wenye ualbino na kukatwa viungo vyao vya mwili wawapo hai. Hii ni aibu ambayo nchi yetu haina budi kuondokana nayo. Natambua jitihada na mfanikio yaliyopatikana katika kupambana na ukatili huu tangu ulipojitokeza mwaka 2006. Kwa vile tulifanikiwa mwaka 2010 kutokuwepo na tukio hata moja inaonesha kuwa tatizo hilo linaweza kudhibitiwa na hata kumalizwa. Tutumie maarifa ya wakati ule na kuyaboresha kulingana na wakati tulionao.

Lazima tuwasake mpaka tuwapate watumiaji wa viungo vya maalbino, watu wanaowauzia na hawa nao tujue wanavipata kwa nani. Na kubwa zaidi lazima tuwatambue wale wanaojifanya mafundi wa kumuongezea mtu bahati kwa kutumia viungo vya albino.  Mimi naamini tukifanikiwa kuwatambua watu hao na kuwadhibiti, tatizo hili tutakuwa tumelidhibiti na mauaji kuyakomesha.  Lazima vita hii tupigane bila ajizi na lazima tushinde.

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi;

Viongozi na Askari;

         Lazima pia tuongeze nguvu maradufu katika mapambano dhidi ya biashara na matumizi ya dawa za kulevya nchini. Natambua na kufarijika na jitihada zinazoendelea kufanyika na mafanikio ya kutia moyo katika vita hivi.  Nawapongeza kwa kutiwa nguvuni kwa watuhumiwa 935 wakiwemo baadhi ya vigogo wa biashara hii haramu duniani kukamatwa na kesi 19 kufunguliwa Mahakamani mwaka uliopita. Ni ushahidi tosha wa dhamira ya dhati ya Serikali kudhibiti tatizo hili hapa nchini.

Ni ukweli ulio wazi hata hivyo, kuwa tatizo bado ni kubwa hivyo basi lazima tuongeze juhudi. Kutungwa kwa Sheria mpya ya Kudhibiti na Kupambana na Dawa za Kulevya kunatoa fursa ya kuongeza nguvu ya mapambano dhidi ya janga hili nchini. Bado Jeshi la Polisi litaendelea kutegemewa kuongoza juhudi hizi.  Lazima tufanye hivyo na tuonekane tunafanya hivyo.  Tusikubali wahalifu wanaojihusisha na biashara na matumizi ya dawa za kulevya wakatuzidi nguvu.  Itakuwa ni maangamizi kwa taifa letu.

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Viongozi na Askari;

Ugaidi ni tishio lingine la kiusalama nchini ambalo hatuna budi kulidhibiti. Natoa pongezi nyingi kwa Jeshi letu la Polisi kwa kazi kubwa na nzuri mnayoifanya katika kupambana na ugaidi nchini.  Kazi iliyofanyika miaka miwili iliyopita katika kupambana na uhalifu huu hatari ni ya kupigiwa mfano. Ninaposema hivi sina maana kuwa tumefanikiwa kukomesha vitendo au matishio ya ugaidi nchini.  Tatizo halijesha. Tishio na hatari ya ugaidi bado tunayo na tunaishi nayo.  Tunachotakiwa ni kuendeleza jitihada mnazozifanya sasa kwa kushirikiana na vyombo vingine vya dola na wananchi.  Tumefanya vizuri mpaka hapa tuazimie kufanya vizuri zaidi miaka ijayo.  Sisi katika Serikali tutaendelea kufanya kila tuwezalo kuwawezesha.

Ulinzi Shirikishi

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi;

Kwa kweli natoa pongezi maalum kwenu kwa kuanzisha mkakati kabambe wa kushirikisha wananchi katika shughuli za ulinzi na usalama wa raia.  Utekelezaji mzuri wa mkakati huu umeongeza imani ya wananchi kwa Jeshi lao na kushirikiana nalo.  Wananchi wamekuwa wanatoa taarifa za uhalifu kwa wingi na kuwezesha uhalifu kuzuiliwa na wahalifu kutiwa nguvuni. Naomba mkakati huu muuendeleze na kuuboresha.  Kazi ya Polisi bila kushirikisha wananchi haiwezi kufanikiwa.  Imarisheni vikundi vya ulinzi shirikishi (neighbourhood watch) na kubwa zaidi hakikisheni kuwa uchangiaji wa rasilimali kwenye mfuko wa ulinzi shirikishi unakuwa wa ufanisi mkubwa zaidi.

Nimefurahishwa na taarifa kuwa katika kutekeleza maazimio ya kupambana na uhalifu kikanda, Tanzania ilishika nafasi ya kwanza mara mbili mfululizo (miaka 2011 na 2012).  Nafasi hizi hutangazwa katika Mkutano Mkuu wa Kanda unaofanyika kila baada ya miaka miwili. Mkutano mwingine utafanyika mwaka huu.  Ni matarajiao yetu kuwa Jeshi letu litaendelea kushikilia kombe kwa muhula wa tatu mfululizo. Hali kadhalika, katika Mkutano Mkuu wa Interpol uliofanyika Novemba, 2012 huko Roma, Italia, Tanzania ilitangazwa kuwa ya kumi bora duniani katika kujihusisha na masuala ya ulinzi wa amani kwa upande wa askari wa kike. Katika Mkutano Mkuu wa Novemba, 2014, utaratibu huu wa ushindani katika eneo hili hakuendelea tena.

Hata hivyo, Tanzania ilikuwa nchi ya kwanza kuanza kutekeleza azimio la “turn back crime” linalohamasisha jamii kushiriki katika kuzuia uhalifu sawa na kampeni ya “Utii wa Sheria bila Shuruti”, ambayo ilianza mwaka 2012. Aidha, Tanzania ilitangazwa kuwa nchi ya 19 kati ya nchi 190 wanachama wa Interpol, kwa kuitambua hati ya kusafiria ya Interpol. Hii inaonesha ushirikiano wa hali ya juu katika kutekeleza maazimio mbalimbali yanayotolewa na Interpol.

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Nilipokuwa kwenye kikao cha Baraza la Mawaziri hivi karibuni kuzungumzia mwelekeo wa mapato ya Serikali, Jeshi la Polisi lilisifiwa kwa kukusanya asilimia 254 ya lengo la mapato kupitia faini na tozo mbali mbali. Nawapongeza kwa mafanikio hayo. Nawashauri muangalie uwezekano wa kutumia teknolojia ya kisasa kama vile kuwatambua madereva wanaofanya makosa kwa kutumia kamera na kuwapelekea taarifa kwa njia ya mitandao na kisha malipo ya faini yakafanywa kwa mitandao au kwa kulipia benki. Mbinu hii ni ya uhakika kwa kuwa inatoa fursa kwa sheria kusimamiwa muda wote na inaziba mianya ya mapato kuvuja kwa kuondoa muingiliano kati ya msimamizi wa sheria na dereva mkosaji.

Vita Dhidi ya Rushwa

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi;

Viongozi wa Jeshi la Polisi wa Ngazi mbalimbali;

Maafisa wote wa Polisi na Askari;

Lazima muongeze sana jitihada za kupambana na rushwa katika Jeshi la Polisi. Hisia za jamii kuhusu rushwa kwa upande wa Jeshi la Polisi bado si nzuri. Tafiti nyingi zihusuzo rushwa katika Idara za Serikali hazijaacha kulitaja Jeshi letu hili muhimu.  Hisia hizi si vizuri kuachwa kuendelea.  Kuna hatari ya kumong’onyoka kabisa imani ya jamii kwa Jeshi la Polisi Tanzania. Tatizo hili lipo ndani ya uwezo wenu kulimaliza: linawahusu ninyi. Mnajuana. Msioneane muhali kuambiana ukweli na kuchukua hatua thabiti kuwawajibisha wale miongoni mwenu wanaoleta sifa mbaya kwa Jeshi letu. Najua ni wachache sana lakini mkiwaacha bila kuwachukulia hatua inaleta sifa mbaya kwa wote. Kuna msemo wa Kiswahili usemao:”Samaki mmoja akioza wote wameoza au nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima”. Msikubali, Waondoeni samaki waliooza na nazi mbovu. Hivyo, vitendo vya rushwa siyo vya kuvumiliwa na Jeshi la Polisi.  Polisi lazima iendelee kuwa chombo cha wananchi wote wasio na kitu na wenye nacho.  Zaidi kiwe chombo rafiki kwa maskini ambao wako katika hatari zaidi ya kuonewa na kudhulumiwa haki zao kutokana na unyonge wao. 

Mdumishe Amani Wakati wa Uchaguzi

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi;

Makamishna na Viongozi Waandamizi;

Maafisa na Askari;

Bila shaka mnatambua kuwa mwaka huu ni wa aina yake kwa nchi yetu na kwa Jeshi la Polisi. Ni mwaka wa matukio makubwa matatu ya lazima kikatiba: Uandikishaji wa Wapiga Kura, Kura ya Maoni kuhusu Katiba Inayopendekezwa na Uchaguzi Mkuu wa Rais, Wabunge na Madiwani. Lazima tuhakikishe kuwa yanafanyika kwa salama na amani. Katika hali ya kawaida haya si matukio ya kusumbua vichwa vyetu kiusalama. Lakini, katika mazingira yetu tunayoyajua sote kuna kila dalili mambo yanaweza kuwa kinyume cha matarajio yetu sote.  Hivyo, Jeshi la Polisi halina budi kuitambua hali hiyo na kujiandaa ipasavyo kukabiliana na jambo lolote linaloweza kuhatarisha usalama. Napenda kuwaahidi kuwa Serikali itawasaidia kadri ya uwezo wake kuwapatia mahitaji yenu muhimu ili kwa ukamilifu muweze kutimiza wajibu wenu wa kulinda usalama wa nchi yetu, watu wake na mali zao. La msingi kwenu ni kujipanga vizuri. 

Wajibu wa Wahitimu

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Nawapongeza sana wahitimu wetu waliomaliza leo. Tumeisikia taarifa ya Mkuu wa Chuo kuwa wamehitimu wanafunzi 290 ambao wamefaulu kwa kiwango kizuri na kustahili kupandishwa cheo na kuwa Warakibu Wasaidizi. Walianza 297 na 290 wamefuzu. Nawapongeza sana. Mwaka jana jumla ya Wakaguzi 197 walisajiliwa kwa mafunzo kama haya katika Chuo hiki na wote walifaulu katika kiwango cha kupandishwa cheo kuwa Warakibu Wasaidizi.

Ndugu Wahitimu;

Jeshi la Polisi limekamilisha jukumu lake, kazi ni kwenu sasa. Mkawe viongozi wazuri na watendaji bora.

Ninatoa rai kwa Warakibu Wasaidizi wapya mkayatumie kwa vitendo mafunzo mliyoyapata hapa chuoni. Utendaji wenu uwe bora. Mkawaongoze vyema maafisa na askari watakaokuwa chini ya uongozi wenu. Hayo ndiyo matumaini yangu, ya Waziri wenu, ya IGP, Wakufunzi wenu na kila mmoja katika Jeshi la Polisi. Lazima mkaonekane mmebadilika kiutendaji na kuwa wazuri zaidi kuliko mlivyokuwa awali.

Hitimisho

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Tunapojivunia Tanzania kuwa kisiwa cha amani na utulivu kwa namna maalum tunajivunia mchango mkubwa unaotolewa na Jeshi la Polisi katika kulinda usalama wa nchi pamoja na maisha na mali za raia. Natambua kazi kubwa na nzuri muifanyayo iliyotufikisha hapa tulipo sasa. Tudumishe kazi hiyo njema na kuiboresha. Sisi Serikali tutaendelea kusaidiana katika kutekeleza mpango wa Maboresho ya Jeshi la Polisi ili mfanye vizuri zaidi.  

Baada ya kuyasema hayo, napenda kuchukua nafasi hii kutamka rasmi kuwa Mafunzo ya Uongozi katika ngazi ya Warakibu Wasaidizi yamefungwa rasmi. Pili, kwamba wanafunzi wote wamepandishwa vyeo kutoka vyeo vya Wakaguzi na kuwa Warakibu Wasidizi wa Polisi kuanzia leo tarehe 23 Machi, 2015.

Asanteni kwa kunisikiliza.

Honourable Daniel Fred Kidega, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly;

President of the Burundi National Assembly;

President of the Burundi senate;

Vice President of the Republic of Burundi;

Former President of Republic of Burundi, H.E. Ntibantinganya and Ndayizeye;

Invited Speakers;

Honourable Chairperson of the Council of Ministers;

Honourable Ministers;

Honourable Members of the East African Legislative Assembly,

Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          Let me begin by thanking you Honourable Speaker for the invitation to grace this Fifth Meeting of the Third Session of the Third Assembly.  I also thank you for the kind words you have said about me and the EAC.  Your speech combined a number of useful ideas. I wish I received it in advance so that I could respond in my speech.  I also thank our host, His Excellency President Pierre Nkurunziza for the warmth of reception and gracious hospitality.  You have received us so well and kept us very warm. Indeed, we feel very much at home.

I sincerely congratulate you, Honourable Speaker on your election to this esteemed position of leadership both in the East African Legislative Assembly and in the East African Community.  We all look into you for leadership and wisdom to steer the affairs of this House to greatest heights possible.    I wish you the best of luck and assure you of my personal support as well as that of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in discharging your noble duty. Whatever way you think I or we can be useful please let us know.         

Honourable Speaker;

          I thank you, for affording me this rare opportunity to address this august Assembly.  This is the fourth time in the past 6 years I do so. It has always been a pleasure and an honour for me to share my thoughts with the distinguished Members of the East African Legislative Assembly about the East African community and the East African integration process.

Let me state at the outset that when one looks back through the tunnel of history one clearly appreciates the momentous achievements made by the East African Community todate. A lot of progress has been made both in building the institutions of the Community and in integrating the region. No doubt the East African Community has become a very strong institution both in terms of its organizational and institutional set up and in the functioning of its various organs and institutions.  With regard to the integration process, a lot of ground has been covered and successfully so.  

Status of Regional Trade

Honourable Speaker;

As you may recall, in the Charter establishing the East African Community, it was agreed that the entry point in our integration process will be the Customs Union, followed by the Common Market, later the Monetary Union and ultimately the Political Federation. The Customs Union which started in 2000 involved two things. Firstly, the free movement of goods produced in any EAC member state and secondly, a common external tariff. Goods are supposed to move freely across the borders of member countries without tariffs being charged and not encumbered by Non Tariff Barriers. 

It is heartwarming, indeed, to note that implementation of the Customs Union which started in 2000 up to 2005 has been a success. Indeed, goods which meet the criteria of rule of origin have been moving across borders without paying taxes however non tariffs barriers remain a challenge.  Progress has been made but the matter has not been resolved fully yet.

These challenges notwithstanding, intra East African Community trade has registered phenomenon increase in this short period of 10 to 15 years. Trade is now at 23 percent, over and above intra African trade figure of 12 percent.  There has been a 300 percent increase in the value of trade from, 2 billion US Dollars in 2005 to 6 billion US Dollars in 2014.  These numbers, coupled with the combined EAC GDP of 110.3 billion US Dollars with an average annual rate growth, of 2.6 percent makes our region a formidable trade and economic block in Africa. At the same time government revenues have recorded an increase year after year from 89.55 percent of the target in 2010 to 96.86 percent of the target in 2013.  During the discussions on the establishment of the Customs Union, the loss of government revenues was among the leading fears.  It has turned out different. One can, indeed brag to say, the EAC is next to none on the African continent.

We envisage more increased revenues when the Single Customs Territory becomes fully operational in the near future.  So far, the piloting exercises are progressing well in all member states. Indeed, it has proven helpful in reducing encumbrances to importers and in discouraging dumping and diversion of transit goods. Ultimately, it will be an effective tool of promoting trade and curbing revenue loss to governments.

Non Tariff Barriers

          It is incumbent upon us, therefore, to ensure that all remaining non-tariff barriers to trade are removed in the East African region.  We all admit that we have done very well in eliminating tariff related barriers, we must resolve to do away with the remaining non-tariff barriers. Commendable work has been and continues to be done to address the transport related ones such as road blocks, weigh bridges and other check points on the roads as well as customs red-tape at ports and exit points. The progress made so far, at the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam and, on the Northern Corridor with regard to road blocks shows that it is possible to eliminate these non-tariff barriers.   Measures are being taken in earnest to reduce road blocks on the Tanzania side of the Central Corridor. I am sure in the next few months we will notice a huge improvement.

Honourable Speaker;                           

I am happy to inform this august East African Legislative Assembly that Police check points have been reduced from 15 points to 6 point. Our aim to reduce them to none except when need arises. Tanzania Revenue Authority checks from 3 to 0. Weighbridges have remained 8 but our plan is to reduce them to 3. We are introducing weigh-in-motion technology. One is already done at Vigwaza, two are on their way for Manyoni and Nyakahura. I am told with the current improvements alone, for a container to move from the port of Dar es Salaam to Kigali takes 3 days from the previous 8 days. It takes three and a half days to Bujumbura from the previous 8 days. 

I pledged during the 16^th Summit that during my time as a Chair of the EAC I will give due attention to elimination of Non Tariff Barriers in the East African Community. I intend to follow up on this pledge. I would appreciate the partnership and support of East African Legislative Assembly in this endeavour. We must make the EAC region the best place to do business.

State of Regional Infrastructure

Honourable Speaker;

          We must do everything within our power to reduce infrastructure related costs at the shortest possible time.  These are responsible, in a big way, to the high cost of doing business in our region.  It is estimated that, cost of transport in our region are 4 to 5 times higher compared to the developed countries. It is estimated that it accounts for about 30 to 40 percent of the price of goods in the landlocked countries. Investing in better and efficient ports, railways, roads, aviation services, energy and telecommunication are things we must continue to do. 

As you may recall, at the 2^nd East African Community Heads of State Retreat on Infrastructure Development and Financing held in Nairobi on 29^th November, 2012, we undertook to close the infrastructure gap by 2020. I note with a deep sense of satisfaction, the ongoing work, both in the Northern Corridor and the Central Corridor in this   regard. The East African Legislative Assembly should regulary request member states to report on progress being made on the implementation of the outcomes of the retreat.

Let us be reminded that the full integration of the East African Community region very much depends on the success of these efforts.  We must also know that the world we are in, and that ahead of us, has no place for fragmented markets, isolated industrial value chains and inadequate in country or cross border infrastructure.  Work with the Council of Ministers to devise ways and means to secure investments and funding for East African infrastructure programs and projects.

The State of the Common Market

Honourable Speaker;

          As stipulated in the Charter establishing the East African Community, the Common Market is the next stage after the Customs Union. As you may recall, the Common Market Protocol was signed in 2009 and came into force in 2010.  This Common Market is what answers the very question about movement of people, capital and services within the region.  The feedback from the East African Community Common Market Score Card 2014 presented at the last East African Community Summit in Nairobi shows that progress is not good enough.  For example, with regard to the Free Movements of Services, 63 measures out of 500 key sectoral laws and regulations of partner states were identified to be inconsistent with the Common Market Protocol.  73 percent of these are exclusively related to professional services. 

With regard to movement of goods, a lot has been done apart from non tariff barriers related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures.  In terms of movement of capital, only 2 out of 20 capital operations are free of restrictions in all partner states.  These two are related to external borrowing and repatriation of proceeds from sale of assets.

Honourable Speaker;

          The score-card reminds us that partner states are behind schedule in reviewing and amending national laws in accordance with the Common Market protocol. It impedes progress in the implementation of the Protocol and the East African integration process. We agreed at the recent Nairobi Summit that we should do more in our respective member states on the implementation of the findings and recommendations of the score-card.  I appeal to this august House to join hands in raising awareness and support for the speedy implementation of the findings and recommendations. We should help overcome embedded resistance and nationalistic sentiments.  

I appreciate the fact that, there are before this Assembly Bills that will help advance the building of the Common Market. I have in mind the East African Community Cross Border Legal Practice Bill (2014); the East African Community Electronic Transactions Bill 2014; and the East African Community Competition (Amendment) Bill (2015).  I hope you will treat them with the urgency they deserve.

 Peace, Security and Stability

Honourable Speaker;

          Ours is a regional integration undertaking derived from historical lessons of the defunct East African Community (1967 – 1977). Also, from the gains made by   the Tripartite Commission on East African Cooperation (1996-1999).  We all know what contributed to the demise of the previous EAC.  It is not my intension to dwell on the narration or the reasons and circumstances of its collapse.

When conceiving the new Community we all agreed that we should not repeat the mistakes of history neither be prisoners of it.  We also agreed to move cautiously making every step we take the building block of the next. Indeed, we started with the Tripartite Commission on East African Cooperation in 1996 and later in 1999 graduated into the East African Community. 

