By Mutayoba Arbogast
Residents across Tanzania’s Kagera Region are expressing deep disappointment over the unexpected removal of their widely admired Regional Commissioner, Hajjat Fatma Mwassa, following a sweeping presidential reshuffle announced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
From buzzing WhatsApp groups and roadside coffee spots to evening drinking joints, the mood is unmistakable: Mwassa’s departure has left a painful void. While many residents say they respect the President’s constitutional authority, they admit the decision has hit home.
The changes, outlined in a February 6, 2026 statement by Bakari Machumu, Director of Communications at State House, included transfers and structural adjustments within the Office of the President, Planning and Investment, and the Ministry of Energy. In Kagera, Colonel Yahya Ramadhani Kido was appointed to replace Mwassa as Regional Commissioner, with no immediate announcement on Mwassa’s next posting.
Mwassa, who served as RC since 2023, built strong grassroots loyalty through her signature “IJUKA OMUKA” initiative, which mobilised local communities, the Kagera diaspora, and major investors to channel resources into the region and fight poverty.
Her tenure coincided with significant momentum in development projects, many implemented in close collaboration with communities and others still ongoing. Among the flagship programmes was the Tanzania Cities Transforming Infrastructure and Competitiveness (TACTIC) initiative. Bukoba Municipality alone secured Sh40.2 billion for major upgrades, including a modern market complex, a new bus terminal at Kyakailabwa, conservation works along 7.2 kilometres of River Kanoni, road network improvements, and the installation of solar-powered street lights.
Mwassa’s appointment also marked a historic departure from tradition. Since independence in 1961, Kagera had never been led by a female Regional Commissioner, having long been governed by senior military figures such as Major General Charles M. Mbuge (2021–2022), Brigadier General Marco E. Gaguti (2018–2021), and others.
“Had the President known how grateful we are to her—and how closely she lived with us—this would not have happened,” lamented one resident, speaking anonymously. Asked why Mwassa’s exit stung more than other changes, he replied in Kiswahili: “Alil’eshisho alilil’elye”—loosely translated as, “One cries most for his own eye.”
Another resident echoed the sentiment, quoting a well-known proverb: “Mnyonge mnyongeni, haki yake mpeni.” “Give this mother her rights,” he said. “She should have stayed five more years. Kagera would have looked like Europe.” A third added simply: “Since I know myself, I’ve never seen an RC loved like this in Kagera.”
CCM party cadres in Missenyi District also joined the chorus of praise. Hassan Nassoro, former Mobilisation Secretary of the CCM Youth Wing (UVCCM), alongside Steven Ndyakowa, Secretary to the Missenyi Constituency MP’s Office, lauded Mwassa’s hands-on leadership style.
“Leadership is not about titles; it’s about service,” they said, pointing to her accessibility, insistence on discipline, timely delivery of projects, and refusal to tolerate excuses.
“Through Fatma Mwassa, we witnessed visionary leadership that touched lives. Thank you, Mama Mwassa, for your dedication and love for Kagera. As you serve the nation elsewhere, know that we will remember you, appreciate you, and pray for you always.”
Not all views, however, were flattering. One critic complained that Mwassa only visited her ward during funerals rather than for working tours, denying residents the chance to raise persistent concerns.
“Long-standing problems remain unresolved,” she said. “Tell the new RC to visit remote areas and listen to the people. Vanilla prices and buyers are unclear, coffee fetches far less than in Uganda, money hardly circulates, TANROADS and TARURA roads are in poor condition, and water shortages persist.”
Administrative records show that over the past two decades, Kagera has been led by a succession of commissioners: Fatma Mwassa (2023–2026), Albert Chalamila (2022–2023), Major General Charles Mbuge (2021–2022), Brigadier General Marco Gaguti (2018–2021), Major General (Retired) Salum Kijuu (2016–2018), John Mongella (2014–2016), Colonel (Retired) Fabian Massawe (2011–2014), Mohammed Babu (2009–2011), Colonel Enos Mfuru (2006–2009), and General Tumainiel Kiwelu (1999–2006).
As Colonel Kido assumes office, Kagera looks ahead with cautious hope—yet with a lingering sense of loss for a leader many say made the region feel seen, heard, and believed in.
