By WMJJWM – Morogoro
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Advocate Amon Mpanju, has called on the public to empower persons with disabilities so they can live in dignity, enjoy peace, and fully participate in national development.
Adv. Mpanju made the remarks on December 3, 2025, during the national commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, held at the Islamic University grounds in Morogoro Region.
He noted that persons with disabilities constitute about 11.2 percent of the Tanzanian population — a significant portion that requires strong protection and empowerment to ensure meaningful inclusion in development processes.
Adv. Mpanju further urged religious leaders, leaders of non-governmental organizations, influential social media personalities, artists, political leaders, and various stakeholders within and outside the country to continue safeguarding Tanzania’s peace.
He emphasized unity and cooperation as key national values that pave the way for sustainable development.
“Our words and actions on public platforms must promote peace and cohesion, knowing that the existence of peace is the foundation of solid national development. It is this foundation that allows every Tanzanian to participate in development, enjoy their fundamental rights, and fulfil their responsibilities as required by the law and the Constitution,” he said.
He also encouraged parents of children with disabilities to allow them access to education, which will empower them to secure employment, invest in economic activities, and contribute to the growth of their families and the nation at large.
“I commend the leadership of Tanzania Federation of Disabled People's Organisations (SHIVYAWATA ) , for the tremendous work they are doing to advocate for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities wherever they may be,” he added.
Earlier, speaking at the event, Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Kighoma Malima directed district councils in the region to allocate funds to strengthen health services for persons with disabilities.
He highlighted that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Government has continued to prioritize issues concerning persons with disabilities in all sectors, including education, health, economic empowerment, rehabilitation services, sports, culture, and political participation.
“To fulfill this commitment, the Government has improved infrastructure for learners with special needs by constructing dedicated dormitories in Shinyanga, Njombe, Arusha, Lindi, Tabora, Singida, Manyara, and Rukwa. The Government has also ensured provision of essential learning materials and protective equipment,” RC Malima noted.
He added that several guidelines have been developed, including the 2025 Skills and Vocational Training Guide for Students with Special Needs, designed to equip persons with disabilities with knowledge and skills for self-reliance and national development.
The Government has also continued providing grants to associations of persons with disabilities, with over 238m/- disbursed to 13 associations and the SHIVYAWATA federation during the 2024/2025 financial year.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Acting Chairperson of SHIVYAWATA, Hamadi Abdallah, said the Government should review the national disability policy and accessibility guidelines to further support the creation of an inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
He emphasized that updated policies and guidelines would help advance equal opportunities, accessibility, and the full participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life.
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