Honourable Speaker;

The principle of growth by stages is well enshrined in the Charter establishing the East African Community.  We have remained faithful to this principle. We started as 3 members we are now 5, with provision to others to join if they meet the terms and conditions. Among the terms include sharing a common border with a member of the East African Community and subscribing to the ideals of the East African Community. So far, South Sudan and Somalia have applied.

          Subscribing to the ideals of the democracy, good governance, human rights and rule of law are critical tenets of the East African Community. We all agree that better governed member states contribute to a prosperous region.  It is also true that badly governed member states frustrate the integration process. It impedes trade, cooperation, as well as movement of people, goods, services and capital.  Moreover, it deters investment and makes the region unfavourable destination for investment and trade.

          Peace, security and stability must and should continue to be high on our agenda.  I am happy that as I address this House, our region is peaceful, secure and stable.  Democratic values and institutions continue to take root and shape in our countries.  This year we will be having elections in Burundi, and a Referendum on proposed Constitution and General Elections in Tanzania.

The people of East Africa should join hands in wishing these two countries success in these important undertaking.  Let the elections be credible, free and fair which abide and respect the constitutions and the relevant laws of these countries. Let them come out of these processes, peaceful and united as a nation and a people.

Burundi

Honourable Speaker;

          To my Burundi brothers and sisters, let me say that I am aware of the anxiety over the electoral process ahead of you.  There are whispers and fear that this great country may lose the prevailing peace and stability garnered over the last decade and a half. There could be violence, some say. Honestly, that fear all of us and we dread the idea of violence coming back to Burundi. God forbid.

In my view, there are ways of doing things right and avoiding political instability and violence.  The leaders and the people of Burundi should do the following:

1)    Respect the constitution of Burundi and the Arusha Peace Accord to the letter and spirit. In the same vein respect the Electoral Laws of Burundi.

2)   Desist from resorting to violence to resolving your problems. That may land your country into bigger problems.

3)   Use dialogue as much as you can.  There are so many wise men and women and institutions to enable you do that.

4)   Involve the laws of Burundi when you feel the constitution or the electoral laws have been violated.

We all have trust in you that you will rise to the current challenges and overcome them.  You have been able to manage even more challenging situations than this.  I do not see why you should fail this time.  Pluck up courage, muster political will, everything will fall into place.

I want to assure you that the EAC stands ready to assist.  We will walk with you all step of the way as we did in the past.

Honourable Speaker;

          Our region is not without security challenges.  The fact that we are surrounded by other countries and regions in conflict, poses a security challenge to our region.  Therefore, we cannot avoid keeping our eyes on them and being of assistance when need arise.  It is in this regard, our region is involved in the DRC, South Sudan and Somalia.  We must continue to assist these two nations. It is in our best interest to do so since all of them are potential future members of the Community.

Honourable Speaker;

Terrorism and transnational crimes are security challenges facing our region which require a regional response for effective control and success.  I am glad that efforts are ongoing at regional level to address these challenges. There is closer cooperation between the defense and security organs of our respective countries. They share intelligence and undertake joint or coordinated actions.  This is very much welcome and we should encourage it. It is important that our region remains seized with the peace and security agenda, for it determines the sustainability and future of the EAC.

Role of EALA

Honourable Speaker;

          This esteemed House is one of the important pillars of our Community.  It is the organ that carries the voice and aspirations of our people.  This is where people’s interests are raised, aggregated and translated into laws.  Since ours is a people’s integration, then this House is at the heart of our integration endeavours.

          I commend the good work being done by this House. This is amply evident.  The Bills passed by this House give life and meaning to our integration aspirations.  It could not be possible for the EAC to achieve so much within this short period of its existance or without the good work being done by the EALA. Many of the Bills passed by this House and Resolutions adopted have contributed immensely towards advancing the EAC integration process.  I am glad to note that, in this session too, three important Bills will be discussed which if passed will impact positively on the facilitation of the Common Market and the Monetary Union.

Honourable Speaker;

          This Assembly must continue to be people’s Assembly and their first point of call.  You must be seen to be spending more time deliberating on issues of concern to the people of East Africa and not otherwise.  You must give prominence to issues which are regional in character rather than trivial national interests. We must see that East Africaness spirit in you.  I appreciate the efforts you are doing in reaching out to your respective National Parliaments, governments and various interest groups.  I am aware also, that during this meeting you will meet with the EAC Ambassadors in Burundi and hold consultations with the East African Trade Union Confederation (EATCU) and the East African Employers Association (EAEA). This is the way to go.  I urge you to do more of this all over East Africa.  This way, you will increase people’s awareness and enhance the relevance of this Parliament and the Community to them.

East Africa Court of Justice

Honourable Speaker;

            I am glad to report that another historic milestone has been laid with regard to the functions of East African Court of Justice.  At the 16^th Summit of Heads of State of the East African Community held in Nairobi on 20^th February, 2015, we adopted and signed the Protocol to operationalize the Extended Jurisdiction of the East African Court of Justice.  The extended jurisdiction covers trade and investment matters, as well as issues associated with the East African Monetary Union.  This is yet another important avenue to the East Africans to access justice and reap more benefits from their Community. It consolidates the integration process.

Way Forward

Honourable Speaker;

   Integration is not a one off event. It is multifaceted.  It takes time. As such, patience and understanding is absolutely important.  Otherwise, we may end up making mistakes which could be avoided. We must remain steadfast and focused on deepening and widening East African integration. Trade indicators and statistics confirm that this is happening steadily. However, we must not be complacent. In my view we need to do more in many ways. Allow me to mention two things of interest. One, we must increase the pace of the implementation of decisions and agreements of the various organs of the Community.  Recent report shows that, implementation of these decisions and agreements stands at 75.8 percent for Kenya, Rwanda at 75.7 percent, Tanzania at 66 percent, Burundi at 56.5 percent and Uganda at 48.1 percent.   At the last Summit we agreed to urge ourselves to ensure speedy implementation of the decisions we make and agreements we sign. We also applauded the idea to institutionalize mechanisms of tracking the implementation of decisions and agreements reached.

          Second, we must promote ownership of the integration process by the people of East Africa. As a matter of fact, the future and sustainability of the Community very much depends upon how far we succeed in making people of East Africa feel that they benefit from the East African Community.  The State of East Africa Report – 2013 by Society of International Development (SID) provides us with some important insights.  It suggests that the future of the region will depend on how we make growth inclusive and on narrowing the inequality gap within nations and in the region. Certainly, the answer lays in the deepening of integration and increasing investment and trade which have proven to be good catalysts for promoting prosperity and improving welfare of the people.  Integration is the best way forward, for no one country can overcome these challenges alone. I urge this Assembly to make its requisite contributions to advance the cause of integration.

Conclusion

Honourable Speaker;

We are all witnesses to the fact that a lot of progress has been made in our integration process.  What we have been able to achieve in this short period of time is truly amazing to us and the world at large.  The pace and depth of our integration process has been phenomenon.  We have demonstrated to the world that integration process can actually happen in Africa.  Therefore, the East African Federation and United States of Africa are not a mirage or distant dreams. They are possible and doable.  For us Tanzania, with 50 years experience of the Union between the then Tanganyika and Zanzibar, we know it is possible and doable.  We believe in it, we are living it and we look forward to live as East Africans in the East Africa Federation and, ultimately, as African citizens in the United State of Africa. Let us remain committed and steadfast in pursuit of these noble ideals. Nothing is impossible.  It can be done play your part.

With these many words, I thank you once again Honourable Speaker and members of this Assembly for the invitation. It is an honour I will always cherish. I thank you for your kind attention.

Mheshimiwa  Hawa Ghasia (Mb), Waziri wa Nchi OWM – TAMISEMI;

Mheshimiwa Aggrey Mwanry, Naibu Mawaziri, TAMISEMI;

Mheshimiwa Abbas Kandoro – Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Mbeya na Mwenyekiti wa Wakuu wa Mikoa;

Mheshimiwa Chiku Galawa, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dodoma na Mwenyekiti wetu;

Ndugu Jumanne Sagini, Katibu Mkuu OWM – TAMISEMI;

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Wilaya;

Viongozi kutoka Taasisi ya Uongozi na OWM-TAMISEMI;

Watoa Mada na Wawezeshaji wa Mafunzo;

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Utangulizi

Namshukuru Waziri Mkuu kwa kunialika na kunishirikisha katika ufunguzi wa Mafunzo ya Wakuu wa Wilaya Wapya.  Nakupongeza Waziri Hawa Ghasia na uongozi wa TAMISEMI kwa kuandaa mafunzo haya muhimu kwa ajili ya viongozi wetu muhimu sana katika safu ya uongozi wa nchi yetu. Nawapongeza pia kwa kuchagua mahala pazuri na tulivu pa kuendeshea mafunzo haya.    Hii siyo mara ya kwanza kuwa na mafunzo ya namna hii, tumekuwa tukifanya hivi kila tunapofanya mabadiliko ya uongozi katika ngazi mbalimbali ili kupata fursa ya kuelekezana kuhusu wajibu na majukumu ya kazi za viongozi wa Serikali katika maeneo yao.  Nawapongeza kwa kudumisha utaratibu huu mzuri.  

Pongezi kwa Uteuzi

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Wilaya;

Napenda kutumia nafasi hii kwa mara nyingine tena kuwapongeza wote kwa kuteuliwa kwenu kuwa Wakuu wa Wilaya. Nimewateua kwa sababu nimeridhika kuwa mmekidhi sifa na vigezo vya kuweza kumudu majukumu niliyowapa ya kuongoza Wilaya.  Nendeni mkachape kazi ili mkidhi matarajio yangu kwenu  na ya wananchi mtakawaongoza.    Nimewaamini, naomba mkalipe imani  yangu kwenu kwa kufanya kazi kwa bidii, maarifa uadilifu na uaminifu. 

Madhumuni ya Semina

Ndugu Viongozi;

Kama alivyosema Mheshimiwa Waziri, lengo la mafunzo haya ni kuwapatia stadi na maarifa mahsusi yatakayowawezesha kutekeleza wajibu na majukumu yenu ya Ukuu wa Wilaya kwa ufanisi.  Nimeona ratiba yenu na mada 11 zilizoandaliwa na watu waliobobea katika masuala ya uongozi na utawala.  Nafurahi kwamba kuna fursa ya majadiliano baada ya kila somo kutolewa. Bila ya shaka mwisho wa mafunzo haya mtakuwa mmepata miongozo mahususi  kuhusu majukumu yenu, wajibu wenu na  utendaji kazi wenu. Naamini mtarejea vituoni kwenu mkiwa  mmeiva vya kutosha na kwamba mkizingatia mlichofundishwa,  mkiongeza na uzoefu wenu na mkiwa wabunifu mnaweza kufanya maajabu. Mtatekeleza majukumu yenu kwa ufanisi wa hali ya juu na kushangaza wengi. 

Wajibu wa Mkuu wa Wilaya

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Wilaya;

Mkuu wa Wilaya ndiye kiongozi mkuu wa Serikali katika Wilaya. Ndiye mwakilishi wa Rais katika Wilaya. Hakuna mwingine. Ndiye mhimili wa shughuli za Serikali Wilayani.  Ni dhamana kubwa hivyo ni lazima mfanane nayo katika utendaji wenu, wa kasi na katika maisha yenu ya kila siku ofisini katika jamii na hata nyumbani.  Lazima muwe mfano kwa tabia njema kwa kauli na matendo yenu. Muwe na nidhamu ya hali ya juu na uadilifu usiotiliwa shaka. Wapo wenzenu tuliowaondoa  kwa kukosa sifa hizo. Lazima wakati wote mzingatie matakwa ya Katiba, Sheria na taratibu za nchi ndiyo utawala bora.

 Kama mjuavyo na kama hamjui naamini katika mafunzo haya mtajua kwamba Serikali ina majukumu ya namna tatu.  Kwanza, ina jukumu la utawala, pili, ina jukumu la usalama na tatu, ina jukumu la maendeleo.  Hivyo basi, Mkuu wa Wilaya nae kama kiongozi mkuu wa Serikali katika eneo lake wajibu wake nao umegawanyika pande hizo tatu.

Jukumu la kiutawala la Mkuu wa Wilaya ni lile la kuhakikisha kwamba mifumo ya utawala katika wilaya yake inafanya kazi  vizuri na kwa ufanisi.  Mambo yote  yanakwenda vizuri, sheria zinafuatwa kanuni na taratibu zinazingatiwa na haki inatekelezwa katika Wilaya yake.  Hakuna jambo ambalo halihusu Serikali: ya Kiserikali yanaihusu Serikali na ya jamii na ya watu binafsi nayo pia yanaihusu Serikali. Ninaposema hivyo sina maana kuwa Mkuu wa Wilaya anafanya kila  kitu au anatoa maelekezo kwa kila jambo linalofanywa na kila taasisi na kila mtu katika Wilaya yake. Hapana. Kila jambo lina mtu wake anayehusika nalo na wengi wa watu hao hawawajibiki kumhusisha Mkuu wa Wilaya au Serikali.  Ni wajibu wako kujua nani anahusika na lipi, ili uweze kuhakikisha kwamba majukumu hayo yanatekelezwa ipasavyo. 

Ni wajibu wa Serikali kuhakikisha kuwa hata mambo binafsi ya jamii na raia yanafanyika vizuri, kwa ufanisi na kwa kufuata sheria.  Hii ina maana kuwa zaidi ya kujua vizuri shughuli za Serikali Kuu na Halmashauri ya Wilaya na Serikali za Mitaa, ni lazima pia ajue vizuri mila na desturi za jamii na maisha ya watu waliopo katika Wilaya yake na ahakikishe kuwa mambo yao yanakwenda vizuri.  Kuwafanya watu wetu wawe na furaha ni wajibu wa msingi wa Serikali.

Hamna budi kutambua kwamba mfumo wa utawala wa Serikali Kuu unaishia kwenye tarafa.  Lakini pia mjue kwamba yapo madaraka ya utawala na ulinzi wa amani yaliyogatuliwa kwa Makatibu Kata.  Watumieni viongozi hao katika kutekeleza majukumu yenu.  Hata hivyo, hamna budi kuhakikisha kwamba wanayatumia madaraka haya vizuri na kwa ufanisi. 

Kwa upande wa jukumu la usalama, Serikali inawajibu wa kuhakikisha kuwa kuna amani na utulivu na kuna usalama wa maisha ya watu, mali zao na rasilimali za taifa. Kwa ajili hiyo Mkuu wa Wilaya anakuwa Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Ulinzi na Usalama ya Wilaya kama Mkuu wa Mkoa alivyo Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Ulinzi na Usalama ya Mkoa na Rais ni Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Usalama la Taifa.

Nimeona kuwa mtafundishwa kuhusu Kamati ya Ulinzi na  Usalama ya Wilaya na wajibu wenu.  Kamati hiyo ndiyo yenye dhamana ya kumshauri, kumsaidia na kumuwezesha Mkuu wa Wilaya kutimiza ipasavyo majukumu ya kiusalama ya Serikali katika Wilaya.  Ni wajibu wa Mkuu wa Wilaya kuhakikisha kuwa Kamati hii inakutana kwa mujibu wa kanuni zake. Kamati hii ikitimiza ipasavyo wajibu wake matukio yote ya kiusalama yataweza kuyashughulikiwa vizuri.  Hali kadhalika, matishio au viashiria vya kuhatarisha usalama vitatambuliwa mapema na hatua zipasazo kuchukuliwa.

Kwa namna hiyo basi Mkuu wa Wilaya anaweza  kuhakikisha kuwa Wilaya yake itakuwa salama na watu watapata nafasi ya kufanya shughuli zao za kujiletea maendeleo katika mazingira salama na tulivu. Wakuu wote wa vyombo vyote vya ulinzi na usalama vilivyopo Wilayani ni wajumbe wa Kamati ya Ulinzi na Usalama anayoiongoza Mkuu wa Wilaya.  Ni vyema Mkuu wa Wilaya akatambua  kwamba vyombo hivyo vina uhuru wake katika kufanya shughuli na haviwajibiki  moja kwa moja kwake kwa kila jambo.  Vina wajibu kwa wakuu wa vyombo walio juu yao, walioko nje ya Wilaya. Hata taarifa zao huzipeleka  huko ingawaje wanaweza kumuambia Mkuu wa Wilaya  yale yahusuyo Wilaya yake ambayo wanaona anayowajibika kujua.  Naomba mzifahamu vizuri taratibu hizo za vyombo kufanya kazi zake ili muepushe migongano isiyokuwa ya lazima muweze kuvitumia kwa ufanisi mzuri zaidi. Mkiyafahamu vizuri yote haya mtavitumia vyombo hivyo bila kuvunja taratibu zake na bila mikwaruzano. Mtajihakikishia mafanikio makubwa.

Jukumu la tatu la Serikali na hivyo la Mkuu wa Wilaya ni la kuwaletea maendeleo wananchi.  Hapa kuna mambo mawili. Upande mmoja Serikali inalo jukumu la moja kwa moja la kupanga mipango ya maendeleo na kuitekeleza.  Upande wa pili, Serikali ina wajibu wa kuwasaidia wananchi kujiletea maendeleo kwa kuwapa ushauri au kuwaongezea nguvu kwa yale wafanyayo.

Kwa mujibu wa mfumo wetu wa utawala ulivyo, shughuli za maendeleo zinapangwa na kutekelezwa na Halmashauri za Wilaya na Miji. Hivyo basi, Mkuu wa Wilaya hahusiki moja kwa moja na upangaji na utekelezaji wa mipango ya maendeleo katika Wilaya.  Namna bora ya kuweza kufanya hivyo ni kuwa na uhusiano wa karibu na viongozi wa Halmashauri na hasa kuwa vikao vya mashauriano.  Kupitia vikao hivyo mnaweza kuelewana juu ya mambo ambayo Halmashauri itayaingiza katika mipango na programu zake.  Mkuu wa Wilaya anaweza kutumia DCC ingawaje inafanyika mambo yamekwisha kamilika. Hata hivyo, analo jukumu la kusimamia utekelezaji wa mipango hiyo inayofanywa na Halmashauri zake. Mkuu wa Wilaya anategemewa kufanya ziara za mara kwa mara katika Wilaya yake kukagua utekelezaji wa miradi ya maendeleo na shughuli mbalimbali zifanywazo na Serikali Kuu, Halmashauri na wananchi.

Mkuu wa Wilaya anapaswa kuwa mhamasishaji mkuu wa maendeleo katika Wilaya yake. Wakuu wa Wilaya wana jukumu la msingi la kuhakikisha shughuli zote za kiuchumi na miradi ya maendeleo zinatekelezwa ipasavyo kwa lengo la kuwaletea wananchi maendeleo.  Hivyo basi, mnapaswa pia kuelewa mipango yote ya maendeleo kwenye maeneo yenu pamoja na shughuli zote za kiuchumi zinazofanywa na Serikali Kuu, Halmashauri, taasisi na watu bianafsi kuhakikisha hazikwami.   Hali kadhalika, hamna budi kuhamasisha wananchi kushiriki katika shughuli za umma.  Ama kwa kujitolea nguvu zao au kwa kuchangia kwa hiari na kutoa kodi na tozo stahili.  Shirikianeni kwa karibu na Wenyeviti wa Halmashauri, Wakurugenzi wa Halmashauri na Madiwani ili kujenga ushirikiano na maelewano katika utendaji wa kazi. 

Ili muweze kutekeleza majukumu yenu ya maendeleo ni  wajibu wenu kuhakikisha kuwa hamkai ofisini muda wote.  Lazima mtoke kwenda kukagua shughuli za maendeleo na kukutana na kuzungumza na wananchi.

Tumewateua mkawatumikie wananchi na si vinginevyo.  Hatukuwateua mkakae ofisini tu, wafuateni wananchi waliko, mkasikilize shida na kero zao na mkazitafutie majawabu. Yale yatakayowashinda wapelekeeni viongozi wa juu yenu.  Tumewateua mkawe wakombozi wa matatizo yao, tumewateua mkawe daraja la kupita kuelekea kwenye maendeleo.  Kafanyeni kazi. 

Baba wa Taifa Hayati Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere aliwahi kusema kwamba: “Kiongozi mzuri katika Taifa letu, ni yule anayekerwa na matatizo ya wananchi”.  Maneno haya ya busara bado ni muhimu hata sasa. Jukumu kubwa tunalotakiwa kujishughulisha nalo ni kutatua kero na matatizo ya watu.  Mnategemewa muonekane hivyo kwa kauli zenu, mienendo yenu na matendo yenu.  Watu lazima wayaone matumaini ya kupata majawabu ya changamoto zao kupitia kwenu.  Wanapaswa kuwaona kuwa ninyi ndiyo kimbilio lao.  Mnategemewa kuyapatia ufumbuzi matatizo yanayowakabili na katu msiwe sehemu ya matatizo au wanung’unikaji.

