Patrobas Paschal Katambi, Minister for Home Affairs

Patrobas Paschal Katambi has served as Tanzania’s Minister for Home Affairs since 8th January 2026, following his appointment by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a Cabinet reshuffle. He now leads one of the government’s most strategic ministries, overseeing the country’s internal security institutions, including the Police Force, Immigration Department, Prisons Service, Fire and Rescue Force, and Refugee Services. His appointment comes at a critical time as the government seeks to strengthen public security, modernise immigration management, and enhance coordination across security agencies ahead of the implementation of key governance reforms. 

Katambi’s journey into national leadership began in public administration before transitioning into Parliament and Cabinet. From 2018 to 2020, he served as District Commissioner for Dodoma City, where he oversaw local government administration and implementation of national development programmes. Following the 2020 General Election, he was elected Member of Parliament for Shinyanga Urban on the ticket of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), a seat he continues to hold. At the same time, he was appointed Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities (2020–2025), where he championed youth employment, labour market reforms, and skills development initiatives. In November 2025, he was reassigned as Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, serving briefly before his elevation to the Cabinet as Minister for Home Affairs in January 2026.  

His political career, however, predates his election to Parliament. Katambi first gained national prominence within the opposition Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), where he served as Chairman of the party’s youth wing and a member of its Central Committee. In 2017, he crossed the political aisle to join CCM, a move that significantly altered his political trajectory and paved the way for his appointment to senior government positions under the administrations of Presidents John Magufuli and Samia Suluhu Hassan.  

A trained advocate, Katambi’s academic background reflects a strong grounding in law. He attended Mwenge Primary School (1993–1999) before joining St. Mary’s Nyegezi Seminary (2001–2004) for his primary level education and Malangali High School (2005–2007) for Advanced Level studies. He later earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from St. Augustine University of Tanzania between 2007 and 2011, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Economic Laws from the same university between 2011 and 2013. He subsequently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Law School of Tanzania, qualifying him to practise as an advocate.  

As Minister for Home Affairs, Katambi now occupies a portfolio that sits at the intersection of national security, immigration, policing, correctional services, and civil protection. His legal training, administrative experience, and relatively youthful profile position him among a new generation of Tanzanian leaders entrusted with implementing security reforms while balancing public safety with constitutional rights and institutional accountability.