The president of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, is not amused by the fact that some police officers have large pot bellies, which she claims impairs their effectiveness.
Suluhu encouraged those in issue to return to the camp for training after the officers’ training in Boma Kichaka, Mbia, came to an end.
“As I was inspecting the parade, I noticed that those leading the march were veteran officers and some of them had big bellies. I have seen big bellies. We are not supposed to have officers with big bellies,” she said.
The Head of State claims that by shedding weight, the officers will be better able to do their duties quickly.
“They should come back here (for training) so that they can be lighter and effectively execute their duties,” Suluhu added.
President John Pombe Magufuli passed away unexpectedly in March 2021, and Suluhu assumed office shortly after. Suluhu has been in the forefront of the nation’s police reforms ever since.
In her most recent attempt to enact change, the nation’s first female president removed Simon Sirro, the country’s inspector general of police, at midnight and transferred him to Tanzania as an envoy. Camillus Wambura was later sworn in as the new IGP by Suluhu at Chamwino State House in Dodoma.
President Suluhu highlighted that Wambura’s appointment marked the start of important measures intended to modernize and humanize the Police Force.
By ensuring that police officers receive quality training, the president also gives priority to work performance systems.
“But it’s not just promotion, training is another critical aspect. Because I know that in order for one to be promoted, he must go to training, is the training being done properly? Is lack of training another reason for what we see happening on our roads?” she asked.