Mahusiano ya Mkuu wa Wilaya na Wadau wengine

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Wilaya;

Mkuu wa Wilaya pia ni kiungo kati ya Serikali Kuu na wadau wengine katika nyanja mbalimbali za maisha ya Watanzania, kisiasa, kiuchumi, kijamii, kiutamaduni na kiusalama. Ninyi kama viongozi wakuu wilayani mna wajibu wa kujenga mahusiano mazuri na vyama vyote vya siasa vilivyo katika maeneo yenu pamoja na viongozi na taasisi za dini, viongozi wa kijamii na asasi zisizokuwa za kiserikali.  Mkijenga uhusiano mwema na makundi hayo itasaidia sana utekelezaji wa mambo mengi muhimu ya maendeleo ya watu na mtaweza kuepuka migogoro ya kisiasa na kijamii inayoweza kujitokeza katika maeneo yenu. 

Ni vyema mkatambua kuwa viongozi wa dini na wa kijamii wana mchango muhimu katika ustawi na maendeleo ya maeneo yenu ya uongozi. Wananchi wanawasikiliza, hivyo basi mkiwa na mahusiano mema nao, itakuwa rahisi kwa mambo mengi kutekelezeka hata yale ambayo yanaweza kuonekana kuwa huenda yangekuwa magumu. Pia, viongozi hawa ni tegemeo kubwa  katika kudumisha amani na utulivu nchini na kusaidia katika huduma mbalimbali za jamii.  Hivyo jengeni uhusiano mzuri na viongozi hawa. 

Ndugu Viongozi;

Wakuu wa Wilaya wana uhusiano maalum na chama Tawala kama ilivyo kwangu, kwa Waziri Mkuu na kwa Rais wa Zanzibar na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar.  Serikali hii ni ya Chama cha Mapinduzi kilichoshinda uchaguzi.  Inatekeleza Ilani ya Uchagui ya CCM, hivyo tunao wajibu wa kutoa tarifa ya mara kwa mara kuhusu maendeleo ya utekelezaji wa Ilani na majukumu mbalimbali ya Serikali.  Mkuu wa Wilaya anao wajibu huo kwa Chama katika Wilaya yake.  Ni lazima afanye hivyo katika vikao husika vya Chama vya Wilaya. Si jambo la hiari wala si jambo la muhari unapotakiwa kufanya hivyo.  

Majukumu Maalumu ya Kitaifa

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Wilaya;

Kila wakati una mambo yake muhimu kitaifa ambayo hamna budi kuyashughulikia.  Wakati huu pia una mambo yake.  Napenda kuyataja baadhi. Jambo la kwanza, ni ujenzi wa maabara za sayansi katika Sekondari za Kata.  Nilitoa agizo Novemba 2012, kuwa kila shule ya sekondari ya kata ambayo haina maabara za masomo ya ya sayansi ziwe nazo ifikapo Novemba, 2014.  Kazi kubwa na nzuri imefanyika na takribani kila Wilaya Maabara nyingi zimejengwa.  Kwa kutambua kasi iliyokuwa inaendelea niliongeza muda mpaka Juni, 2015 wa kumalizia ujenzi paliposalia.  Sitaki maelezo kuwa hukuwepo.  Utakuwa umeshindwa kazi.  

Jambo la pili, uboreshaji wa daftari la wapiga kura. Kama mjuavyo zoezi la uandikishaji wa wapiga kura limeshaanza katika mkoa wa Njombe na litaendelea katika mikoa mingine kwa mujibu wa ratiba ya Tume.  Jihusisheni kwa ukamilifu katika kuwahamasisha wananchi kujitokeza kwa wingi katika zoezi la uandikishaji katika Daftari la Kudumu la Wapiga Kura. Wakumbusheni wananchi kwamba kuwa na kitambulisho cha mpiga kura ndiko kutawawezesha wao kushiriki katika zoezi la upigaji wa Kura ya Maoni na Uchaguzi Mkuu baadae Oktoba, 2015.  Haipo fursa nyingine.

Jambo la tatu, ni Kura ya Maoni kuhusu Katiba Inayopendekezwa. Lengo la Serikali ni kuhakikisha kuwa Watanzania wote wanashiriki kwa ukamilifu bila kukosa  katika mchakato huo. Ndiyo maana ninawataka muwahimize wananchi wajiandikishe na pia washiriki wakati wa zoezi la kutoa elimu kwa umma na kampeni kabla ya Kura ya Maoni. Hakikisheni  wakati wote wa  zoezi la upigaji kura kuna amani na utulivu.  Tumieni vizuri mamlaka yenu ya ulinzi wa amani katika maeneo yenu ili wananchi waelimishwe, kampeni zifanyike  na wananchi wapige kura kwa amani na salama.  Tunataka wananchi wapate fursa ya kuamua wanavyoona inafaa kwa uhuru.  

Jambo la nne, ni kuhusu Uchaguzi Mkuu ambao unatarajiwa kufanyika mwezi Oktoba mwaka huu. Kama mjuavyo tunatarajia kuwa na Uchaguzi Mkuu mwezi Oktoba, 2015. Ninyi kama Viongozi mna wajibu wa kuhakikisha kuwa uchaguzi huu unafanyika katika hali ya utulivu na amani na kila mwananchi anashiriki kwa uhuru katika uchaguzi huo. Hamasisheni wananchi wa maeneo yenu wajiandikishe katika daftari la kudumu la wapiga kura hivi sasa ili waweze kuitumia haki yao ya kuchagua viongozi wanaowataka.

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Wilaya;

Zipo  changamoto kadhaa za kitaifa ambazo hamna budi kuziwekea mikakati maalum ya kuzitafutia uamuzi kwa kushirikiana na wadau mbalimbali. Nitazitaja kwa kifupi nikitumaini kuwa baadhi huenda zikazungumzwa katika mafunzo au mtazikuta Wilayani kwenu na waliowatangulia watawasaidia kuwafafanulia.  Tunachotegemea kutoka kwenu ni kuwa na mikakati na mipango thabiti ya kutafuta majawabu.  Mambo haya ni pamoja na:

(i)                   Wimbi la Wahamiaji haramu na wavamizi katika misitu ya Hifadhi.  Tatizo hilo lipo  zaidi katika Mikoa ya Mipakani;

(ii)               Lipo tatizo kubwa la biashara na matumizi ya dawa za kulevya, ambalo limesababisha madhara makubwa, hasa kwa Vijana na kuivuruga sifa nzuri ya nchi yetu. Lazima tufanye kila tuwezalo tuzuie na kuikomesha.

(iii)           Ipo migogoro ya ardhi katika maeneo mengi nchini ambayo mingi inasababishwa na baadhi ya Watendaji kwa kutozingatia ipasavyo maadili ya kazi zao. Tufanye kila tuwezalo tuitafutie jawabu.

(iv)            Kuna migogoro ya wakulima na wafugaji katika sehemu nyingi nchini ambayo tunawajibika kuingilia kati mapema kuzuia isilete maafa.  Na lililo muhimu zaidi ni kuipatia ufumbuzi wa kudumu kwa kupanga matumizi bora ya ardhi na kugawa maeneo ya kilimo  mbali ya ufugaji na kusimamia mpango huo.

(v)               Kuna tatizo kubwa la ujangili wa wanyama pori hasa ndovu, faru, simba na chui ambalo hatuna budi kulikomesha. Kamati za Ulinzi na Usalama za Wilaya zishirikiane na wadau kupambana na uhalifu huu.

Hayo ni baadhi ya masuala muhimu kitaifa lakini kila Wilaya ina mambo yake.  Naomba muende mkashirikiane na viongozi wenzenu na wananchi kubaini matatizo maalum ya maendeleo katika maeneo  yenu na kubuni mikakati wa kuyatatua.

Hitimisho

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Wilaya;

Naomba nimalize kwa kuwatakia mafunzo mema na utekelezaji mwema wa wajibu na majukumu yenu baada ya mafunzo haya kuhitimishwa.  Nendeni mkafanye kazi kwa ubunifu mkubwa, kwa juhudi na maarifa ili muwasaidie wananchi walio katika maeneo yenu kuondokana na umaskini.  Hivyo, ni muhimu kila mmoja akatimiza wajibu wake kwa ukamilifu.

Baada ya kusema hayo napenda kutamka kuwa, mafunzo haya ya Wakuu wa Wilaya yamefunguliwa rasmi.

ASANTENI KWA KUNISIKILIZA

Hon. Saada Mkuya Salum (MP), Minister for Finance;

Hon. Adam K. Malima (MP), Deputy Minister;

Hon. Mwigulu Nchemba (MP), Deputy Minister;

Dr Servacious Likwelile, Permanent Secretary, Treasury;

Mr. Michael Saas, Chairperson of ESAAG and Accountant General of RSA;

Government Officials Present;

Mrs. Mwanaidi Mtanda, Accountant General of Tanzania;

Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Heads of International Cooperation Organizations;

Members of the Press;

ESAAG Secretariat;

Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Good morning;

It is a great pleasure, and an honour for me to be accorded this opportunity to officiate at the opening of the 22^nd East and Southern Africa Association of Accountants General Annual Conference. Welcome back to Tanzania after 20 years of absence.  As you may recall the last time this conference was held in Tanzania was in 1995 in Arusha.  In fact, that was the meeting that founded this Association.  Tanzanians are immensely delighted to have you in our midst again.  We wish you very successful deliberations. 

Theme of the Conference

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Let me state at the outset that, I like this year’s Conference theme of ‘’Strengthening Public Financial Management for Socio-Economic Development in the Region”.  Indeed, this is the very essence of the establishment of the Office of the Accountant General in all our countries.  It is the longstanding wish and demand of everybody in government and the people who own the governments.  The demand for sound public financial management, transparency and accountability is everywhere in our societies.  It is high time governments in the Eastern and Sothern Africa delivered better on this demand.  We look to this conference to provide the best way for governments of the 14 member countries present at this Conference to meet this just demand. 

Importance of Public Finance Management

Distinguished participants, Ladies and Gentlemen;

When defining the vision and policy of my new administration on government finance at the opening of new Parliament after my election on December 30^th, 2005, I underlined two overarching things.  One, that we must strive to increase government revenues with renewed vigour.  And, two that we must ensure financial discipline of the highest order possible with regard to expenditure of financial and other government resources.  I underlined that the recognition of sound public financial management is what will enable our government to deliver on its promise to the people who elected us into office.  Ultimately, sound public financial management is critical for promoting socio-economic development in which lies the very essence of establishment of governments in all nations on this planet. 

Public Finance Management Reforms in Tanzania

Distinguished Participants;

In this regard, therefore, reform of Public Finance Management has been one of my Government’s priorities ever since I assumed office in 2005 todate.  Fortunately, this has also been the agenda of my predecessors.  As a matter of fact, I decided to stay the course of reforms they initiated.  A number of initiatives were undertaken with regard to improving operational systems, laws, regulations and institutions responsible for managing public finances. For those who were here during the First ESAAG Conference in 1995 and following developments in Tanzania, would agree with me that a lot of ground has been covered.  I can testify that we have lived up to the spirit and purpose of this organization. 

Ladies and Gentlemen;

 Indeed, public finance reform measures have worked well for the government and the country.  Government revenues have been on the increase although not yet enough to meet our requirements; as is always the case.  A number of Public Finance Management (PFM) interventions which are parts of the reform programs have helped increase credibility of the budget, financial recording and reporting, and fiscal oversight.  There is more transparency and accountability.  There is improvement in financial discipline, better allocation of resources to priority areas and improved public service rendered to our people.

The enactment of the Public Procurement Act 2004 (PPA, 2004),  its 2005 regulations and the establishment of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and the Public Procurement Appeals Authority (PPPA) has increased transparency and predictability with regard to procurement and management of public resources.  Much as there may be some challenges, its benefits out weight its challenges.  All that is required of us to address those aspects of this important law which require improvement.   Over 75 percent of government expenditure is about procurement of goods and services.  If this is left unregulated a lot of money will be lost and procurement will be the bedrock of corruption.  Improving government accounting system has been a critical component of our public finance reform efforts.  

Ladies and Gentlemen;

In the year 2008, the Government adopted the International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS)-Cash basis of accounting. This has improved the content, credibility and quality of cash flows for revenues and expenditures, good banking arrangement system, and effective utilization and reporting standards.  The First Government Financial Reports were produced in 2008 under IPSAS Cash basis.  As a result, Audited Certificates have increased from 48 percent in 2008 to 94 percent in 2014 for the Central Government which depicts and underlines our commitment towards better management of public finances. Adoption of IPSAS accrual has improved the content and quality of financial reports, comparability of financial data between Tanzania and other countries.  Also, it has improved quality content and accuracy information through training of staff.

Further efforts geared towards strengthening Public Finance Management (PFM) included upgrading the Central Bank (BOT) systems to link them up with Accountant General’s software, thus paving the way for operationalization and roll-out of Electronic Fund Transfer to Ministerial Department Agencies (MDAs) and Local Government Authorities (LGAs).

Ladies and Gentlemen;

As I alluded to earlier, Public Financial Management is not simply a matter of accounting.  It is also a matter of accountability.  For that matter, the Government has continued to strengthen the national audit office, Controller and Auditor General’s (CAG) Office to enable it perform its functions properly and efficiently in auditing Government expenditures and public finances. The Public Audit Act, enacted in 2008 vested more powers to the CAG giving him greater autonomy to execute his functions.  It bestowed greater independent and therefore, more efficient performance. 

We also expanded the scope of audit beyond auditing books of accounts, to include forensic audit and value for money audit.  The National Audit Office has become more vibrant and better known among the public.  Over and above that, we have created the office of the Internal Auditor General to strengthen our internal audit capabilities within the government.  The purpose is to improve monitoring and identification of irregularities way before, so that Accounting Officers can take prompt preventive and corrective measures before funds are mismanaged.  Auditing should not only be about post mortem, rather it should be a continuous and embedded process of Public Finance Management.

We realized early on that, these reforms needed to be nurtured and backed by legal, institutional framework and political will to make them a succeess.  They are inherently susceptible to resistance.  Mindful of that, we have introduced systems for assessing these reform initiatives through Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA). These actions provide a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Public Finance Management (PFM) performance which identifies specific strengths and weaknesses in our system. 

Challenges

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Despite the fact that, the traditional budget system and the inherent new features introduced in recent years have increased adherence to fiscal discipline and stability, the system’s effectiveness and management of public resources still face challenges. The rapid and dynamic changes in the Public Finance Management as the result of ICT application, pose a challenge to governments to keep up with the ever fast changing innovations.

 We are therefore caught up in a cycle of reforms, with one reform informing another.  I understand, this has become a toll order to many of you gathered here. Adding to that lot, is the increasing public and stakeholders demand besides the Parliaments that we were used to.  Today, we have civil society, media and the public at large who want to know how their taxes are managed and spent.  To some of us, it just makes running government more exciting, and our work not boring at all. 

Tanzania’s Commitment

Ladies and Gentlemen;

May I reiterate that, Tanzania will continue to uphold and stay the course on Public Finance Management reforms.  As you are aware, we are members of Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative which espouses transparency and government information sharing to the Public.  As a matter of fact, our Government Budget, respective Ministry’s budget and Controller and Auditor General’s Report (Audited Financial Reports) are discussed openly by the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania.  Parliamentary session directly aired on Televisions.  They are also open to the public and media.  In addition, the Citizen Budget Books are distributed to cater for the normal citizens understanding of the budget in a simplified language. Furthermore, all allocation to all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies are all published in websites and different newspapers. We do so because we believe that, public finance is about public and, therefore it should be made public.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Tanzania will continue with the Public Finance Management reforms.  They have worked for us.  They have been useful.  We understand that at times these reforms have not been easily accepted by some parties.  We are also aware that, reforms can be painful.  These shortcomings of the reforms notwithstanding, the best way forward is not to abort them, but rather to improve on them and if need be introduce better reforms. 

Conclusion

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I believe, I have said more than enough.  I dread the idea of turning my opening remarks becoming a lecture.  It is now my singular honour and pleasure to declare the 22^nd Eastern and Southern Africa Association of Accountants General (ESAAG) Annual Conference officially open.   I wish you good deliberations and a pleasant stay in Dar es Salaam.  I urge you also to allocate some time in your busy schedule for sightseeing in Dar es Salaam and elsewhere in Tanzania before you leave.

Thank you for your attention

Asanteni kwa kunisikiliza

Utangulizi

Ndugu Wananchi;

Kama ilivyo ada tunamshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu mwingi wa rehema kwa kutuwezesha kuzungumza kupitia utaratibu wetu huu mzuri wa hotuba za kila mwisho wa mwezi.  Kwa mwisho wa mwezi wa Februari nina mambo matano ninayopenda kuyazungumzia. 

Zoezi la Uandikishaji Wapiga Kura

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Jambo la kwanza ni uandikishaji wa Wapiga Kura.  Tarehe 24 Februari, 2015 Waziri Mkuu, Mheshimiwa Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda alizindua rasmi uandikishaji wa wapiga kura ikiwa ni sehemu ya zoezi la uboreshaji wa daftari la kudumu la wapiga kura nchini.  Zoezi hili lilizinduliwa Makambako, Mkoani Njombe na litaendelea nchini kote mpaka litakapokamilika kwa mujibu wa ratiba itakayopangwa na Tume ya Uchaguzi.  Uandikishaji unatumia teknolojia ya kisasa ya utambuzi wa alama za vidole (BVR) na macho ya mtu anayeandikishwa.  Teknolojia hii itatusaidia kuondoa kutoaminiana, manung’uniko na madai kuhusu udanganyifu katika chaguzi zetu kwamba wamepiga kura wasiostahili.  Kuanza kutumika kwa teknolojia hii ni kielelezo cha utashi wa Serikali kuwa nchi yetu iwe na chaguzi zilizo huru, wazi na haki.

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Mtakumbuka kuwa, kabla ya uzinduzi wa zoezi hili, Tume ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi ilifanya zoezi la majaribio ya uandikishaji wa wapiga kura kwa kutumia mashine za teknolojia hii mpya katika kata 10 katika Halmashauri za Kinondoni, Kilombero na Mlele kati ya tarehe 15 hadi 23 Desemba, 2014. 

          Habari njema ni kuwa, kwa kutumia mashine za BVR, idadi ya waliojiandikisha ilivuka lengo la uandikishaji kwa kipindi kilichopangwa katika Kata hizo.  Katika Halmashauri ya Kilombero walioandikishwa walifikia asilimia 110.9 ya lengo, katika Halmashauri ya Mlele uandikishaji ulifikia asilimia 101 ya lengo na katika Jimbo la Kawe, katika Halmashauri ya Wilaya ya Kinondoni walioandikishwa walikuwa asilimia 105.67 ya lengo.    Mafanikio haya ni ya kutia moyo pamoja na changamoto za kiufundi zilizojitokeza na zile zinazotokana na upya wa mfumo wenyewe kwa watumiaji.  Changamoto hizo zimefanyiwa kazi na watengenezaji wa vifaa vinavyotumika katika awamu hii ya uandikishaji wa wapiga kura nchi nzima.

Ndugu Wananchi;      

Nimefarijika na taarifa kuwa zoezi la uboreshaji wa Daftari na uandikishaji wa wapiga kura limeanza vizuri Makambako.  Wananchi wamejitokeza kwa wingi kuliko ilivyotarajiwa.  Kati ya tarehe 23 hadi 25 Februari, 2015 kwa mfano, Tume ilitegemea kuandikisha wapiga kura 9,541 lakini kutokana na mwamko wa wananchi kuwa mkubwa wameweza kuandikisha wapiga kura 13,042.  Kila kituo kilikuwa kinaandikisha kati ya wapiga kura 80 na 150 kwa siku.  Lengo la Tume ni kuandikisha wapiga kura 32,000 katika Halmashauri ya Makambako ambako kwa siku wanatarajia kuandikisha watu 4,320.  Naambiwa kuwa hesabu za juzi na jana wameandikisha hadi wapiga kura 6,000 kwa siku.  Kwa kasi hii na kama mambo yatakwenda kama inavyotarajiwa, lengo hilo litafikiwa na hata kuvukwa.

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Hatuna budi kutoa pongeza kwa Tume ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi kwa hatua hii ya kutia moyo tuliyofikia katika mchakato huu.  Inaondoa hofu iliyoanza kuingia miongoni mwa baadhi ya watu kuwa huenda zoezi hili lisingefanikiwa.  Tunachokitaka kwa Tume ni kuona zoezi hili linaendelea na kukamilika kama ilivyopangwa. Napenda kurudia ahadi niliyokwishaitoa kwa Tume kwamba Serikali itafanya kila linalowezekana kuiwezesha kirasilimali ili iweze kutimiza jukumu lake hilo.  Nimekwishawakumbusha Hazina kuhusu umuhimu wa zoezi hili kufanikiwa kama ilivyopangwa.  Hivyo basi, nimewataka wahakikishe kutoa kipaumbele cha kwanza katika mgao wa fedha.   Kama haifanyiki nawaomba Tume waniambie mimi mwenyewe.

