Lowassa sworn in as PM
 
2005-12-31 09:42:08
By Bilal Abdul-Aziz, Dodoma

	Prime Minister Edward Lowassa sworn in at Chamwino State Lodge in Dodoma yesterday. (Photo: Emmanuel Kwitema)

Edward Lowassa was yesterday sworn in as prime minister of the United Republic of Tanzania. The new premier took oath of office in a brief, but well-attended ceremony presided over by President Jakaya Kikwete at Chamwino State Lodge in Dodoma.

Dozens of local and foreign dignitaries attended the function. They included Vice-President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume and Zanzibar Chief Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha.

Also in attendance were Speaker of the National Assembly Samuel Sitta, Attorney General Johnson Mwanyika, Chief Justice Barnabas Samatta, diplomats accredited to Tanzania and representatives of international organisations.

The list of guests also included MPs, religious leaders and senior military officers.

The nomination and subsequent endorsement of Lowassa was the second important appointment to have been made by President Kikwete since he was inaugurated on December 21. The president appointed Mwanyika as attorney general a day after he was sworn in.

Lowassa’s appointment sets the stage for the naming of the Cabinet, which is expected to be unveiled before next Wednesday.

Lowassa received a ringing endorsement on Thursday after 312 MPs voted in favour of his nomination against just two ”no” votes. One vote was spoilt.

Speaking in Parliament after his nomination, Lowassa promised to serve Tanzanians diligently in his new capacity, and thanked President Kikwete and MPs for having confidence in him.

He becomes Tanzania’s ninth premier since the country attained independence from Britain in 1961.

His predecessors are Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Rashid Kawawa, Edward Sokoine, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, John Malecela, Joseph Warioba, Cleopa Msuya and Frederick Sumaye.

• SOURCE: Guardian