          Wito wangu kwenu, wananchi wenzangu, ni kujitokeza bila ya kukosa kwenda kujiandikisha kwa mujibu wa ratiba ya uandikishaji katika maeneo yenu kama itakavyotolewa na Tume ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi.  Msifanye ajizi maana hakutakuwepo na fursa nyingine ya kujiandikisha kabla ya Uchaguzi Mkuu wa mwaka huu baada ya fursa hii kupita. 

Ndugu Wananchi;

Kama ilivyoelezwa na Tume na mimi kusisitiza mara kadhaa kuwa watakaojiandikisha wakati huu ndio watakaopiga kura ya maoni kuhusu Katiba Inayopendekezwa na ndio watakaopiga kura katika Uchaguzi Mkuu wa Oktoba, mwaka huu.  Vitambulisho vya zamani vya mpiga kura havitatumika, hivyo watu wote ambao ni Watanzania na wana umri wa miaka 18 au zaidi lazima wajitokeze kuandikishwa upya. Watu pekee ambao hawatapaswa kujiandikisha tena ni wale tu walioandikishwa katika zoezi la majaribio lililofanyika katika zile kata 10 za Halmashauri za Kinondoni, Ifakara na Mlele mwezi Desemba, 2014.  Vitambulisho walivyopata ndivyo vyenyewe.

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Napenda kutumia nafasi hii pia kuwaomba viongozi wa vyama vya siasa, Serikali, dini na asasi za kiraia kuungana na Serikali na Tume ya Uchaguzi katika kuwakumbusha na kuwahamasisha wananchi wakajiandikishe.  Naomba tusiwachanganye wananchi kwa kutoa taarifa zisizokuwa za kweli na kuwafanya wakaacha kujiandikisha. Sisi katika Serikali tunafanya kila linalowezekana kuhakikisha kuwa kila atakayejitokeza kujiandikisha anaandikishwa. Aidha, tutahakikisha kuwa kila panapojitokeza changamoto zinatafutiwa ufumbuzi kwa wakati mwafaka. 

Tunatambua kuwa mfumo huu ni mpya hivyo panaweza kujitokeza changamoto zinazosababishwa na upya wake.  Nawaomba wahusika kuendelea kuwaelimisha watendaji wanaohusika ili wapate uzoefu unaostahili.  Aidha, nawasihi wananchi kuwa wavumilivu na waelewa pale ambapo wakati mwingine watalazimika kukaa kwenye mistari kwa muda mrefu kusubiri kujiandikisha, au wakalazimika kuja siku ya pili.

Ndugu Wananchi;

 Kupiga kura kuamua kuhusu Katiba Inayopendekezwa au kuchagua Rais, Wabunge na Madiwani ni haki na wajibu wa kila raia.  Lakini, kuipata haki hiyo na kuweza kutimiza wajibu huo kunategemea kuwa na kitambulisho cha mpiga kura.  Bila ya hivyo haiwezekani.  Haya shime jitokezeni, mjiandikishe, ili muweze kuitumia haki yenu na kutimiza wajibu wenu wa kuipigia kura Katiba Inayopendekezwa na kuchagua viongozi mnaowaona wanafaa kuongoza nchi yetu, jimbo lako na kata yako.

Kura ya Maoni

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Jambo la pili ninalotaka kulizungumzia ni kuhusu Kura ya Maoni ya Katiba Inayopendekezwa.  Kama mjuavyo, baada ya Bunge Maalumu la Katiba kutunga Katiba Inayopendekezwa na Rais kuchapisha Katiba hiyo katika Gazeti la Serikali na kutangaza siku ya kupiga kura ya maoni, kinachoendelea sasa ni matayarisho ya kufanyika kwa kura hiyo.  Yapo majukumu ya Serikali, yapo majukumu ya Tume ya Uchaguzi, na yapo majukumu ya Serikali na Tume kwa pamoja.  Utekelezaji umeishaanza na unaendelea.  Miongoni mwa mambo yanayotakiwa kufanyika ni uandikishaji wa wapiga kura ambao umekwishaanza na unaendelea.

 Ipo pia kazi ya kuchapisha na kusambaza Katiba Inayopendekezwa ili wananchi waweze kuisoma na kuielewa kabla ya kupiga kura ya maoni.  Tayari Katiba Inayopendekezwa imetangazwa katika tovuti za Wizara ya Katiba na Sheria, Wizara ya Habari, Utamaduni, Vijana na Michezo na katika tovuti ya Ofisi ya Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali.  Pia imechapichwa magazetini.  

Hadi tarehe 27 Februari, 2015 vitabu 1,558,805 vilikuwa vimechapishwa na nakala 1,341,300 kusambazwa.  Nakala 1,141,300 zimesambazwa kwenye mikoa 25 ya Tanzania Bara na nakala 200,000 zimegawiwa kwa Zanzibar.  Kwa upande wa Tanzania Bara kila Kata imepewa vitabu 300.  Kwa vile Kata zina wastani wa vijiji vitano (5) hii ina maana kwamba kila kijiji kimepata vitabu 60 kwa kila kijiji ambayo si haba. 

Ndugu Wananchi;

Tume ya Uchaguzi itatoa maelekezo kuhusu utaratibu wa kutoa elimu kwa umma.  Nimeambiwa tayari asasi za kiraia 420 kwa upande wa Bara na 75 kwa upande wa Zanzibar zimejiandikisha kwa ajili ya zoezi hilo. Halikadhalika, Tume itatoa maelekezo husika kuhusu kampeni ya Kura ya Maoni wakati ukiwadia.  Naomba watu wawe na subira na kuzingatia masharti ya Sheria ya Kura ya Maoni na Kanuni zake.  Tukifanya hivyo, zoezi hili muhimu na la kihistoria litatekelezwa kwa usalama na utulivu.  Watu watafanya uamuzi kwa uhuru, uelewa, amani na usalama.  

Hali ya Usalama Nchini

Ndugu wananchi;

          Jambo la tatu ninalotaka kulizungumzia ni hali ya usalama nchini.  Kwa jumla hali ya usalama ni nzuri, hata hivyo kuna matukio ya kiusalama ambayo ningependa kuyazungumzia.  La kwanza ni mashambulizi yenye sifa za ujambazi na mwelekeo wa kigaidi.  Na, la pili ni la mauaji ya watu wenye ulemavu wa ngozi.

Katika kipindi cha miezi 12 hivi kumekuwa na matukio ya watu kuvamia vituo vya Polisi, wengine wanachoma moto au wengine wanapora silaha.  Pia kumekuwepo na matukio ya kuwashambulia Polisi walioko kwenye doria na wengine kuporwa silaha.  Vituo vya Polisi vilivyovamiwa na silaha kuporwa ni vya Newala Mkoani Mtwara silaha tatu ziliporwa, Ikwiriri katika Wilaya ya Rufiji silaha saba, Kimanzichana, Wilaya ya Mkuranga silaha tano, mbili za polisi na tatu za raia waliokwenda kuzihifadhi pale, na Ushirombo Wilaya ya Bukombe silaha 18.  Pugu Machinjioni na Tanga, askari waliokuwa katika shughuli za ulinzi na doria walishambuliwa na kuporwa silaha tatu.  Kule Songea kulikuwepo na matukio mawili ya Polisi kushambuliwa lakini silaha hazikuporwa.

Bahati mbaya, vijana wetu saba wa Jeshi la Polisi walipoteza maisha katika matukio hayo.  Newala alikufa Polisi mmoja, Kimanzichana mmoja, Ikwiriri wawili, na Ushirombo watatu. Wapo Polisi kadhaa waliopata majeraha ya namna mbalimbali katika mashambulizi haya. 

Ndugu Wananchi;

Silaha zote 18 zilizoporwa Ushirombo zimepatikana na watu 10 wanaotuhumiwa kuhusika na uhalifu huo wamekamatwa.  Katika tukio la Tanga silaha moja kati ya mbili zilizoporwa imepatikana.  Watuhumiwa saba wametiwa mbaroni, wanne  kati yao ni wale waliokuwa wamejifisha katika mapango ya Kiomoni katika Kitongoji cha Karasha-mikocheni, kilichoko kijiji cha Mzizima wilayani Tanga. Tayari watu wanne wanaotuhumiwa kuhusika na tukio la Ikwiriri wamekamatwa.  Polisi wanaendelea na upelelezi kuwapata watu wengine na kuzipata silaha saba zilizoporwa kituoni hapo.  Kwa tukio la Newala silaha zote tatu zimepatikana pamoja na bastola moja ya mtuhumiwa aliyehusikaa  na watu wawili wametiwa nguvuni.  Hali kadhalika, upelelezi unaendelea wa kuzipata silaha zilizoporwa ambazo hazijapatikana mpaka sasa: yaani Kimanzichana moja, Pugu Machinjioni moja na Tanga iliyosalia moja. 

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Matukio haya yana sura mbili.  Yana sura ya ujambazi, lakini pia baadhi yake yana dalili za ugaidi.  Vyombo vyetu vya usalama vinaendelea kufanya kazi yake ya uchambuzi wa kila tukio na kulipa nafasi yake stahiki.  Napenda kutumia nafasi hii kutoa pongezi za dhati kwa Jeshi la Polisi wakishirikiana na Jeshi la Ulinzi la Wananchi wa Tanzania na vyombo vingine vya usalama kwa kazi kubwa na nzuri waifanyayo kupambana na uhalifu nchini.  Mafanikio tunayaona, kama nilivyoeleza na kama tulivyosikia kule Tanga hivi karibuni ni matunda ya ushirikiano huo.  Hata hivyo, nimewataka waendelee kuwasaka watu hawa waovu po pote walipo ili wafikishwe mahakamani na kuzirejesha mikononi mwa Polisi silaha zote zilizoporwa. 

Nawaomba wananchi wenzangu wote kushirikiana kwa karibu na vyombo vya usalama hususan Jeshi la Polisi ili tuweze kupata mafanikio zaidi dhidi ya uhalifu huu na uhalifu mwingineo. Nawaomba mfanye mambo mawili:  Kwanza, toeni taarifa Polisi mnapozipata habari za vitendo viovu au nyendo za watu waovu wanavyokusudia kufanya wahalifu au taarifa za wale waliokwishafanya uhalifu. 

Pili, naomba watu waache kuwashabikia watu hawa waovu wala kueneza taarifa zao potofu kwenye mitandao ya kijamii.  Badala yake tutumie mitandao ya kijamii kuponda fikra zao potofu, fikra zao hasi na vitendo vyao viovu pamoja na kuwafichua wao na mambo yao mabaya wayafanyo.  Napenda kutumia nafasi hii kuwashukuru na kuwapongeza wananchi wote walioweza kutoa taarifa zilizowezesha kuzuia uhalifu usifanyike au zilizowezesha kutiwa mbaroni kwa wahutumiwa wa vitendo vya ujambazi na ugaidi.    Hatuwezi kushinda uhalifu bila ushirikiano baina ya wananchi na vyombo vya ulinzi na usalama.

Mauaji ya Watu Wenye Ulemavu wa Ngozi

Ndugu wananchi;

          Nimesikitishwa sana na taarifa kuwa mauaji ya ndugu zetu wenye ulemavu wa ngozi (Albino) yameibuka upya baada ya hali kuwa tulivu mwaka 2011.  Mwaka jana (2014) yalitokea matukio matatu katika mikoa ya Mwanza, Tabora na Simiyu na mwaka huu limetokea tukio moja mkoani Geita.

Lazima tulaani vikali mauaji ya ndugu zetu albino.  Ni vitendo vya kinyama ambavyo havitegemewi kufanywa au kutokea katika jamii yeyote ya watu waliostaarabika, ya watu wanaomuabudu Mungu.  Watu wenye ulemavu wa ngozi ni wanadamu wenzetu, wenye haki sawa ya kuishi na kupata hifadhi ya maisha yao kama walivyo wanadamu wengine.  Hawastahili kufanyiwa wanayofanyiwa.  Hawapaswi kuishi kwa hofu katika kijiji chao, mtaa wao au katika nchi yao.  Jamii nzima na sisi sote mmoja mmoja na katika umoja wetu, tunao wajibu wa kuhakikisha usalama wa maisha yao na mali zao kama ilivyo  kwa watu wengine wote. 

Kwa kweli, mauaji ya albino ni jambo linalofedhehesha na kulidhalilisha taifa letu.  Ni vitendo visivyovumilika.   Hatuna budi sote kushikamana na kuhakikisha kuwa tunapambana nao kisawasawa na kuwashinda.  Tusikubali kamwe wakaturudisha kule kubaya tulikokuwa zamani.    Naungana na Chama cha Albino Tanzania kulaani ukatili huu na kutaka watu wote wanaojihusisha na ukatili huu wasakwe, wakamatwe, wafikishwe Mahakamani na kupewa adhabu kali inayowastahili wanapopatikana na hatia. 

Ndugu Wananchi;

Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa wakati wote Serikali imelipa uzito mkubwa suala la kudhibiti na kukomesha mauaji ya watu wenye ulemavu wa ngozi au kukatwa baadhi ya viungo vyao wenyewe wakiwa hai.  Tumefanya hivyo bila ya kuchoka tangu tukio la kwanza baada ya mimi kuingia madarakani Aprili 17, 2006 na miezi mitatu tu  kule Nyahunge, Geita alipouawa Alfa Amon ambapo watuhumiwa wawili waliuawa na raia.  Mwaka 2007 kulikuwa na matukio saba.  Mwaka 2008 ndio ulikuwa mwaka mbaya sana walipouawa watu 18. 

Kutokana na jitihada kubwa zilizofanywa na Serikali kwa kushirikiana na wananchi mauaji yalipungua na kuwa tisa mwaka 2009.  Mwaka 2010 kukawa na tukio moja na mwaka 2011 hapakuwepo na tukio lolote.  Mwaka 2012 kukawa na tukio moja, mwaka 2013 aliuawa mtu mmoja na wawili kujeruhiwa.  Mwaka 2014 waliuawa watu watatu na wawili kujeruhiwa, na Januari, 2015 kumetokea tukio moja kule Geita. 

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Tangu mwaka 2006 mpaka 2015, watuhumiwa 139 wametiwa nguvuni, miongoni mwao wako watuhumiwa 16 wa matukio ya Desemba na Januari mwaka huu. Mashauri 35 yamefunguliwa mahakamani na kati ya hayo 10 bado yanaendelea na yapo katika hatua mbalimbali.  Watuhumiwa 73 wameachiliwa na 15 wamepatikana na hatia.  Kati ya hao waliopatikana na hatia 13 wamehukumiwa kifo na wawili wamepata kifungo cha miezi 6.  Watuhumiwa kwa matukio sita bado wanasakwa.

          Matukio ya mauaji ya watu wenye ulemavu wa ngozi yametokea katika mikoa kumi kati ya mikoa 30 hapa nchini.  Mikoa hiyo ni hii ifuatayo:  Mwanza matukio 13, Kagera sita, Tabora matano, Geita manne, Mara manne, Kigoma manne, Simiyu matatu, Shinyanga mawili, Arusha moja na Mbeya moja.  Utaona matukio 41 kati ya 43 yametokea katika ukanda wa ziwa ambapo pia wanaongoza kwa mauaji ya vikongwe na wanawake kwa sababu za ushirikina. 

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Inawezekana kuwa matukio ya hivi karibuni yanaashiria kuwa uhalifu huu unataka kuibuka upya. Napenda kuwahakikishia ndugu zetu wenye ulemavu wa ngozi na Watanzania kwa jumla, kuwa hatutaacha hali iwe mbaya kama ilivyokuwa miaka ya nyuma.  Tutatumia mbinu na maarifa tuliyoyatumia kukabili wimbi kubwa la mauaji lililokuwepo mwaka 2007 na 2008 na kwa sababu hiyo tukaweza kupunguza hadi kufikia kutokuwa na tukio lolote la mauaji mwaka 2011. 

Tunachokiomba kutoka kwa wananchi ni ushirikiano na msaada wa kuwafichua watu wanaofanya vitendo vya mauaji na kukata viungo vya watu wenye ulemavu wa ngozi.  Pia wasaidie kutoa taarifa kuhusu wanunuzi wa viungo hivyo na waganga wanaochochea mahitaji ya viungo vya albino.  Ushirikiano wa wananchi wa wakati ule uliwezesha kupatikana kwa mafanikio niliyaeleza.  Naamini safari hii tukifanya hivyo tutafanikiwa pia.

Ndugu Wananchi;      

Kutokomeza kabisa matukio ya mauaji na ukataji wa viungo vya watu wenye ulemavu wa ngozi ni jambo linalowezekana.  Hata hivyo, litategemea watu kuacha imani za ushirikina.  Imani potofu, ati kuwa mtu akiwa na kiungo cha mtu mwenye ulemavu wa ngozi atafanikiwa katika shughuli zake za biashara, uvuvi na uchimbaji wa madini ndicho kichocheo cha uovu wote huu unaoendelea.  Ni ujinga ulioje kwa mtu kuamini kuwa mafanikio yake hayatategemea juhudi zake na maarifa yake bali kuwa na kiungo cha mwanadamu mwenzake mwenye ulemavu wa ngozi. 

Nilisema katika hotuba yangu ya mwisho wa mwezi Machi, 2008 kwamba, kama kuwa na kiungo cha albino ndiko kutakakomfanya mtu kufanikiwa katika shughuli zake za kibiashara na kiuchumi basi ndugu zetu wenye ulemavu wa ngozi wangekuwa ndiyo matajiri wakubwa nchini na duniani.  Maana wao sio tu wana viungo bali wana mwili mzima.    Kwa sababu ya kuwepo imani hizi za hovyo, juhudi za kuelimisha jamii kuachana na imani hizi potofu ziongezwe.  Naomba hili ndilo liwe jambo la msingi katika mapambano haya.  Tukifanikiwa katika hili, matatizo yote haya yatakoma.  Serikali na jamii haitalazimika kushughulikia mambo haya ambayo siyo tu ni fedheha hata kumsimulia mtu bali yanatisha na kusikitisha.

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Wiki ijayo nitakutana na baadhi ya viongozi na wanachama wa Chama cha Watu Wenye Ulemavu wa Ngozi.  Nimekubali maombi yao ya kukutana nao ili niweze kusikiliza maoni yao na tubadilishane mawazo juu ya namna bora ya kumaliza tatizo hili.  Mimi naamini kuwa ushirikiano wa karibu kati ya Serikali na jamii utatuwezesha kutokomeza mauaji ya ndugu zetu wenye ulemavu wa ngozi na kuliondolea taifa letu aibu hii.

Ziara ya Zambia

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Tarehe 25 na 26 Februari, 2015 nilifanya ziara ya siku mbili ya kiserikali nchini Zambia kwa mwaliko wa Rais mpya wa nchi hiyo, Mheshimiwa Edgar Lungu.  Ziara ilikuwa na mafanikio makubwa.  Mimi na ujumbe wangu tulifarijika sana kuona kuwa mawazo ya nchi zetu mbili yanashabihiana sana kuhusu namna ya kuimarisha na kuboresha uhusiano wetu na ushirikiano na uhusiano wa nchi zetu mbili.  Kimsingi tumekubaliana katika masuala yote muhimu tuliyoyazungumza.    

Kuhusu TAZARA tumekubaliana kuchukua hatua thabiti kutatua matatizo ya kiungozi, kifedha na kiufundi yanayolikabili shirika letu hilo hivi sasa.  Tumeelewana kuwa hatuna budi kufanya marekebisho ya kimfumo na kiutendaji ili kutatua matatizo ya kimuundo na kimenejimenti yanayochangia kuzorota kwa ufanisi wa Shirika.    Tumekubaliana pia kuwa, Serikali zetu mbili zitekeleze ipasavyo wajibu wake kwa TAZARA ikiwa ni pamoja na kutoa mchango wake wa fedha kwa ajili ya kulifufua Shirika hili muhimu kwa uchumi wa nchi zetu mbili.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Tumekubaliana pia, kwamba, tuangalie uwezekano wa kuruhusu makampuni au mashirika mengine ya reli kutumia reli ya TAZARA kusafirishia mizigo yao kwa kulipa ushuru kwa TAZARA kwa huduma hiyo.  Tumeagiza Baraza la Mawaziri kulifanyia kazi wazo hili jema ili litekelezwe mapema iwezekanavyo. 

Kwa upande wa sekta ya nishati, tumekubaliana  kuwa, nchi zetu mbili ziendelee kushirikiana kuimarisha bomba la mafuta la TAZAMA. Ndugu zetu wa Zambia walitueleza dhamira yao ya kutaka kujenga bomba la kusafirisha gesi kutoka Dar es Salaam hadi Zambia.  Wameomba tukubali kuwauzia gesi asilia.  Niliwaeleza ni jambo linaowezekana, tumekubaliana nchi zetu zilifanyie kazi ombi hilo.

Serikali ya Zambia, imeahidi kuimarisha njia ya umeme kutoka Kasama hadi Mbala Zambia inakoanzia njia inayoleta umeme Sumbawanga.  Kufanya hivyo kutaondoa matatizo ya sasa ambapo umeme unaofika Sumbawanga kutoka Mbala huwa mdogo kiasi kwamba hauna nguvu ya kutosha kwa matumizi ya nyumbani, maofisini na viwandani.  Kwa sababu hiyo, hata mpango wa kuupeleka umeme huo Namanyere, Nkasi na Mpanda haukuweza kutekelezwa kama ilivyokuwa imekusudiwa awali.

Ndugu Wananchi; 

Kuhusu kuboresha huduma kwa abiria na mizigo katika mpaka wa Tanzania na Zambia pale Tunduma, tumekubaliana kuwa, Serikali ya Tanzania ikamilishe ujenzi wa jengo  litakalowezesha huduma zote muhimu za mpakani kutolewa katika jengo hilo (One Stop Border Post).  Wakati tunasubiri kukamilisha ujenzi huo, tumekubaliana tuwe na jengo la muda la kurahisisha taratibu za usafiri wa abiria na usafirishaji wa mizigo katika mpaka wetu na Zambia.

Vilevile, tulizungumzia njia za kuimarisha na kuboresha taratibu za forodha kwa mizigo itokayo bandari ya Dar es Salaam kwenda Zambia na Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Kongo kupitia Zambia.  Tumekubaliana kuwa, Mamlaka ya Kodi ya Mapato ya Zambia iangalie uwezekano wa kuwaweka maafisa wake katika Bandari ya Dar es Salaam kama inavyofanyika kwa nchi wanachama wa Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki.  Hii itarahisisha taratibu za forodha kwa bidhaa za Zambia katika bandari yetu.  Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Kongo imeshaanza mchakato wa kupata fursa hiyo.  Kwa jumla, ziara ilikuwa ni yenye mafanikio makubwa.

Rambirambi

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Wakati tulipokuwa tunajiandaa kurekodi hotuba hii tukapata habari ya huzuni na majonzi makubwa ya kifo cha Mbunge wa Mbinga Magharibi, Mheshimiwa Capt. John Damian Komba.  Kifo chake kimeliondolea taifa letu mmoja wa viongozi wake wazuri, msanii mahiri, raia mwema na mzalendo wa kweli.  Marehemu alitumia muda mwingi wa maisha yake kuelimisha jamii kuhusu mambo mema, amefanya hivyo akiwa mwalimu na baadaye Kiongozi wa Kikundi cha Sanaa cha JWTZ na hapa mwishoni kiongozi wa kikundi cha Tanzania One Theatre cha Chama Cha Mapinduzi.  Kwa kutumia kipaji alichojaaliwa na Mola wake ametoa mchango mkubwa kwa maendeleo ya nchi yetu na ustawi wa Chama Tawala.  Daima tutamkumbuka kwa mambo mengi mema aliyoifanyia jamii ya nchi yetu na taifa kwa jumla.

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Katika salamu zangu za rambirambi kwa Spika wa Bunge na Katibu Mkuu wa CCM niliwaomba kupitia kwao salamu ziwafikie Wabunge wote na viongozi na wanachama wa Chama Cha Mapinduzi.  Hali kadhalika, niliomba kupitia kwao salamu ziwafikie familia ya marehemu Capt. John Komba.  Kwa familia ya ndugu yetu mpendwa, napenda  kuwahakikishia kuwa tuko pamoja nao katika kipindi hiki kigumu cha majonzi na maombolezo.  Tunawaombea kwa Mola awape moyo wa subira na uvumilivu.  Wananchi wa Wilaya ya Nyasa tunawapa pole nyingi kwa msiba mkubwa uliowakuta na pengo kubwa mlilolipata.  Nawaomba watambue kuwa namna bora zaidi ya kumlilia Mbunge wao aliyewapenda ni kudumisha mema yote aliyofanya na kukamilisha zile kazi ambazo alikusudia kuzifanya lakini hakuweza kufanya hivyo kwa sababu ya kukutwa na umauti.

          Mwisho nawaomba, Watanzania wote tuungane na familia yake kumwombea marehemu Capt. John Damian Komba mapumziko mema.  Amin.

Mungu Ibariki Afrika!

Mungu Ibari ki Tanzania!

Asanteni kwa kunisikiliza.

Your Excellency Edgar Lungu and Mrs. Esther Lungu;

Your Excellency Madame Inonge Wina, Vice President;

Honourable Ministers and Members of Parliament;

Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners;
Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen;        

I thank Your Excellency and dear brother for the kind words you have said about me, my country and the excellent relations which so happily exist between our two sister-republics.  I cannot find words good enough to express my profound joy to be able to pay a visit to Zambia, so early into your Presidency.  In this regard, I sincerely thank you for your kind invitation and the very warm reception and gracious hospitality.  You have made my wife and I and our entire delegation feel very much at home.  This is the typical Zambian reception we know.  I also thank you so much for the wonderful arrangement which has made my short visit very successful.  It speaks a thousand words about the importance you attach to our relations.    

          I bring with me, very warm and fraternal greetings from the government and your brothers and sisters in Tanzania. They heartily congratulate you on your well deserved election to the highest office of your great country, despite the preceding sad circumstances which necessitated the elections.  They wish you well and pray for your success in steering the affairs of your great nation. 

The people of Tanzania look to this visit with great enthusiasm and optimism.  They do so because, it has been a tradition since the days of the  founding fathers of our two sister Republics, His Excellency Kenneth Kaunda and His Excellency Mwalimu Julius Nyerere (now late) that the exchange of such visits not only advance our relations but, also, come up with big things. 

 The previous meetings between our leaders give birth to the Tanzania – Zambia Highway, the Tanzania – Zambia Railway (TAZARA), the TAZAMA Pipeline and a host of joint endeavours.  These symbolic projects have always been the umbilical cord linking our two nations and two peoples.  They have been defining and sustaining our bilateral relations. When some of these institutions would be going through difficulties, meetings like ours would help resolve or easy them. 

          Indeed, our people were right to harbour such expectations. The very fruitful official talks we held, lived up to their wishes and expectations.  Let me say that all the pertinent issues obtaining in the Zambia-Tanzania relations and cooperation were discussed in depth and breath.  Mutual understanding was reached, particularly on ways and means to tackle the challenges being experienced and develop our bilateral relations and cooperation to the greatest heights possible.  This underlines the trust and confidence between our two countries. The cordial nature of the discussions is worth mentioning, for it speaks volumes about the special bonds and friendship between our two countries.   

We have discussed ways to revive TAZARA and make it a well functioning railway line for the benefit of our two countries and the region.  We discussed the TAZAMA pipelines, the Tanzania  - Zambia Highway, the Dar es Salaam Ports, Tunduma/Nakonde border post, as well as movement of people of our two countries.  We explored other matters of mutual interest and benefit to our two countries and two peoples.  Sincerely, I will go home tomorrow immensely satisfied with the state of our relations.  There is a very bright future ahead of us. 

Your Excellency;

          I am glad we both saw the need of doing more to promote trade and investments between our countries.  It is in this regard that I agree with you that we should encourage our Chambers of Commerce and captains of Industries to be more proactive in promoting relations between them.  Let them play their rightful role and help grow our economies, create jobs and alleviate poverty.  We would like to see them pressurize our two governments to do better with regard to our facilitation role.  We also, underscored the role of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) as a vehicle to strengthen and advance our bilateral cooperation. Accordingly, we tasked our Ministers responsible for the various cooperation sector to ensure better performance and delivery. 

Your Excellency;

          I am confident that Tanzanians and Zambians will witness positive things happening in all our areas of cooperation from now on because of this visit.  Some will be soon while some will take a while.  Honestly, I could not have had a fulfilling visit than this.  Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude to you and the people of Zambia for the unmatched friendly welcome, generosity and a very successful short visit.  We wish we could stay longer. I hope,  you will also find time out of your busy schedule to pay a visit in the near future.  It has been a while since we hosted a Zambian President for an official visit in Tanzania.  We look forward to welcome you to your second home.

Your Excellency;

Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and gentlemen;

          May I now ask all of you present to rise and join me in a toast to the continued good health and success of His Excellency the President and Madame Esther Lungu; to continued friendship and cooperation between our two countries and peoples.

Asanteni sana.

Your Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya,

       Immediate Past Chair and Host of This Summit;

Your Excellency Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda;

Your Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda;

Your Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi;

Your Excellency Salva Kiir Myardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan;

The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Honourable Dr. Harrison Mwakyembe;

Honourable Ministers;

The Secretary General of the East African Community;

The Honourable Speaker of EALA;

His Lordship Judge President of EACJ;

Members of EALA and National Parliaments;

Members of the Diplomatic Corps;

Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Excellencies;

          I thank you President Uhuru Kenyatta and the people of Kenya for the warm reception and gracious hospitality.  This is befitting Kenyan hospitality that we know.  We don’t feel like strangers when in Nairobi.  You always make us feel at home away from home.  We are gratified, indeed.

  I commend the East African Community Secretariat under the able leadership of our illustrious Secretary General, Ambassador Dr. Richard Sezibera for the good preparations and organization of this Summit. 

Excellencies;       

I thank you for the trust and confidence you have reposed in me and my country.  I promise you that I will do my best to live up to your expectation.  I will not let you down nor will my government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania.    I commend my predecessor, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, for steering the affairs of our regional economic grouping so well.  In the past one year of his leadership a lot has been achieved as it has been very well documented in the Report of the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers.  It has been  one year of good harvest for our region.  I am here to assure you of Tanzania’s commitment to stay the course and propel our integration process to greater heights. Taking over from your good work and strong foundation makes my task ahead to be easy.  We will build on your achievements and take our Community to the next level.

Tanzania and EAC

Excellencies;

          To us in Tanzania, as it is the case with all East African Community partner states, regional integration is a matter of both principle and policy.  We are staunch supporters of the integration process and formidable believers in African Unity and the East African economic and political integration.  We strongly believe that, a divided East Africa, will not be able to claim its rightful place and earn respect in the family of nations on the African continent and on this planet.  We are aware that fragmented markets, isolated industrial value chains, as well as inadequate cross border infrastructure, have no place in the world that we live in today, and the one ahead of us.

We also, sincerely believe that the best and easiest way to realize continental unity and integration, in Africa, is through regional integration as building blocks.   That is why East African integration is very dear and crucial to all of us gathered here. This is why we, in Tanzania wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the East African Community.  Rest assured that the East African Community is in very safe hands. 

The State of the EAC

Excellencies;

          As we meet here today, and as very elaborately explained by President Kenyatta and Honourable Dr. Mwakyembe, a lot of ground has been covered in the implementation of the East African cooperation and integration agenda.   It is heartwarming indeed, to note that trade has increased in a very big way.  And, the good thing is, all partner states are realizing the benefits.  As we all know very well, trade is the life line of our integration endeavours. In many ways trade drives and holds together any integration process.   

Formal intra-East African Community trade for the period from 2010 to 2013 increased from USD 3,722.9 million to USD 5,805.6 million. There was 6.1 percent increase in trade between 2012 and 2013 alone which is quite remarkable.  This is not a small achievement at all.  It is not merely a matter of numbers, because beneath these numbers lies contacts, relationships and lives touched as well as households transformed. If informal trade statistics were to be captured and included, certainly the volume and value of the trade in the East Africa Community region could be even higher.

 It is high time we sought better ways of formalizing the informal sector and informal trade in the integration process.  This way important economic statistics and information will be captured.  Also, government revenues will be collected.  In this regard, we should direct our energy to supporting small and informal businesses by putting in place enabling environment that includes capacity building, provision of technical and financial services.  In the meantime, we should do all within our power to take requisite action to eliminate all outstanding non-tariff barriers.  

Custom Union

Excellencies;

The East African Community’s flagship integration institution, the Customs Union, is working well.  Currently, all goods produced in East Africa which conform to the agreed principle of Rules of Origin, are moving across the borders of the five Partner States duty free.   The Customs Union has continued to show positive impact on the economies of East African Community partners states.  Government revenues have been increasing year after year. Customs revenue performance for example, was 96.86 percent of the target in 2013 compared to 89.55 percent in 2010.  Customs revenues contributed on the average to about 35 percent of total revenues of the Partner States in 2013. This is a momentous achievement. 

I believe we could have achieved much more had we succeeded in removing all non tariff barriers.  We should do all within our powers to take requisite action to eliminate all outstanding non-tariff barriers.  It is in this regard, therefore, I intend to work closely with all of you in ensuring that non-tariff barriers no longer become scourge encumbering the smooth operation of the Customs Union and Common Market in East Africa.

Excellencies;

Work towards full operationalization of the East Africa Single Customs Territory is also progressing well in all countries.  So far, so good.  It has proven to be useful in reducing non-tariff barriers associated with unnecessary delays in cross border trade and transportation.  It also promotes transparency and efficiency in tax and revenue collection.   The full realization of Single Customs Territory will be a big leap forward in our resolve to increase flow of trade and efficiency within the Customs Union. It makes implementation of the objectives of the Customs Union easier and faster. 

It is encouraging to note the good work being done by East African Community partner states, individually or in collaboration with others, of improving physical infrastructure in the region.  There is visible progress in roads, ports, airports, railways and power subsectors and several related sectors and sub-sectors.  However, there is need to do a lot more because there is a huge infrastructure deficit in our respective countries and in the region at large.  We must seek to do better on mobilization of domestic and external resources for infrastructure development to match with the pace of our fast moving integration.

EAC Common Market

Excellencies;

The ongoing implementation of the Common Market Protocol and the laying of the foundation for the Monetary Union is set to propel our region to become the most advanced regional integration undertaking on the African continent.  However, the 2014 East African Common Market Score Card indicated a slow trend and progress by member states in the implementation of some of aspects of the Common Market Protocol. Fortunately, key recommendations have been proposed on increasing the pace of implementation.  All of us must ensure full implementation of these recommendations.

With regard to Free Movements of Services, for example, we are told, 63 measures out of 500 key sectoral laws and regulations of partner states were indentified to be inconsistent with the Common Market Protocol.  Strangely, professional services accounted for 73 percent of these.  In terms of movement of goods, the scorecard appreciates that, a lot has been done, however, non tariff barriers, particularly those related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures remain notorious.  Only two out of the 20 capital operations are free of restrictions in all partner states.  These are those related to external borrowing by residents and repatriation of proceeds from sale of asset.

 We should be grateful that we have with us a tool we can use to measure progress and guide future action.  It is important that we undertake to play our part accordingly, based on the findings and recommendations. 

EAC Monetary Union

Excellencies;

Let us remain focused on the implementation of the Road Map on the Monetary Union.  Specifically, let us make sure that the timelines agreed by all of us are observed. I further, call upon Partner States to fast track the process of attaining the Macro-Economic Convergence Criteria which is a critical factor in the implementation of the objectives of the East African Community Monetary Union.

As we all know, this stage consummates the East African Community economic integration agenda and, it is the last but one step to the ultimate destiny of the East African Federation.  For sure, successful implementation of this stage will enable us to move to the political federation with greater confidence. We in Tanzania reaffirm our readiness and commitment to walk in step with the other partner states in ensuring that the East African Community integration process stays the course and succeeds.

Peace and Stability in the EAC

Excellencies;

East Africa is a region that can demonstrate with confidence that development and peace are intertwined.  As a matter of fact, we can attribute our success in integration to the peace dividend that we enjoy.  Peace, security, and stability are the lifeline to any meaningful integration.  It ensures predictability in planning and is fundamental in attracting investments, promoting trade and unobstructed movement of people within the Community.

If we are to realize the fullest potential of our integration, we must continue to nurture the peace and stability we have.  We ought to cooperate everywhere and at all levels to secure our region. Fortunately, we are already doing that at the moment, but we should always aspire to do better.  I wish to acknowledge and commend the security cooperation that is taking good shape among the defence and security organs of the partner states.  Such cooperation compliments the East African Community integration process.  It is important that we continue to encourage and strengthen this cooperation to prosper.   We should continue to assist other brothers and sisters of South Sudan and Somalia in their just quest for sustainable peace and security in their respective countries.  I would like to assure them that we will continue to support them until peace is stored.

Excellencies;

This year will be politically exciting for the region.  As President Uhuru Kenyatta has alluded to earlier, we are all aware, the Republic of Burundi will be going to the polls in May 2015 and my own country, the United Republic of Tanzania will be holding the General Elections in October, 2015. For Tanzania, also, in April, 2015 we will hold a referendum on the Proposed New Constitution.  Both elections and the Tanzanian Referendum present a great opportunity for the two East African Community partner states to advance democracy, governance and stability which define and distinguish our region.  It is, also, an opportunity for our region to demonstrate to the entire world and to our own people, that democracy reigns and democratic values have taken root in our midst.

Conclusion

Excellencies;

As I assume the Chairmanship, I look at the future of our Community with a great sense of optimism, pride, trust and confidence and for even bigger achievements in future.  The milestones that we have covered and challenges we have endured, have made us stronger and better prepared to perform even better in future.  I reiterate Tanzania’s commitment and readiness to do everything within our power to steer the affairs of the East African Community to greater heights of success during our term of leadership. 

The success of our integration depends on all of us: leaders, nations and most importantly, the people who are the main purpose of forming the East African Community.  Mine is the humble task of steering our collective efforts.  If it is said that it takes the whole village to raise a child, certainly, it takes all of us to nurture a successful East African Community.   It can be done, let us all play our part. Tanzania will surely play its part accordingly.

With these many words, I thank you for your kind attention.

ASANTENI SANA KWA KUNISIKILIZA!

Makamu wa Rais Mheshimiwa Dkt. Mohamed Ghalib Bilal;

Waziri Mkuu Mheshimiwa Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda;

Waziri wa Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi, Mhe. Dkt. Shukuru Kawambwa;

Waziri wa Nchi OWM- TAMISEMI, Mhe.  Hawa A Ghasia;

Naibu Waziri wa Elimu– OWM-TAMISEMI, Mhe. Kasimu Majaliwa;

Naibu Waziri wa Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi, Mhe. Anne Kilango Malecela;

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri wote mlioko hapa,

Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dar es salaam, Mheshimiwa Said Meck Sadiki;

Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi , Balozi Ombeni Sefue,

Katibu Mkuu Wizara ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi;

Naibu Katibu Mkuu Wizara ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi;

Naibu Katibu Mkuu –OWM-TAMISEMI;

Katibu Mkuu- OWM-TAMISEMI;

Mabalozi

Wahisani wa Maendeleo;

Wakurugenzi wa Wizara na Wakuu wa Taasisi zilizo chini ya Wizara ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya Ufundi;

Viongozi mbalimbali wa Chama na Serikali;

Walimu, Wanafunzi, Wanahabari,

Mabibi na Mabwana.

Leo ni siku muhimu katika historia ya maendeleo ya elimu nchini.  Tunakutanishwa kwa ajili ya kufanya jambo kubwa, la kihistoria na la kimaendeleo la uzinduzi wa Sera ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya mwaka 2014.  Uzinduzi wa Sera mpya unaashiria mwanzo wa ngwe mpya katika safari ya kuimarisha, kuendeleza na kuipaisha elimu nchini kufikia viwango vya juu vya kukidhi ubora na mahitaji ya taifa.  Ni kielelezo cha utashi na azma yetu ya kuboresha mfumo wetu wa elimu uende na wakati na kuiwezesha jamii kuzikabili ipasavyo changamoto na maendeleo na maisha yao.  Maisha bora kwa Mtanzania yanaanzia na kutegemea uwezekano wa kila Mtanzania kupata fursa ya kupata elimu iliyo bora, elimu itakayomuwezesha kutawala mazingira yake na kukabili changamoto za maisha. 

         Nakupongeza sana Mheshimiwa Waziri, Dkt. Shukuru Kawambwa,  Katibu Mkuu, Prof. Sifuni Mchome pamoja na wataalamu wenu na wadau wengine wa elimu kwa kuongoza na kusimamia mchakato huu ulioanza kwa kupitia Sera mbalimbali zilizokuwapo katika sekta ya Elimu na kuzihuisha kwa kuandaa Sera hii.  Napenda pia kumtambua Naibu Waziri, Mheshimiwa Anne Malechela Kilango pamoja na upya wake katika Wizara. 

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

 Nakushukuru pia kwa uamuzi wenu wa kuzindua Sera hii katika eneo la shule.  Tunapata fursa maridhawa ya kuoanisha kile kilichopo na kile tunachoazimia kutekeleza kwenye Sera.  Nimepata fursa ya kutembelea maabara na kuwaona vijana wetu wanavyopata elimu ya sayansi kwa vitendo.  Aidha, mnanipa nafasi ya kusema na walimu na wanafunzi ambao ndiyo wadau wakuu wa Sera hii ya Elimu.  Ni jambo la faraja kwangu kuona tulipofikia na mafanikio tuliyoyapata, kama haya niliyoyaona katika shule hii.  Inatupa kila aina ya sababu kuongeza bidii na kasi zaidi ya kufikia malengo makubwa zaidi.

         Vilevile, nakushukuru,  Mheshimiwa Waziri, kwa maneno yako ya utangulizi kuhusu Sera hii.  Kama ulivyokwishasema, Sera hii ni matokeo ya mapitio na uhuishaji wa Sera ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya mwaka 1995, Sera ya Elimu ya Ufundi na Mafunzo ya mwaka 1966 na Sera ya Taifa ya Elimu ya Juu ya mwaka 1999.  Kipindi cha zaidi ya kipindi cha miaka 14 ya utekelezaji wa sera hizo na maamuzi mengine kuhusu elimu kimekuwa cha mabadiliko mengi ya kijamii, kiuchumi na teknolojia ndani na nje ya nchi.  Uchumi wetu umekua na kutanuka na kuzua mahitaji mapya ya rasilimali watu na stadi mbalimbali ambazo hazikuhitajika siku za nyuma.  Aidha, mipango mitatu ya miaka mitano ya maendeleo kuelekea mwaka 2025 nayo imezaa mahitaji mengine.  Yote haya pamoja na maoni ya wadau mbalimbali yamezingatiwa katika Sera hii ya mwaka 2014.

Hali ya Sekta ya Elimu

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Wadau wa Elimu;

         Elimu ni kitu kinachomgusa na kumhusu kila mtu hapa Tanzania.  Sisi katika Serikali, tunatambua wajibu wetu na nafasi yetu maalum kwa upatikanaji wa elimu nchini.  Kwa ajili hiyo, elimu ni jambo la kipaumbele cha juu, ni la kufa na kupona.  Ukweli wa usemi wangu huo unajihidhirisha katika uwekezaji mkubwa tunaoufanya katika kuendeleza elimu.  Bajeti ya Elimu ndiyo iliyo kubwa kuliko zote kwa miaka mingi  na imekuwa ikiongezeka.  Kwa mfano, mwaka 2005/2006 zilitengwa shilingi bilioni 669.5 wakati mwaka 2014/2015 zimetengwa shilingi trilioni 3.1.  Katika kipindi hicho, bajeti ya mikopo ya wanafunzi wa elimu ya juu imeongezeka kutoka  shilingi bilioni 56.1 hadi shilingi bilioni 345. Kwa sababu hiyo idadi ya wanafunzi wanaofaidika imeongezeka kutoka 16,345 mwaka 2005 hadi 98,000 mwaka 2014.  Shule za msingi zimeongezeka kutoka 14,257 mwaka 2005 hadi 16,343 mwaka 2014 na hivyo kufanya idadi ya wanafunzi nayo kukua kutoka milioni 7.54 hadi milioni 8.23.  Kwa upande wa sekondari shule zimeongezeka 531 mwaka 2005 hadi 4,576  mwaka 2014.  Idadi ya wanafunzi nayo imeongezeka kutoka 524,325 mwaka 2005 hadi 1,804.056 mwaka 2014. 

Upanuzi huu mkubwa na wa kihistoria  umetokea pia kwenye vyuo vya elimu ya ufundi stadi ambapo vyuo vimeongezeka kutoka 184  hadi 744 kati ya mwaka 2005 na 2014.  Kwa upande wa elimu ya juu, idadi ya vyuo imeongezeka kutoka 26 hadi 50 kati ya mwaka 2005 na 2014 na kufanya idadi ya wanafunzi wa vyuo vikuu iongezeke kutoka wanafunzi 40,719 mwaka 2005 hadi wanafunzi 200,986 mwaka 2014.  Leo hii tunapokutana hapa, hatuna tena tatizo na fursa ya kupata elimu kwa elimu ya msingi,  sekondari, ufundi na elimu ya juu. 

Mwaka 2005, urari wa wanafunzi kati yetu na wenzetu wa Afrika Mashariki ulikuwa wa chini mno kwa upande wetu.  Kenya walikuwa na wanafunzi wa sekondari 925,341 na wa vyuo vikuu 108,407  ikilinganishwa na Tanzania iliyokuwa na wanafunzi 524,325  wa sekondari na 40,719 wa vyuo vikuu.  Uganda ilikuwa na wanafunzi 728,393 wa sekondari na 124,313 wa vyuo vikuu.  Sasa hali ni tofauti.  Kwa mwaka 2013, kwa mfano, Kenya ilikuwa na wanafunzi wa sekondari 2,104,300 na wanafunzi wa vyuo vikuu 324,600.  Katika mwaka huohuo, Uganda walikuwa na wanafunzi wa sekondari 1,362,739 na wa vyuo vikuu 140,403.  Ongezeko hili linatuweka katika hali nzuri ya ushindani tunapoelekea katika ushindani wa soko la pamoja ndani ya Afrika Mashariki ikilinganishwa na hali ilivyokuwa miaka 10 iliyopita.  Jukumu letu ni kuimarisha ubora wa elimu yetu na hasa iwe ni ile inayokidhi mahitaji ya soko la ajira nchini, Afrika Masharini na dunia.

 Juhudi zetu hizi za kuendeleza elimu zimetambulika duniani na kutupatia heshima kubwa zikiwemo tuzo mbalimbali.  Tumekuwa nchi ya kupigiwa mfano katika kutekeleza Malengo ya Milenia (MDGs) yanayohusu fursa ya watoto kupata elimu ya msingi, na usawa wa kijinsi baina ya watoto wa kiume na wa kike kupata elimu ya msingi na sekondari.  Haya na mengine mazuri tuliyofanya ni mambo ya kujivunia.  Ni mafanikio yanayotokana na utekelezaji mzuri wa Sera tatu za elimu ya Msingi, Ufundi na Elimu ya Juu zilizokuwepo. 

Ndugu Wadau wa Elimu;

         Mafanikio hayo makubwa nayo yamezua changamoto mpya mbalimbali.  Miongoni mwake ipo ile ya malengo ya Elimu kuwa sawa na goli linalohama kila unapolikaribia.  Hali hii haipo hapa nchini kwetu pekee, bali ipo kote duniani.  Nimebahatika kutembelea nchi nyingi na kuona yanayofanyika. Hali kadhalika nimesoma yanayoendelea kwenye nchi mbalimbali kuhusu elimu.  Ukweli ni kwamba hakuna nchi duniani ambayo imemaliza changamoto zote zihusuzo elimu.  Katika kila nchi kuna mjadala unaoendelea kuhusu ubora wa elimu.  Na, sababu ni moja, uboreshaji wa elimu ni jambo endelevu.  Iko hivyo kwa nchi zinazoendelea kama yetu na hata zile zilizoendelea.  Tofauti yetu ipo kwenye aina ya changamoto zilizopo.  Nchi zilizoendelea hazina matatizo yanayozikabili nchi zinazoendelea. 

Ni jambo la kutia moyo kuwa tangu uhuru mpaka sasa matatizo mbalimbali yanayoisibu elimu yametambuliwa na kushughulikiwa.  Katika awamu hii ya uongozi wa nchi yetu tumetoa msukumo maalum tena mkubwa katika kutafuta majawabu ya changamoto zinazokabili sekta ya elimu nchini.  Bahati nzuri tumepata mafanikio kwenye nyanja nyingi.  Nimekwishaelezea jinsi idadi ya shule za msingi na sekondari pamoja na vyuo vya ufundi na vyuo vikuu vilivyoongezeka.  Mambo hayo yameongeza sana fursa za elimu nchini.  Hivi leo watoto wote wenye umri wa kwenda shule wanaweza kuwa shule labda wakatae wenyewe au wakatazwe na wazazi au walezi wasioona mbali.  Watoto wote wanaofaulu darasa la saba wana hakika ya kwenda sekondari na vyuo vikuu vina nafasi wazi zinazosubiri wanafunzi wenye sifa kuzijaza.

Kimsingi tunaweza kusema kuwa suala la watoto  na vijana wetu chini kupata fursa ya kupata elimu inayolingana na umri wao siyo tatizo kubwa tena la kutuumiza vichwa.  Hata hivyo, kazi kubwa inayohitajika kuendelea kufanyika ni kuhakikisha kuwa elimu wanayopata watoto na vijana wetu ni bora.  Kwa ajili hiyo, hatuna budi kuendelea kuboresha mazingira ya kutolea elimu.  Walimu wa kutosha wawepo kwa masomo yote.  Tena wawe ni walimu wanaoyamudu vyema masomo wanayofundisha.  Hali kadhalika, huduma za msingi kwa maisha na utendaji kazi wa walimu ziboreshwe pamoja na maslahi yao.

Vifaa vya kufundishia na vile vya kusomea na kujifunzia vipatikane kwa uhakika.  Majengo ya kufundishia na huduma mbalimbali shuleni na vyuoni yawepo ya kutosha tena yaliyo bora.  Pamoja na hayo, mifumo na miundo ya uendeshaji na usimamizi wa elimu nchini iendelee kuboreshwe zaidi na zaidi. 

Sera Mpya na Matumaini Mapya

Ndugu Wadau wa Elimu;

         Sera Mpya ya Elimu inatupa mwanzo mpya na matumaini mapya ya kututoa hapa tulipo sasa na kutupeleka mbele kwenye neema na mafanikio makubwa zaidi.  Mahali ambapo nyingi ya changamoto zinazotukabili sasa zitakuwa hazipo ila zitakuwepo zile za kupeleka elimu yetu mbele zaidi.  Sera mpya inatambua umuhimu na nafasi ya elimu kwa maendeleo ya nchi yetu na watu wake.  Sera inatambua kuwa Elimu ni silaha ya ukombozi kwa Watanzania dhidi ya umaskini na madhila yake.  Ni nyenzo ya uhakika ya kutupeleka kwenye uchumi wa kati ifikapo mwaka 2025.   Kwa sababu hiyo, Sera inasisitiza umuhimu wa kuendelea kupanua fursa kwa kila mtoto mwenye umri wa kwenda shule aende shule.  Sera Mpya inatoa dhima kwa taifa kuanza safari ya kumuwezesha kila mtoto anayeanza darasa la kwanza aweze kupata elimu ya sekondari ya mpaka kidato cha nne.  Hili ni lengo la muda mrefu kwamba elimu ya msingi iwe mpaka kidato cha nne badala ya darasa la saba kama ilivyo sasa.  Hili ni lengo ambalo halitakamilika mara baada ya uzinduzi huu.  Yanahitajika maandalizi makubwa.  Katika kuanza safari ya kuelekea huko, Serikali imeamua kufuta ada ya elimu ya sekondari kuanzia mwaka 2016 ili wale waliofaulu kwenda kidato cha kwanza wasishindwe kusoma. 

         Sera Mpya ya elimu imeweka msisitizo wa pekee kwa kila mtoto kupata elimu ya awali kabla ya kupata elimu ya msingi.  Tumedhamiria pia kuwekeza zaidi katika stadi za Kuandika, Kusoma na Kuhesabu (KKK) katika miaka miwili ya elimu ya msingi.  Azma yetu ni kujenga msingi imara wa elimu kwa wanafunzi nchini ambao hutegemea sana upatikanaji wa stadi hizo.  Watoto wanapoimarishwa vya kutosha kwa upande wa kusoma, kuandika na kuhesabu, aghalabu humudu vyema masomo yao shuleni.  Aidha, itasaidia kurekebisha upungufu uliopo sasa. 

Ndugu Wadau wa Elimu;    

Ni ukweli ulio dhahiri kwamba ili tuweze kupata maendeleo makubwa ya kiuchumi lazima tuongeze matumizi ya sayansi na teknolojia nchini.  Tunaweza kufanya hivyo tu kwa kuwa na wanasayansi wengi.  Sera hii inasisitiza kuimarishwa kwa muundo na utaratibu wa ufundishaji wa masomo ya Hisabati, Sayansi na Teknolojia katika ngazi zote.  Kazi hii tayari tumekwishaianza na tunaendelea nayo kwa ari na nguvu.  Tumetoa msukumo mkubwa katika ujenzi wa maabara na naamini, Juni, 2015 tutafikia malengo yetu.

 Tunapanua mafunzo ya walimu wa sayansi.  Tutakapotekeleza mradi wa matumizi ya computer mashuleni tutakuwa tumepiga hatua kubwa muhimu.  Sera hii imetoa mwongozo kwa changamoto nyingine nyingi muhimu ambazo zimetolewa maoni na wadau mbalimbali.  Kwa mfano, Sera inaelekeza sasa kutumika kwa utaratibu wa kila somo kitabu kimoja kwa shule zote badala ya utaratibu wa awali wa kila shule kuwa na kitabu chake.  Sera inatoa msisitizo kuwa elimu ni huduma na inaelekeza kuwekwa kwa utaratibu utakaodhibiti upangaji wa ada katika shule za binafsi kwa utaratibu wa kuweka ada elekezi (indicative fees) kwa msingi wa gharama halisi kwa mwanafunzi (Student Unit Course).  Hii itatoa ahueni kwa wazazi na walezi na kuwawezesha kumudu gharama za kusomesha watoto wao katika shule za binafsi.

         Suala la ubora wa elimu inayotolewa tumeliwekea mkazo wa kipekee katika sera hii mpya.  Tutaimarisha mfumo wetu wa usimamizi na ukaguzi wa shule zetu kwa lengo la kuimarisha ubora wa elimu inayotolewa.  Tutajenga uwezo wa Wizara kwa kutenga fedha za kutosha kwa shughuli za ukaguzi, kuajiri wakaguzi wa kutosha na kuwapatia vitendea kazi vya kuwawezesha wakaguzi kufanya kazi zao kwa ufanisi nchi nzima.  Madhali tumeshapata mafanikio ya kutosha kwenye kupanua fursa ya kupata elimu, sasa tunaelekeza nguvu zetu kwenye kusimamia ubora wa elimu inayotolewa.

Wito kwa Wadau

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Wadau wa Elimu;

         Mafanikio yote tuliyoyapata katika Sekta ya Elimu yamepatikana kutokana na ushirikiano wa wadau wote wakiwemo walimu, wazazi, wananchi wetu wote na wadau wa maendeleo.  Mafanikio haya hayana budi kuenziwa na kuendelezwa.  Tunapoanza utekelezaji wa Sera Mpya ya Elimu, hatuna budi kukumbushana tena wajibu wetu na kushirikiana kufikia malengo yetu haya mapya.

         Mdau mkubwa wa kwanza katika elimu ni mzazi na mlezi ambao ndiyo viongozi wa kaya wanazotoka wanafunzi wetu.  Ninyi mnao wajibu wa kipekee wa kuwahamasisha na kuwahimiza watoto wenu kupenda shule kwa kuwajengea mazingira mazuri ya kuwawezesha kusoma.  Jihusisheni na elimu ya watoto wenu, na jengeni uhusiano na walimu wao katika kufuatilia maendeleo ya watoto wenu.  Wakati mwingine inashangaza sana kuona wazazi na walezi kutojali kujua maendeleo ya watoto wao shuleni.  Hawakagui maendeleo yao, wala hawajihusishi na kamati za elimu za shule za watoto wao na kata wanazoishi.  Njia bora ya kutatua changamoto za elimu za nchi ni kwa kila mmoja wetu kushiriki katika kutatua changamoto zilizoko katika shule iliyoko katika eneo lake analoishi.

         Walimu ni wadau wenye wajibu wa kipekee sana.  Jukumu lao la kuwafumbua macho na kuwaongezea upeo wa ufahamu wa vijana wetu pamoja na kuwandaa kuwa raia wema halina mfano wake.  Halina badala yake.  Mnafanya kazi nzuri lakini mnatakiwa kufanya vizuri zaidi leo na siku za usoni.  Elimu ni kitu chenye unyumbufu mkubwa na mabadiliko mengi na hasa siku hizi.   Lazima muende na wakati.  Ni ninyi waalimu, pengine kuliko watu wengi wengine  mtakaoumba Tanzania ya kesho iliyo bora kupitia elimu mnayowapa wanafunzi.  Ninyi walimu ndiyo wa kutusaidia kuleta mabadiliko chanya katika jamii na nchi yetu.  Nawaomba sana muendelee kujizatiti katika kutambua uzito wa majukumu yenu na kuyatekeleza.  Sisi Serikalini tutaendelea kufanya kila lililo katika uwezo wetu kuboresha maslahi yenu na mazingira yenu ya kazi.

         Nawaomba pia wamiliki wa shule, hususan shule zinazomilikiwa na mashirika ya dini na watu na makampuni binafsi nanyi mtimize ipasavyo wajibu wenu.  Tunatambua na kuthamini mchango wenu mkubwa katika utoaji wa elimu.  Nawaomba mkumbuke kuwa Elimu ni haki ya mtoto hivyo mjiepushe na upendeleo na ubaguzi. Elimu ni huduma, hivyo mtoze ada zinazohimilika.  Aidha, hamna budi kuzingatia mitaala na miongozo inayotolewa na Wizara ya Elimu na Taasisi zake kuhusu elimu.  Serikali inawahakikishia kuwa tutaendelea kuweka mazingira rafiki ya kuwawezesha kutimiza wajibu wenu huo wa kutoa huduma ya elimu.  Ni kwa sababu hiyo tumewatambua katika Sera hii na mmeshirikishwa kwa ukamilifu katika mchakato wote wa kuitunga.  Naomba tuendeleze ushirikiano wetu katika utekelezaji wa Sera hii.

         Sina budi kuwashukuru pia wadau wetu wa maendeleo kwa michango yao muhimu iliyotuwezesha kufikia mafanikio makubwa katika Sekta ya Elimu. Tunapowashukuru, tunawaomba waendelee kushirikiana nasi tunapoianza safari yetu hii ya kutekeleza Sera Mpya ya Elimu.  Utekelezaji wa Sera hii utahitaji rasilimali nyingi na hivyo tutashukuru kupata mchango wao katika kuongezea nguvu jitihada zetu.  Mchango wao utatuwezesha kupata matokeo makubwa kwa haraka.

Hitimisho

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu Wadau wa Elimu;

         Ni jambo la faraja kubwa kwangu kwamba, katika kipindi changu cha uongozi kwa ushirikiano wetu tumeweza kupata mafanikio makubwa na ya kujivunia katika kuendeleza Elimu nchini.  Sera hii tunayoizindua leo ni mojawapo ya mafanikio hayo.

         Naamini kuwa tuliyoyafanya yamechangia kwa kiasi kikubwa kuzikomboa kaya nyingi kutokana na kutoa fursa kwa watoto wengi zaidi wa Watanzania kupata elimu ikiwa ni pamoja na watoto wa kike.  Bado tunayo kazi kubwa ya kufanya mbele yetu. Bahati nzuri, tunayatambua na tunaendelea kuyafanya.  Sera ya Elimu tunayoizindua leo inatoa mwongozo na kutupa mwelekeo mzuri wa namna ya kufanya yanayotakiwa kufanyika sasa na miaka 10 ijayo.    Uzinduzi wa Sera hii mpya ya elimu, na yale yaliyomo katika sera hii ni ushahidi tosha wa dhamira yangu na ya wenzetu wote tulioshirikiana kutayarisha sera hii kuona elimu nchini ianzidi kuimarika na kuwa bora zaidi. 

         Napenda sasa, kwa heshima na taadhima kubwa kutamka kuwa Sera ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya Mwaka 2014 imezinduliwa rasmi.

         Asanteni sana.

Mheshimiwa Mohamed Chande Othman, Jaji Mkuu wa Tanzania;

Mheshimiwa Anne Semamba Makinda, Spika wa Bunge la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania;

Mheshimiwa  Asha-Rose Migiro, Waziri wa Katiba na Sheria;

Waheshimiwa Majaji wa Mahakama ya Rufani;

Mheshimiwa Omar Othman Makungu, Jaji Mkuu wa Zanzibar;

Mheshimiwa Shabani Ali Lila, Jaji Kiongozi;  

Waheshimiwa Majaji wa Mahakama Kuu ya Tanzania;

Mheshimiwa George Masaju, Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali ;

Waheshimiwa Majaji Wakuu Wastaafu;

Waheshimiwa Majaji wa Mahakama ya Rufani wastaafu;

Rais wa Chama cha Mawakili Tanganyika;

Waheshimiwa Mabalozi na Wawakilishi wa Mashirika ya Kimataifa;

Wasajili, Wakurugenzi na Watendaji wa Mahakama;

Mahakimu na  Mawakili;

Mtendaji Mkuu wa Mahakama;

Watumishi wa Mahakama;

Wageni waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

          Nakushukuru sana Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu kwa kunialika kwa mara nyingine tena kushirikiana nanyi katika maadhimisho ya Siku ya Sheria Tanzania.  Hii ni mara yangu ya nane na ya mwisho kuhudhuria sherehe hizi nikiwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania.  Sherehe za mwakani zitahudhuriwa na Rais mpya. Natumai mtaendelea kumualika.

          Napenda kuwashukuru wale wote tulioshirikiana nao katika utekelezaji wa jukumu zito la kuimarisha mhimili wa Mahakama katika kipindi changu cha uongozi. Napenda kukutambua, wewe mwenyewe Mheshimiwa Mohamed Chande Othman na Majaji Wakuu waliokutangulia, Mheshimiwa Barnabas Samata niliyemkuta na Mheshimiwa Augustino Ramadhani aliyemfuatia. Nawashukuru kwa ushirikiano wenu, umakini, weledi na umadhubuti wa hali ya juu kwa kuwaongoza wenzenu vizuri katika kutoa haki nchini. Nyote mlikuwa kielelezo kizuri cha utoaji haki hapa nchini na kioo cha uongozi bora wa Mahakama yetu.  Pamoja nanyi nawashukuru Majaji wote wa Mahakama ya Rufani na wa Mahakama Kuu, Wasajili, Mahakimu Wakazi, Mahakamu wa Mahakama ya Mwanzo ambao wote mmejitoa kusimamia utoaji wa  haki katika nchi yetu.  Vile vile, namtambua Mtendaji Mkuu wa Mahakama  na Watendaji  wa ngazi zote pamoja na watumishi wote wa Mahakama kwa kazi yao nzuri waifanyayo.

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu;

          Kauli mbiu ya maadhimisho ya mwaka huu yaani, “Fursa ya Kupata Haki:  Wajibu wa Serikali, Mahakama na Wadau” ni muafaka kabisa kwa wakati uliopo.  Inatoa fursa kwa mihimili yetu miwili ya dola na wadau wengine kupima jinsi tunavyotimiza wajibu wetu.  Naomba tutumie fursa hii tuangalie yale tuliyofanya katika kipindi cha miaka tisa (9) ya uongozi wangu kuhusu kuimarisha utoaji wa fursa ya kupata haki nchini.

Kuboresha utoaji wa haki na utawala wa sheria nchini  ilikuwa miongoni mwa mambo tuliyoyapa umuhimu wa juu katika majukumu ya Serikali yetu. Kwa ajili hiyo tumejitahidi kutambua mahitaji na changamoto zilizokuwa zinaikabili Mahakama nchini na kujaribu kutafuta majawabu. Tumechukua hatua na kufanya mambo mbalimbali kwa madhumuni ya kuiwezesha Mahakama kutekeleza wajibu wake wa kutoa haki.

Fursa ya Kupata Haki

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

          Kama ulivyosema, wewe mwenyewe fursa ya kupata haki imegawanyika katika sehemu mbili. Kwanza, ni fursa ya kuifikia Mahakama, na pili, ni fursa ya kunufaika na huduma za Mahakama yaani kupata haki.  Dhana hii inazilazimu Serikali na Mahakama kufanya kazi kwa pamoja, kwani mhimili mmoja pekee hauwezi kufanikisha haya yote mawili.  Kimsingi, Serikali inao wajibu wa kuweka mazingira mazuri kwa Mahakama kuweza kutimiza wajibu wake huo wa kutoa haki kwa wakati.

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu;

          Ninapoiangalia Mahakama ya leo ninafarijika kuona kwamba hatua zilizochukuliwa na Mahakama yenyewe na nyingine zilizochukuliwa kwa kushirikiana na Serikali zimesaidia kuleta mabadiliko kwenye mifumo na kuboresha utoaji wa haki.  Changamoto za kimfumo zilizokuwapo ziliathiri ufanisi katika utoaji haki nchini hususan zilisababisha ucheleweshaji wa mashauri na hukumu.

 Hali hii imefanya utatuzi wa migogoro ya mikataba, biashara, ardhi, mahusiano kazini kuchelewa sana (labor matters).  Kwa ujumla, jitihada zetu za kukuza uchumi zilipambana na vikwazo vya mifumo yetu ya sheria.  Hali kadhalika, kwa upande wa mifumo ya haki jinai, taratibu za kuendesha mashauri hazikuakisi mahitaji ya kutoa haki kwa kuadhibu wakosaji  kwa wakati na kutoa fidia na ahueni nyingine inayofaa kwa wahanga wa uhalifu.

          Mambo mengi yamefanyika kuboresha Mahakama.  Tumetunga Sheria namba 4 ya mwaka 2011 ya uendeshaji Mahakama ambayo pamoja na mambo mengine ilianzisha Mfuko wa Mahakama na kuwezesha Mahakama kuwa na bajeti inayotabirika na ya uhakika.  Fedha za Mfuko huu zimekuwa zikiongezeka kutoka bilioni 57.8 mwaka 2012/2013 hadi bilioni 89.6 mwaka 2014/15 sawa na ongezeko la asilimia 54.8.  Katika mfumo huu mpya tumeanza sasa kutenga bajeti ya maendeleo inayowezesha uwekezaji katika upatikanaji wa miundombinu ya utoaji haki.  Nimesikia mwaka huu bajeti ya maendeleo haijaingia, naomba niwahakikishie kuwa mtaipata. Jana nilizungumza na Waziri wa Fedha aliyenihakikishia kuwa katika nusu ya pili ya mwaka huu wa fedha wataanza kutoa fedha.

          Jambo lingine muhimu tulilofanya lilikuwa ni kuongeza rasilimali watu. Tumepunguza uhaba mkubwa uliokuwepo na kuwezesha Mahakama kuboresha kazi yake ya kutoa haki.  Hivi sasa kuna Majaji wa Rufani 16 kutoka 9 waliokuwepo mwaka 2005 na kuna Majaji  wa Mahakama Kuu 81 kutoka Majaji 35 waliokuwapo 2005.  Ninafurahi kuwa kati ya Majaji wote wa Mahakama ya Rufaa na Mahakama Kuu waliopo, Majaji 38 sawa na asilimia 39.2 ni wanawake. Haya ni mageuzi makubwa. Natambua kuwa mahitaji halisi ni kuwa na Majaji 120. Napenda kukuhakikishia Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu kuwa mtakapokuwa tayari nileteeni mapendekezo yenu nifanye uteuzi. Kwa upande wa Mahakimu Wakazi, hadi mwaka huu  idadi yao ilifikia 677 nchi nzima ukilinganisha na Mahakimu Wakazi 151 mwaka 2005. Mwaka wa jana pekee tulitoa kibali cha kuajiri Mahakimu wapya 300.

          Katika kipindi hiki pia tulifanya mambo mawili mengine muhimu kwa utekelezaji mzuri wa majukumu ya Mahakama.  Kwanza ni lile la kukamilisha mchakato wa kutenganisha shughuli za upelelezi na uendeshaji wa mashtaka. Imesaidia kupunguza ucheleweshaji wa mashauri na kuimarisha utoaji wa haki. 

Jambo la pili ni kuanzishwa kwa nafasi ya Watendaji wa Mahakama iliyo waondolea Majaji majukumu ya utawala na fedha na kuwaaacha washughulike na utoaji wa haki.  Jambo hili limeboresha na kuimarisha utendaji na uendeshaji wa shughuli katika Mahakama kwa namna ambayo haijawahi kuwepo huko nyuma.

Huduma ya Msaada wa Kisheria

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

          Nakubaliana nawe kuwa kukosekana kwa msaada wa kisheria kwa wale wasio na uwezo wa kulipia huduma ya uwakili ni kikwazo kwa watu hao kupata fursa ya kupata haki.  Pia inakwaza utoaji wa haki.  Nimefurahishwa na pendekezo lako la kuiomba Serikali kuona uwezekano wa kugharamia huduma za uwakili kwa watuhumiwa wasio na uwezo kifedha nje ya watuhumiwa wa makosa ya mauaji.  Umeomba sasa tuangalie na wale wenye makosa yenye adhabu kubwa na vifungo virefu.  Nakubaliana nawe kuwa wakati sasa umefika wa kuyaangalia mambo hayo  kutokana na mabadiliko mbalimbali yaliyotokea nchini ikiwemo kuongezeka kwa aina ya makosa, adhabu na kuwepo kwa Wanasheria wa kutosha wa kuweza kutoa huduma hiyo ni jambo linalowezekana. Sisi katika Serikali tutalifanyia kazi pendekezo hilo na tutawashirikisha mtupe maoni yenu ya namna bora ya kutekeleza wazo hili.  Naamini, tukifanya hivyo, tutakuwa tumepanua fursa kwa watu wengi kupata haki ya kisheria.

Wajibu wa Mahakama

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

          Kama nilivyosema awali, fursa ya kupata haki inategemea pia jinsi Mahakama inavyotelekeza ipasavyo wajibu wake.  Nafurahishwa sana na hatua ambazo Jaji Mkuu umechukua ambazo zimewezesha kuboresha fursa ya kupata haki.  Taarifa uliyoitoa hapa leo imeonesha wazi mafanikio yaliyopatikana. Kufuatia uamuzi wenu wa kujiwekea ukomo wa muda wa kuendesha kesi na idadi ya kesi kwa kila Jaji na Hakimu, mmeweza kupunguza mashauri ya siku nyingi kwa asilimia 50 kutoka mashauri 6,887 mwaka 2012 hadi 3,632 katika Mahakama Kuu mwaka 2014.  Aidha, mmeweza kumaliza mashauri 52 kati ya 59 yanayohusu miradi mikubwa ya serikali iliyoko katika Mahakama Kuu Kitengo cha Ardhi.

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu;

          Natoa rai kwa wadau wengine wa sheria yaani waendesha mashtaka na vyombo vya upelelezi kwa upande wa mashauri ya jinai pamoja na Mawakili wa kujitegemea kuunga mkono juhudi zenu hizi.  Bila shaka Mahakama itaendelea kuonyesha njia kwa kusimamia mwenendo wa mashauri ya jinai na madai pasipo kuchelewesha.  Ni matumaini yangu kuwa Mkurugenzi wa Mashitaka na vyombo vya upelelezi havitakuwa chanzo cha kuchelewesha mashauri pasipo sababu za msingi.

Kusogeza Huduma ya Mahakama karibu zaidi na Wananchi

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu;

          Natoa pongezi nyingi kwamba kwa sababu ya mambo mbalimbali mazuri yaliyofanyika ambayo yamesogeza huduma za Mahakama karibu na wananchi.  Sehemu kubwa ya migogoro inayowagusa moja kwa moja wananchi imeshughulikiwa. Miongoni mwa hiyo ni ile ya ardhi ambapo Mabaraza ya Ardhi yameundwa katika Kata zote nchini chini ya Wizara ya Ardhi, Nyumba na Maendeleo ya Makazi. Jambo hili limepunguza sana mzigo wa mashauri katika Mahakama zetu na kusaidia kuleta usuluhishi katika jamii zetu.  Inawezekana utendaji wa vyombo hivi una upungufu mbalimbali kinyume cha matarajio ya wananchi.  Dawa yake siyo kuvitelekeza bali kuyatambua matatizo yaliyopo na kuyapatia ufumbuzi.

Wizara ya Ardhi, Nyumba na Maendeleo ya Makazi pamoja na Halmashauri za Wilaya waendelee kusimamia kwa karibu vyombo hivi muhimu kwa kusogeza huduma ya upatanishi na kushughulikia migogoro midogo ya ardhi. Kuna malalamiko ya kutokuwepo kwa Mabaraza ya Ardhi ya Wilaya katika Wilaya nyingi nchini.  Kwa sababu hiyo watu wamekuwa wanapata usumbufu katika kutafuta haki baada ya kutokuridhishwa na uamuzi wa Mabaraza ya Kata. Wizara iharakishe kuunda Mabaraza hayo na Halmashauri zisaidie upatikanaji wa majengo ya Mabaraza hayo.

Uhusiano wa Mabaraza ya Ardhi na Mahakama Kuu

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu;

          Naambiwa kuwa yapo malalamiko ya kukosekana mtiririko mzuri wa majalada kwenda Mahakama Kuu Kitengo cha Ardhi. Nia njema ya kuanzisha Mabaraza ya Ardhi imezaa adha. Kilio kilichopo ni kwamba Mabaraza hayo yamekuwa hayataki kutii amri ya Mahakama Kuu ya kupeleka kumbukumbu pindi kunapokuwa na rufaa dhidi ya maamuzi yake ni jambo ambalo sio tu halikutarajiwa bali halikubaliki. Linatia dosari katika utoaji wa haki ya ardhi. Wakati huo huo, Wizara ya Ardhi iwachukulie hatua zipasazo watendaji wa Mabaraza ya Ardhi wanaochelewesha kumbukumbu.

 Ni matumaini yangu kuwa wadau wanaohusika yaani Wizara ya Ardhi, Nyumba na Maendeleo ya Makazi, Wizara ya Katiba na Sheria na Mahakama mtakaa pamoja mapema iwezekanavyo kulitafutia ufumbuzi tatizo hili. Kama itahitaji kupitia upya sheria na taratibu ifanyike hivyo ili kuondoa kikwazo hiki na kuondoa malalamiko yanayoendelea kwa muda mrefu sasa kuhusu jambo hili. Ipo rai kwamba Sheria iwawajibishe watendaji wa Mabaraza ya Ardhi kwa Mahakama Kuu moja kwa moja. Busara na hekima ya kufanya hivyo itafakariwe kwa makini.  Ni matarajio yangu kwamba hatua hizi zitachukuliwa mapema na pale kwenye mkwamo tuambiane tuone namna ya  kusaidia kukwamua.       

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu;

          Nimefarijika sana kusikia kwamba mkakati uliopo sasa ni kuongeza weledi kwenye Mahakama za Mwanzo kwa kuendelea kuajiri wahitimu wa Shahada ya Sheria kwenye Mahakama hizo.  Hili ni jambo zuri ambalo litawawezesha Mawakili kusimamia na kuendesha kesi kwenye Mahakama za Mwanzo.  Madhali sasa, hatuna uhaba wa Wanasheria na Mawakili, hili linawezekana.  Uamuzi wetu wa kupanua huduma ya Mahakama Kuu kila Mkoa ni mwendelezo wa dhamira yetu ya kuwafanya wananchi waweze kuifikia huduma hiyo karibu na wanapoishi.  Bado tunayo dhamira ya kukamilisha ujenzi wa Mahakama Kuu kila mkoa ifikapo mwaka 2016 kama tulivyoagiza.  Utekelezaji wa dhamira hii unakwenda sambamba na uteuzi wa Majaji wengi wa Mahakama Kuu kama nilivyoeleza awali. 

          Mapendekezo yako, Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu, ya kupitia upya taratibu zilizopo ili kufanya utatuzi wa migogoro na utoji haki uwe rahisi na unaoeleweka kwa wananchi ni mzuri. Sehemu kubwa ya mashauri ya madai yanahusu usuluhishi.  Kinachotakiwa ni kwa wanaosuluhishwa kuelewa na kuridhika na utaratibu uliotumika kusuluhisha migogoro yao. Nakuomba, Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu na wenzako myafanyie kazi mapendekezo hayo ili nchi yetu iwe na mfumo rahisi unaoeleweka wa kutatua migogoro kwa haki, wepesi na haraka.  Tukiweza kufikia lengo hili, wananchi wataiona Mahakama ni chombo cha kutatua migogoro na siyo mahali pageni pasipofaa kufika hata kama mtu hana budi kufanya hivyo. Hii itaondoa kishawishi kwa wananchi kutafuta njia nyingine zisizofaa kupata haki zao. Tusikubali tufike huko.

Hitimisho

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu;

          Napenda kumalizia hotuba yangu kwa kurudia kukushukuru kwa kunialika kuja kujumuika nanyi siku hii adhimu. Katika kipindi hiki tumefanya mambo mengi yaliyoleta mabadiliko madogo na makubwa katika mifumo ya utoaji wa haki nchini na kuongeza ufanisi. Nawashukuru wale wote tulioshirikiana katika kuleta mabadiliko haya. Busara za Majaji Wakuu watatu walioiongoza Mahakama, Majaji wa Rufani, Majaji wa Mahakama Kuu, Wasajili, Mahakimu na watumishi wengine wa Mahakama ni hazina kubwa na ya kujivunia. Ushirikiano wa wadau mbalimbali umetusaidia kufikia hapa tulipo sasa. Naamini kama watu wataendelea kuitumikia nchi yetu na watu wake kwa moyo wa uzalendo na  kujituma tutapiga hatua kubwa mbele.

          Baada ya kusema hayo yote naomba sasa niwatakie siku njema  ya Sheria nchini.

Mungu Ibariki Afrika!

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania!

Ndugu Philip Mangula, Makamu Mwenyekiti wa CCM;

Mheshimiwa Mizengo Peter Pinda, Waziri Mkuu na mjumbe wa Kamati Kuu;

Mheshimiwa Anne Makinda, Spika wa Bunge na Mjumbe wa Kamati Kuu;

Ndugu Abdulrahman Kinana, Katibu Mkuu wa CCM;

Ndugu Mike Mukula, Makamu Mwenyekiti wa NRM ya Uganda na ujumbe wake;

Waheshimiwa Wajumbe wa Kamati Kuu;

Mheshimiwa Oddo Mwisho, Mwenyekiti wa CCM Mkoa wa Ruvuma;

Waheshimiwa Wajumbe wa Halmashauri Kuu ya CCM Taifa;

Wajumbe wa Sekretarieti ya CCM;

Ndugu Verena Shumbusho, Katibu wa CCM Mkoa wa Ruvuma;

Wenyeviti wa Jumuiya za CCM;

Viongozi, wananchama na wapenzi wa CCM;

CCM Oyee!

          Naomba nianze kwa kuwashukuru na kuwapongeza wenyeji wetu kwa mapokezi  mazuri, hususan napenda kuwatambua wananchi, viongozi na wana-CCM wa Mkoa wa Ruvuma wakiongozwa na Mwenyekiti wao ndugu Oddo Mwisho, Katibu wa Mkoa Mama Verena Shumbusho, Mkuu wa Mkoa na Mjumbe wa Kamati ya Siasa Ndugu Said Mwambungu. Nawapongeza kwa maandalizi mazuri ya sherehe hizi. Hakika zimefana sana.  Hii ni mara ya pili sherehe hizi kuadhimishwa mkoani hapa.  Mara ya kwanza ilikuwa mwaka 1991 wakati wa kuazimisha miaka 14 ya CCM.

Tunatambua kuwa mmefanya kazi kubwa ya maandalizi  mpaka mmeweza kufanikisha shughuli ya leo kwa kiwango cha juu. Waswahili wanasema “Usione vinaelea Vimeundwa”. Napenda kutumia nafasi hii kutoa pongezi maalum kwa Katibu Mkuu Abdulrahman Kinana kwa uongozi wake makini uliowezesha mambo kuwa mazuri kiasi hiki.  Hongera sana kwa hili na kwa kazi nyingi nzuri unazofanya kwa maslahi ya Chama chetu na nchi yetu.

Leo ni siku ya furaha kwangu na kwa viongozi na wanachama wenzangu wa CCM kote nchini ya kusherehekea na kuadhimisha miaka 38 ya kuzaliwa kwa Chama cha Mapinduzi. Tunastahili kuisherehekea siku hii kwa nderemo na vifijo kwa sababu ya mafanikio makubwa ambayo Chama chetu kimeendelea kupata ndani ya Chama na katika kuliongoza taifa letu. Katika miaka 38 ya uhai wake Chama chetu kimezidi kuimarika na kimeendelea kuliongoza vyema taifa letu: kuna amani, utulivu na maendeleo yanayoonekana.

Tumeeendelea kuaminiwa na kutumainiwa na Watanzania. Kama ilivyothibitika na ushindi wa kishindo katika chaguzi zote tangu mfumo wa vyama vingi uanze mwaka 1995 mpaka sasa.  Hata mwaka huu itakuwa hivyo hivyo. Dalili ya mvua ni mawingu: ushindi mnono tulioupata kwenye Uchaguzi wa Serikali za Mitaa ni dalili tosha kwamba Oktoba, 2015 watani zetu hawana chao.

Ninaposema hivyo nawaomba wana CCM wenzangu tusibweteke tukadhani kwamba ndiyo tumekwishafika. Bado safari ndiyo kwanza tumeianza na inaweza kuwa na changamoto zake.  Lazima tufanye kazi tena kazi kubwa sana ndipo tutakapojihakikishia ushindi.  Nguvu ya ushindi inaanzia kwenye Chama.  Huu ni mwaka ambao kazi ya Chama ndani ya Chama na kazi ya Chama ndani ya umma inatakiwa ifanyike kwa nguvu zaidi na kwa ari kubwa zaidi.  Lazima tuhakikishe tunao umoja wa dhati na kwamba  wanachama wetu wanakuwa na mwamko wa hali ya juu wa kukipigania Chama katika kutafuta na kupata ushindi kwa Udiwani, Ubunge, Uwakilishi, Urais wa Zanzibar na Urais wa Muungano.

Huu ni mwaka ambao wanachama na viongozi wanatakiwa kuhakikisha kuwa wanakutana mara kwa mara kwa mujibu wa Katiba na hata zaidi kuzungumzia mikakati ya kupata ushindi na kuitekeleza.  Huu ni mwaka ambao lazima tuhakikishe kuwa tunazo rasilimali na nyenzo za kutuwezesha kufanya kazi ya Chama ndani ya umma na kuwapatia ushindi wagombea wa Chama chetu.

Huu ni mwaka ambao kazi ya Jumuiya za Chama ya kukiwezesha Chama kuungwa mkono na jamii pana ya Watanzania walio vijana, wanawake na wazazi inafanyika kwa umahiri na ufanisi wa hali ya juu.

Bila ya shaka, ndugu zangu mtayakumbuka maneno niliyoyasema kwa kuyarudia kuwa “Mwisho wa uchaguzi mmoja ndiyo mwanzo wa uchaguzi mwingine”. Najua baadhi yenu mmezingatia na kuchukua hatua za kufanya maandalizi mapema ya uchaguzi wa mwaka huu mara   baada ya kumaliza uchaguzi wa mwaka 2010. Hao nawapongeza.  Lakini wapo viongozi na wanachama ambao hawajafanya chochote.  Hawa, wananisikitisha kwa athari mbaya na hatari ya kupoteza ushindi wanayokiletea Chama chetu. 

Naomba kila mmoja wetu ajipime yupo fungu gani. Kama upo kwenye kundi la kwanza lililokwishaanza maandalizi natoa pongezi nyingi.  Nawaomba muendelee kukamilisha ipasavyo. Kwa wale ambao wapo kundi la wale ambao maandalizi yao ni ya kiwango kidogo au hawajaanza kabisa lazima waanze na wakati ni huu.  Usikawie, unatakiwa kufanya kazi kwa ari zaidi, nguvu zaidi na kasi zaidi kama ilivyo kauli mbiu ya CCM. Yapo mambo kadhaa ya kufanya ambayo tulikwishaambiana tufanye.  Miongoni mwao ni lile agizo la kutaka kila ngazi ya Chama na hasa Wilaya na Mikoa kuwa na Mfuko wa Uchaguzi. Wakati wake ndio huu sasa wa mfuko huo kufanya kazi iliyokusudiwa.  Naomba tujiulize wangapi wanayo mifuko hiyo na wangapi hawana.  Kwa wale walionayo wahakikishe ina rasilimali za kutosha.  Kama hazitoshi waweke mikakati ya kuitunisha mifuko hiyo.  Kwa wale ambao hawajaanzisha wachune bongo kuhusu namna ya kupata fedha za kuendeshea shughuli za uchaguzi. Sina budi kuwatahadharisha kuwa msichukue fedha ambazo zitazua matatizo.

Ndugu viongozi na ndugu wanachama;

Huu ni mwaka wa kutambua ahadi zipi tulizotoa zimetimizwa na zipi bado.  Kwa zile ambazo hazijakamilika wajibu wetu ni kuweka mikakati ya kuzikamilisha.  Kwa zile ambazo hazitakamilika tutafute maelezo sahihi ya kutoa kwa wadau wa huduma hiyo.  Naamini hazitakuwa nyingi za kuchosha. Mwaka huu siyo mzuri kwenda na madeni lukuki ya ahadi.  Yanaweza kutupunguzia ushindi wetu.

Huu ni mwaka wa kuongeza ukubwa wa jeshi letu la ushindi kwa kuongeza wananchama wapya. Natambua tatizo la upungufu wa kadi lakini najua mipango thabiti iliyopo ya kuleta kadi nyingi za kutosha wale waliopo nje. Tujiepushe na kuingiza mamluki hivyo taratibu za kuingiza wanachama zizingatiwe ipasavyo.

Ndugu Viongozi;

Ndugu Wananchi;

Jambo lingine kubwa na muhimu sana kufanya mwaka huu ni kuwatembelea wanachama na wananchi na kuzungumza nao. Hatujaifanya vizuri sana kazi hii lakini hatujachelewa.  Sina budi kutoa pongezi maalum kwa Katibu Mkuu wa CCM kwa ufanisi mkubwa aliopata kwa jambo hili.  Sote hatuna budi kuiga mfano wake mzuri.  Tuache kukaa maofisini tutoke kuzungumza na watu kuwashawishi waunge mkono na kuipigia kura CCM katika uchaguzi ujao. Kila Ofisi ya Mkoa na kila Ofisi ya Wilaya inalo gari la kuwawezesha kufanya kazi hiyo. Tafadhali fanyeni hivyo, kwani bila ya kufanya hivyo hakuna uhakika wa kupata ushindi.  Kilichobakia kwa upande wetu ni kutafuta vipando kwa Ofisi za Kata na Matawi. Tusaidiane pale inapowezekana.

Uandikishaji wa Wapiga Kura

Ndugu wana CCM na ndugu Wananchi;

          Jambo lingine muhimu katika kutafuta ushindi ni kupatikana kwa wapiga kura.  Chama chetu kama vilivyo vyama vingine, hatuna budi kuwahimiza wanachama wetu, wapenzi wetu na wananchi wengine wajitokeze kwa wingi kujiandikisha kupiga kura.  Mwaka huu wenye kadi mpya za mpiga kura ndiyo watakaoruhusiwa kupiga kura katika uchaguzi mkuu na katika kura ya maoni kuhusu Katiba Inayopendekezwa.

Asiyejiandikisha hatapata fursa ya kushiriki kura ya maoni na uchaguzi mkuu.  Kwa sababu hiyo nawaomba viongozi na wanachama wa CCM wawe ndiyo wa kwanza kujitokeza kujiandisha.  Pia wawe mstari wa mbele kuwahimiza wananchi wengine kujiandikisha.  Nawaomba jambo hili mlipe uzito mkubwa kwani safari ya kutafuta na kupata ushindi inaanzie kwenye kupata wapiga kura hususani wapiga kura wanaounga mkono Chama chetu na wagombea wetu.

Kura ya Maoni

Ndugu wananchi;

          Kama mjuavyo, jambo kubwa lililo mbele yetu ni kura ya maoni kuhusu Katiba Inayopendezwa itakayofanyika tarehe 30 Aprili, 2015. Maandalizi yote husika yanaendelea kufanyika ili kuwezesha kura hiyo kutekelezwa kama ilivyopangwa. Kama nilivyokwishaeleza hivi punde uandikishaji wa wapiga kura ni miongoni ma maandalizi hayo. Mengine ni uchapishaji na usambazaji wa Katiba Inayopendekezwa.

Yapo mambo kadhaa ambayo nawasihi viongozi na wanachama wenzangu mfuatilie kwa karibu ili yasiwapite. Yale tunayoyajua tuwaambie. Miongoni mwa mambo muhimu sana ambayo Chama hakina budi kujipanga vizuri ni kuhusu kutoa elimu kwa umma kuhusu Katiba Inayopendekezwa na kampeni ya Kura ya Maoni. Watani zetu watatoa elimu hasi kuhusu  Katiba Inayopendekezwa, sisi tutoe elimu chanya. Wenzetu watataka Katiba Inayopendekezwa  isipite. Sisi tupige kampeni ikubalike.  Nilisema siku ile Dodoma wakati wa kukabidhiwa Katiba Inayopendekezwa na narudia tena leo kwamba Katiba Inayopendekezwa imebeba maslahi mapana ya taifa letu. Hatujawahi kuwa na Katiba kama hii Inayopendekezwa.  Misingi ya historia ya nchi yetu yaani kule tulikotoka, tulipo sasa na tuendako imezingatiwa vizuri. Katiba hiyo inatambua maslahi ya makundi yote nchini na kuyawekea utaratibu mzuri wa kutekelezwa. Wakulima, wafugaji, wavuvi, wanawake, vijana, wasanii, wafanyakazi, wazee na watoto wametambuliwa kwa kina na upana zaidi kuliko Katiba ya sasa. 

Katiba Inayopendekezwa imeshughulikia kero za Muungano na kujenga mazingira bora zaidi kwa Muungano wetu kuimarika. Yale mambo yaliyokuwa yanaikwaza Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar na kuukwaza Muungano yamepatiwa ufumbuzi mwafaka. Sasa Zanzibar itaendesha na kushughulikia mambo yake kwa uhuru mkubwa zaidi.

Ndugu wananchi;

          Kwa maoni yangu sioni sababu ya kuikataa Katiba Inayopendekezwa. Hatuna budi kutambua kuwa tukiikataa Katiba Inayopendekezwa, Katiba ya sasa itaendelea kutumika mpaka hapo mchakato mwingine utakapomalizika miaka mingi ijayo. Viongozi wa vyama vinne vya siasa wamesikika wakisema watasusia kushiriki katika kura ya maoni na kuwataka wanachama wao wasishiriki. Kauli hiyo imenisikitisha sana ingawaje haikunishangaza hasa tukikumbuka waliyoyafanya wakati wa Bunge la Katiba. Mimi nawaomba washiriki.

Nawasihi wananchi wasiwasikilize. Wao wakitaka kususia waacheni wasusie lakini nyie jitokezeni kupiga kura.  Nawasihi msikubali kupoteza mema mengi yaliyo katika Katiba Inayopendekezwa ati kwa sababu tu hakuna Serikali Tatu walizokuwa wanazitaka. Kama kweli wananchi wa Tanzania wanakereketwa na Serikali Tatu watathibitisha hiyo kwenye kura ya maoni.

Naomba msibabaishwe wala kudanganywa na watu wanaotaka kuturudisha nyuma kutoka katika hatua kubwa muhimu tutakazopiga kwa kuikubali Katiba Inayopendekezwa. Tusikubali kubaki nyuma.

Uchaguzi Mkuu

Ndugu wananchi;

          Kama mjuavyo mwezi Oktoba, 2015 nchi yetu itafanya uchaguzi mkuu wa Madiwani, Wabunge, Wawakilishi, Rais wa Zanzibar na Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano. Uchaguzi wa mwaka huu ni wa kihistoria kwa nchi yetu kwani tunachagua Rais wa Awamu ya Tano wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Mimi nataka Rais huyo awe mwana CCM.  Sisi sote katika CCM tunataka Rais atoke katika Chama chetu  kwa sababu kama alivyousia Baba Wa Taifa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere “Rais wa nchi yetu anaweza  kutoka Chama chochote lakini Rais bora atatoka CCM”.

Huu ni usia mzito wenye maono ya mbali.  Tusiupuuze wosia huu bali tuuenzi.  Sisi katika Chama cha Mapinduzi tuwe mstari wa mbele katika kuuenzi wosia huu kwa kupata mgombea aliye bora wa kupeperusha bendera ya CCM  katika uchaguzi ujao. Mgombea ambaye wananchi wakisikia jina lake likitajwa watasema naam, hapo sawa, hapo barabara.  Lakini tukiteua mgombea ambaye watu wataguna na kusema hata huyu? Tutakuwa tumemuangusha  Muasisi wa Chama chetu na taifa letu katika wosia wake. Bila shaka laana yake tutaipata. Na hilo likitokea itakuwa hasara kubwa kwa taifa letu na msiba kwa CCM.  Nchi itayumba.

Lazima tuhakikishe kuwa hatutafika huko.  Watu wazuri wapo wa kutosha katika CCM na naamini  tunawajua. Kama hawajajitokeza tuwashawishi wafanye hivyo. Ndugu zangu, tusifanye ajizi katika jambo hili kubwa na la msingi kwa Chama chetu.  Kushinda chaguzi za dola katika sehemu zetu mbili za Muungano ndiyo madhumuni makuu ya kuundwa na kuwepo kwa CCM.      

          Napenda kuwahakikishia wanachama wa CCM na wananchi kuwa, Chama cha Mapinduzi ni Chama kilichokomaa, kilicho makini na imara. Tunao utaratibu  unaoeleweka na kutabirika wa kuwapata wagombea. Inazo kanuni na vigezo vya wazi vya kuwapata viongozi walio bora, na tunavyo vikao rasmi vya kuchuja na kuteua wagombea kwa kuzingatia kanuni, taratibu na maadili ya Chama chetu. Hivyo basi, hapataharibika jambo.

Naomba niwahakikishie kwamba CCM itawapatia Watanzania wagombea bora ambao hawatawapa wananchi mashaka wala kigugumizi cha kuwachagua.  Tutafanya hivyo kwa nafasi ya Rais wa Muungano, Rais wa Zanzibar, Wabunge, Wawakilishi na Madiwani. Nawaomba wagombea wazingatie na kuheshimu masharti ya Katiba ya Chama, Kanuni na Madili ya uteuzi kwa wanaotaka kuteuliwa kugombea nafasi katika chaguzi za dola. Asiyezingatia hayo asije akakilaumu Chama bali ajilaumu mwenyewe kwa makosa aliyoyafanya.

Utekelezaji wa Ilani ya Uchaguzi wa CCM

Ndugu wananchi;

          Miezi minne iliyopita nilifanya ziara ya mkoa huu wa Ruvuma kukagua shughuli za maendeleo.  Nimefurahishwa sana na jitihada za kujiletea maendeleo zinazofanywa na wananchi wa mkoa huu na mafanikio mnayoendelea kuyapata. Utekelezaji wa Ilani ya Uchaguzi ya CCM na mipango mbalimbali ya serikali unakwenda vizuri, kiasi cha kuwastajabisha hata wale waliokuwa na mashaka na wasio tutakia mema.

Yako mambo mengi tuliyoahidi kufanya ambayo tumeyakamilisha na mengine utekelezaji wake unaendelea vizuri. Kilio cha miaka mingi cha wananchi wa mkoa huu kuhusu barabara kimefanyiwa kazi vya kutosha. Ujenzi wa barabara ya Namtumbo – Songea na  Peramiho - Mbinga kwa kiwango cha lami umekamilika. Tunaendelea na ujenzi wa barabara ya Namtumbo – Tunduru na Tunduru – Mangaka ili kuunganisha mkoa wa Mtwara na Ruvuma kwa barabara za lami. Aidha, mipango ya kujenga barabara ya Mbinga – Mbambabay kwa mkopo wa Benki ya Maendeleo ya Afrika imefikia mahali pazuri.  Kwa upande wa usafiri katika Ziwa Nyasa hivi sasa mchakato wa ujenzi wa chelezo cha kujengea meli ya ziwa hilo kule kwenye bandari ya Itungi, Kyela unaendelea vizuri. Ujenzi wa chelezo ukishakamilika ujenzi wa meli utaanza.

Kwa upande wa umeme tunaendelea na ujenzi wa njia ya umeme ya msongo wa Kv 220 kutoka Makambako kuja Songea na hadi Mbinga na Namtumbo.  Ujenzi wa njia hii ya umeme utakapokamilika utawahakikishia wakazi wa mji wa Songea na mkoa wa Ruvuma umeme wa uhakika. Tumechelewa kidogo kwa sababu ya kubadilisha ukubwa wa njia kutoka msongo wa Kv 132 tuliyotaka kujenga awali hadi Kv 220. Aidha, usambazaji wa umeme vijijini unaendelea kwa kasi katika maeneo yote nchini. Tunataka ifikapo June, 2015 zaidi ya vijiji 5,336 viwe vimepatiwa umeme. Kati ya vijiji hivyo zaidi ya vijiji 300 ni vya mkoa wa Ruvuma. Haya ni mafanikio makubwa na ya kutia moyo.

Kuhusu sekta ya Afya nako pia tumepata mafanikio makubwa katika utoaji wa huduma ya afya kwa Watanzania. Kwa hapa Songea nimekwishatoa maelekezo kwa Wizara ya Afya na Ustawi wa Jamii kuanza mchakato wa ujenzi wa hospitali mpya ya Mkoa wa Ruvuma na hii iliyopo sasa iwe ni hospitali ya Manispaa ya Mji wa Songea. Halmashauri ya Manispaa ya Songea iharakishe kutenga eneo la kutosha kwa ajili ya ujenzi wa hospitali hiyo ya mkoa ambayo itakuwa ni ya rufaa kwa yale ambayo hospitali za Wilaya zitashindwa kumudu.

Haya ni maeneo machache tu ambayo yanaonyesha hatua kubwa tuliyopiga katika utekelezaji wa Ilani ya Uchaguzi na maendeleo ya mkoa huu. Ukweli ni kwamba Ruvuma ya miaka 10 iliyopita siyo Ruvuma ya leo. Ninyi nyote ni mashahidi wa mambo haya. Mwenye macho haambiwi tazama.

Ndugu wananchi;

Jambo la mwisho ambalo napenda kulizungumzia ambalo nilishalizungumzia kwenye hotuba yangu ya mwaka mpya inahusu ununuzi wa mazao ya wakulima. Nilieleza siku ile kuwa Wakala wa Taifa wa Hifadhi ya Chakula (NFRA) ilikuwa bado haijalipa shilingi bilioni 89 kwa wakulima kwa mazao yao iliyonunua. Nilielezea kutokufurahishwa  kwangu na hali hiyo na kuagiza Wakala kulipa deni hilo. 

Nimeambiwa kuwa tayari shilingi bilioni 15 zimeshatolewa na hapa Ruvuma mmepata shilingi bilioni 8.  Hivi karibuni shilingi bilioni 36 zitatolewa na kubaki shilingi bilioni 38 ambazo zitalipwa mwezi Machi.

Jambo lingine ambalo tunaendelea nalo kulishughuikia katika Serikali ni kupata masoko mengine kwa mazao ya wakulima.  Kama nilivyosema NFRA haiwezi kununua mazao yote ya wakulima nchini. Uwezo wake ni kuhifadhi tani 240,000 wakati uzalishaji wa mahindi hapa Ruvuma ni tani 993,350.  Hata kama NFRA ingeamua kununua mahindi yote kutoka mkoa wa Ruvuma peke yake isingeweza kuyamaliza.

Nimewaagiza viongozi wa mkoa wa Ruvuma  na mikoa yote nchini washirikiane na Wizara ya Kilimo, Chakula na Ushirika na Wizara ya Viwanda na Biashara kutafuta masoko mengi kwa ajili ya mahindi, mpunga na mtama wa wakulima ndani na nje ya nchi.

Tunakokwenda

Ndugu wana CCM;

          Mafanikio ya miaka 38 ya Chama chetu yasitufanye tubweteke. Bado tunayo kazi kubwa mbele yetu.  Ili tuendelee kuongoza dola hatuna budi tuendelee kuwa tumaini na kimbilio la wananchi wetu. Inatupasa kuwa waaminifu kwa ahadi zetu na watiifu kwa matakwa yao.  Kubwa sana, tunatakiwa tuwe tayari wakati wote kubadilika na kwenda na wakati. Tunaweza kufanya hivyo ikiwa tutaendelea kukuza demokrasia ndani ya Chama chetu na kuruhusu na kuvumilia tofauti za mitazamo.  Hiyo ndiyo siri ya uhai wa CCM ambayo hatuna budi kuendeleza.

          Tunapoanza safari ya kuelekea mwaka wa 39, hatuna budi sasa kuelekeza nguvu zetu kwenye kuondoa utegemezi wa kifedha kutoka kwenye ruzuku na michango ya wafanyabiashara.  Kutegemea misaada na michango si mambo endelevu na huo hauwezi kuwa ni mkakati wa kutumainiwa wa kuimarisha Chama chetu.  Wakati mwingine michango hii imetugharimu ndani ya Chama chetu.  Lazima tuwe wabunifu katika kutafuta vyanzo vya mapato ikiwa ni pamoja na rasilimali zetu nyingi tulizonazo ili kuwezesha Chama kujitegemea. Tayari yako mawazo yaliyoibuliwa kutokana na kazi nzuri ya Kamati iliyoongozwa na Mjumbe wa Kamati Kuu na Mweka Hazina wetu Mheshimiwa Zakhia Meghji tumeagiza yatekelezwe. Naomba mtimize ipasavyo wajibu wenu.

Hitimisho

Ndugu wana CCM;

          Leo ni siku ya furaha kwetu sote. Wakati tukisherehekea mafanikio yetu tuwakumbuke pia waasisi wetu Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, aliyekuwa Mwenyeti wa TANU na Ndugu Sheikh Aboud Jumbe aliyekuwa Mwenyekiti wa ASP kwa busara, hekima na uamuzi wao uliotukuka uliowezesha kuzaliwa kwa CCM.  Tunawakumbuka pia wale wote waliotangulia mbele ya haki ambao walijitoa maisha yao kujenga CCM.  Hatuna budi kuwaenzi kwa kutoa  mchango mkubwa zaidi mwaka ujao na miaka mingi ijayo. Tuhakikishe kuwa tunaimarisha Chama chetu na kutenda mema kwa ajili ya nchi yetu na watu wake. Hili linawezekana ikiwa kila mtu atatimiza wajibu wake. Kidumu Chama cha Mapinduzi!

Asanteni sana kwa kunisikiliza.